On this date 150 years ago, in a case concerning the legality of Lincoln's suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, Chief Justice Roger B. Taney decreed the arrest of John Merryman illegal. Merryman was imprisoned for recruiting Confederate soldiers; the arrest was made by General Cadwalader, who argued that Lincoln's proclamation allowed such action. It was Lincoln's view that in time of rebellion such moves were required in order to preserve public safety.