Cooper, Peter (1791-1883) to John Sherman
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00150 Author/Creator: Cooper, Peter (1791-1883) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: 12 May 1866 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 24.6 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy
Cooper, an inventor and philanthropist, discusses disagreement between President Andrew Johnson and Congress regarding reconstruction. Suggests to Sherman, a Senator from Ohio, that Johnson and Congress require Southern Congressional members to take an Oath binding them to maintain the Constitution of the United States. Also recommends "that all persons who may at any time on the floor of Congress either advocate the right to secede from the Union, or the repudiation of the National debt, or propose any unrepublican laws ... shall be declared guilty of treason, and the party so offending, shall be expelled from Congress."
No 38C.
New York May 12th 1866
Hon. John Sherman
U.S. Senate
Washington City D.C.
Dear Sir
It has been with heartfelt sorrow that I have heard daily of the conflict of opinion, that is now going on between friends who we have every reason to believe, are striving to secure the passage of measures, which they believe best calculated to promote the substantial wellfare of our glorious country -
While reflecting on this conflict of opinion, it occurred to me that a plan of reconciliation might succeed that would embody all the patriotic declarations, that have been made by President Johnson, commencing with what he declared he would do with men who would violate their oath of office and attempt to destroy the country and government, which they [2] had sworn to protect and defend -
following this, with a statement of all the noble sayings and sentiments that have been uttered by the President from the beginning of the War, going to show his determination to allow none but loyal men to control the government of our country.
I would there set forth in the same preamble the fact that these views as expressed by President Johnson embody the essential features of what the majority in Congress have been laboring to accomplish-It might then be said "We therefore the majority in Congress propose to admit all duly elected members from Southern States who are prepared to subscribe the proper oath of office, an oath, that binds all to maintain the Constitution of the United States, a Constitution, that makes it treason to levy war on the Government, or give aid and comfort to the enemies of the Country.
[3] And that all persons who may at any time on the floor of Congress either advocate the right to secede from the Union, or the repudiation of the national debt, or propose any unrepublican laws, that would render any class of the community unequal before the laws, shall be declared guilty of treason, and the party so offending shall be expelled from Congress.
Knowing that you hold the pen of a ready writer, I indulge the hope that your good judgement will work up this or some other plan, that will secure Union, and harmony in the Councils of the Nation, on all measures calculated to establish justice, and promote the highest welfare of all the States
With [struck: G][inserted:g]reat respect
I remain truly Yours
Peter Cooper
[docket]
Peter Cooper
May 12. 1866
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