He took no part in the conduct of the Impeachment case, but his final argument was a surprise to the Senate and to his professional brethren, and did much to give him a high reputation as a lawyer .-- The counsel for the President was completed by the addition of a confidential friend from his own State, Hon.

T.A.R.

Nelson.

Mr.
Nelson had been closely associated with Mr.Johnson in the Tennessee struggles for the Union, had gained reputation as a representative in the Thirty-sixth Congress, and had acquired a good standing at the bar of his State.
The answer of the President to the Articles of Impeachment having been presented on the 23d, the replication of the House duly made, and all other preliminary and introductory steps completed, the actual trial began on Monday, the thirtieth day of March (1868), when General Butler, one of the Managers on behalf of the House of Representatives, made the opening argument.

It was very voluminous, prepared with great care in writing, and read to the Senate from printed slips.