Andrew Johnson actually said...

"As the nature of government requires the power of removal, it was maintained that it should be exercised in this way by the hand capable of exerting itself with effect."

"The power of removal was incident to that duty, and might often be requisite to fulfill it."

"All the information I have on the subject convinces me that the masses of the Southern people and those who control their public acts [...] are completely united in the effort to reorganize their soci..."

"For these reasons I return the bill to the Senate, in which House it originated, for the further consideration of Congress which the Constitution prescribes."