Henry Bates (1823 or 1824 – November 19, 1862) of Shasta County, California was a politician affiliated with the American Party (the "Know Nothings").
[2] The investigation and ultimate removal of Bates from office was spurred by an article in The Sacramento Bee, at the time of publication less than one week old.
[3] The initial accusation against Bates was that he had illegally deposited $88,000 ($2,386,172 in 2016 dollars) with Palmer, Cook & Co. for the purpose of paying the interest on state bonds in New York City in July 1856, without requiring security for this deposit; and that the interest was not paid.
Soon afterward the assembly drew up articles of impeachment against him, for the Palmer, Cook & Co. matter, for purchasing state warrants with state funds and pocketing the difference in value; for other dubious transactions; and for a "corrupt combination" with the president of the Pacific Express Company for loaning state money.
Bates was found guilty in his impeachment trial before the State Senate, but resigned from office before his sentence was formally entered.