Edwin M. Stanton

Edwin M. Stanton

A Wise Choice

Edwin M. Stanton became War Secretary after Lincoln dismissed the original War Secretary Simon Cameron in 1862. Lincoln had long been impressed with Stanton, despite the fact that Stanton had felt quite the opposite at first and had called Lincoln a “gorilla” in the past. The disagreeable and sometimes grumpy Stanton was reluctant to accept the position, but conceded in an attempt to “save the country.” Stanton proved a wise choice as War Secretary. His management of the massive efforts required to sustain the Union Army and its movements helped perpetuate the Union cause. Stanton, however, could be quite argumentative and sometimes even refused the president’s order or to carry out his wishes.

Dismissed by Johnson; Johnson Impeached

As time progressed, Stanton became a great admirer of the president. It was Stanton who first arrived at the scene at the Petersen House following the President’s assassination. It was he, upon Lincoln’s death, who uttered the famous words “Now, he belongs to the ages.” He also helped organize the search for John Wilkes Booth and the trials and executions of his co-conspirators. Stanton continued as Secretary of War during Johnson’s presidency. Disagreements between he and Johnson, however, led to his dismissal. It was the questionable legality behind this dismissal by President Johnson that resulted in Johnson’s impeachment, making him the first president to be impeached.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why was Edwin Stanton a good choice for Secretary of War during the Civil War?
  2. How did Stanton's opinion of Abraham Lincoln change over time?
  3. What role did Stanton play after Lincoln’s assassination?
  4. Why did President Johnson's firing of Stanton lead to impeachment?

A Wise Choice

Edwin M. Stanton became Secretary of War in 1862 after President Lincoln removed Simon Cameron from the position. Even though Stanton had once called Lincoln a "gorilla" and didn’t think highly of him, Lincoln admired Stanton’s abilities. Stanton reluctantly accepted the job to help save the country. He turned out to be a great choice, helping manage the Union Army during the Civil War. Although very capable, Stanton was known to be grumpy and sometimes refused to follow the president’s orders.

Dismissed by Johnson; Johnson Impeached

Over time, Stanton came to admire President Lincoln deeply. He was there when Lincoln died and said the famous words, “Now, he belongs to the ages.” Stanton also helped catch Lincoln’s killer and organized the trial of the co-conspirators. He stayed on as Secretary of War under President Andrew Johnson. However, they had serious disagreements, and Johnson eventually fired Stanton. Because the law said the president needed Senate approval to remove a cabinet member, Johnson’s action led to his impeachment.