The 1866 message within the book encapsulates Johnson's approach to reuniting a fractured nation post-Civil War. Written rather than spoken, this address conveys Johnson's controversial strategy of leniency towards Confederate leaders.

The Papers of Andrew Johnson Project began in the mid-1950s as part of a larger trend toward projects for the collection and publication of presidential papers.

The correspondence in this volume is related to Johnson's presidency during the Reconstruction Era, including the president's impeachment and the subsequent trial, which resulted in the Senate narrowly voting not to remove him from office.

The Papers of Andrew Johnson Project began in the mid-1950s as part of a larger trend toward projects for the collection and publication of presidential papers.