“Long dissatisfied with their partly cooperative, partly antagonistic relationship with Lincoln, Radical Republicans initially viewed Johnson’s accession as a godsend. Hardly had Lincoln died, but a group of Radical lawmakers met with the new President. “Johnson, we have faith in you,” declared Senator Benjamin F. Wade. “By the Gods, there will be no trouble now in running the government.” To which the President replied: “I hold this: … treason is a crime, and crime must be punished.” The Radicals were overjoyed. “I believe,” one declared, “that the Almighty continued Mr. Lincoln in office as long as he was useful, and then substituted a better man to finish the work.”
hmm i had forgotten this. i was wrong. thanks for sharing. I find it wild that they were able to sincerely view johnson this way, but so be it.
