Andrew Johnson actually said...

"Under a sense of public duty I am compelled to deny your right under the Constitution and laws of the United States."

"Mr. Stanton does not content himself with assuming that public considerations bearing upon his continuance in office form as fully a rule of action for himself as for the President."

"Public considerations of a high character constrain me to say that your resignation as Secretary of War will be accepted."

"This language is very significant."