On the contrary thereof,
protesting that the said Stanton was not then and there lawfully the
Secretary for the Department of War, this respondent states that his
sole purpose in authorizing the said Thomas to act as Secretary for the
Department of War _ad interim_ was, as is fully stated in his answer to
the said first article, to bring the question of the right of the said
Stanton to hold said office, notwithstanding his said suspension, and
notwithstanding the said order of removal, and notwithstanding the said
authority of the said Thomas to act as Secretary of War _ad interim_, to
the test of a final decision by the Supreme Court of the United States
in the earliest practicable mode by which the question could be brought
before that tribunal.
This respondent did not conspire or agree with the said Thomas, or any
other person or persons, to use intimidation or threats to hinder or
prevent the said Stanton from holding the said office of Secretary for
the Department of War, nor did this respondent at any time command
or advise the said Thomas, or any other person or persons, to resort
to or use either threats or intimidation for that purpose.
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