Andrew Johnson: “I have this day removed Mr. Stanton from office and designated the Adjutant-General of the Army to act as Secretary of…”

I would therefore recommend such an amendment of the Constitution as may remove all intermediate agency in the election of the President and Vice-President.

The danger of a defeat of the popular choice in an election by the House of Representatives is no greater than in an election made nominally by the people themselves.

In compliance with and execution of the act of Congress before mentioned, do issue this my proclamation, announcing the fact of the ratification of the said amendment by the legislature of the State of Louisiana.

I transmit the accompanying communications from the Secretary of the Interior, together with the papers to which they have reference.