[JOHNSON, Andrew]. EVARTS, William Maxwell (1818-1901). An archive of correspondence.

Comprising 17 ALSs, 2 LSs, 1 DS, 1 NS, and 5 signatures from Evarts, 1856-1893.

THE PRESIDENT'S LAWYER - ANDREW JOHNSON'S CHIEF DEFENSE COUNSEL DURING THE 1868 IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS

William Maxwell Evarts, American Statesman and litigator, was involved in some of the most notable cases of American political jurisprudence of his day: he served as chief (and lone) defense counsel for President Andrew Johnson during his impeachment trial, and served as chief counsel in the the 1876 presidential election dispute involving Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden. He served as Secretary of State from 1877-1881, and led the movement to defeat New York City's corrupt Tweed Ring.

Including numerous letters to Mr. Rockwood with fine political content, and letters to: Kirk Hunt ("I have the honor to extricate myself"); General John A. Dix ("I called to day to say to you that our friend Judge Alexander S. Johnson of Utica is desirous of the place on the Appeals Commission made vacant by Judge Hunt's promotion...I suppose the vacancy will not be filled till you are in the Governor's chair"); Rutherford B. Hayes ("Dear Mr. President"); Hon. Carl Schurz; Congressman S. S. Cox (concerning his efforts to gain approval for the Cox Bill by the Senate: "[I am] working night and day"); James Blaine; Senator Manderson; and his son. (Complete list available on request.)

Property from the Collection of Scott Petersen