Answer:
The House of Representatives was using the impeachment to make charges against Thomas Porteous.
Step-by-step explanation:
As established in Article I of the Constitution of the United States, Impeachment is the proper process through which federal officials who do not adequately fulfill their functions of government can be dismissed.
This process is initiated by the House of Representatives, which has the power to approve by simple majority the charges presented by Congress to the person to be subjected to the impeachment. Subsequently, the Senate is the body that decides regarding the guilt of the officer or not, in which case he or she is removed from the position.