Watergate: Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox

Alexander P. Butterfield, a secret service agent, revealed in testimony that presidential conversations at the White House had been tape recorded since 1971. Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox sought the tapes as evidence and Nixon "stonewalled." Nixon also refused to comply with Judge John Sircia's order to release them. Cox sued to get the tapes and Nixon fired him on Oct. 20, 1973, in what became known as the "Saturday Night Massacre." The firing of Cox sparked fury throughout the country and is often credited as being the precipitating factor that led the House Judiciary Committee to vote articles of impeachment, which led to Nixon's resignation.

Typed note signed by Cox, no date or place: "I confess that I cannot understand how we can plot, lie, cheat and commit murder abroad and remain humane, honorable, trustworthy and trusted at home."