Atchison (KS) Freedom’s Champion, “Thaddeus Hyatt,” February 11, 1860

THADDEUS HYATT, Esq., of New York City and formerly the President of the National Kansas Aid Committee, has been subpoenaed to appear before the Senate Investigating Committee. He has decided to appear in obedience to their summons, but will refuse to answer any questions, on the ground that a legislative body, possessing under the Constitution only legislative powers, has no right to assume those of a purely judicial nature, and imprison a citizen. He expects to be committed for contempt, in which event his case will be taken before the Supreme Court on a writ of habeas corpus.