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Stanton: Lincoln's Staunch Secretary of War
Walter Stahr, award-winning author of the New York Times bestseller Seward, tells the story of Abraham Lincoln’s indispensable Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, the man the president entrusted with raising the army that preserved the Union.
Of the crucial men close to President Lincoln, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton (1814–1869) was the most powerful and controversial. Stanton raised, armed, and supervised the army of a million men who won the Civil War. He organized the war effort. He directed military movements from his telegraph office, where Lincoln literally hung out with him. He arrested and imprisoned thousands for “war crimes,” such as resisting the draft or calling for an armistice. Stanton was so controversial that some accused him at that time of complicity in Lincoln’s assassination. He was a stubborn genius who was both reviled and revered in his time.
Stanton was a Democrat before the war and a prominent trial lawyer. He opposed slavery, but only in private. He served briefly as President Buchanan’s Attorney General and then as Lincoln’s aggressive Secretary of War. On the night of April 14, 1865, Stanton rushed to Lincoln’s deathbed and took over the government since Secretary of State William Seward had been critically wounded the same evening. He informed the nation of the President’s death, summoned General Grant to protect the Capitol, and started collecting the evidence from those who had been with the Lincolns at the theater in order to prepare a murder trial.
Now with this worthy complement to the enduring library of biographical accounts of those who helped Lincoln preserve the Union, Stanton honors the indispensable partner of the sixteenth president. Walter Stahr’s essential book is the first major biography of Stanton in fifty years, restoring this underexplored figure to his proper place in American history.
Of the crucial men close to President Lincoln, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton (1814–1869) was the most powerful and controversial. Stanton raised, armed, and supervised the army of a million men who won the Civil War. He organized the war effort. He directed military movements from his telegraph office, where Lincoln literally hung out with him. He arrested and imprisoned thousands for “war crimes,” such as resisting the draft or calling for an armistice. Stanton was so controversial that some accused him at that time of complicity in Lincoln’s assassination. He was a stubborn genius who was both reviled and revered in his time.
Stanton was a Democrat before the war and a prominent trial lawyer. He opposed slavery, but only in private. He served briefly as President Buchanan’s Attorney General and then as Lincoln’s aggressive Secretary of War. On the night of April 14, 1865, Stanton rushed to Lincoln’s deathbed and took over the government since Secretary of State William Seward had been critically wounded the same evening. He informed the nation of the President’s death, summoned General Grant to protect the Capitol, and started collecting the evidence from those who had been with the Lincolns at the theater in order to prepare a murder trial.
Now with this worthy complement to the enduring library of biographical accounts of those who helped Lincoln preserve the Union, Stanton honors the indispensable partner of the sixteenth president. Walter Stahr’s essential book is the first major biography of Stanton in fifty years, restoring this underexplored figure to his proper place in American history.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published August 8, 2017
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July 10, 2020
Walter Stahr, who is making a habit of writing about Abraham Lincoln's cabinet secretaries, turns his attention to Edwin Stanton, Lincoln's second, and by far more influential, Secretary of War. Stanton also served as the last Attorney General under James Buchanan, and continued his role running the War Department, with much different results, for Andrew Johnson after Lincoln's assassination.
Stahr plays this fairly even throughout, never hesitating to offer up critiques of many of Stanton's actions and words, while making sure to give him his due as a significant historical figure who contributed greatly to the North winning the Civil War. Stanton was a polarizing figure in his day: others either thought he was wonderful or hated him, and sometimes there was a mixture of both. Stahr provides an appropriate review of Stanton's early life in Ohio, and then Pittsburgh, while not getting bogged down in excessive detail. Stanton started as a Democrat and actually remained one until he joined Lincoln's cabinet. Yet despite being a Democrat, he did not seem to be pro-slavery. I write "seem to" because it became evident early on that Stanton was a chameleon - talking and acting one way with one person, then a completely different way with another person, continuously shifting his attitudes on subjects to appease his audience. He was a Democrat, until he wasn't. He made comments about the South being allowed to keep slavery, until he didn't. He was someone's friend (Stahr provides an excellent example of this with General George McClellan), until he wasn't. The end result was that Stanton could not keep everyone happy, and opened himself up to the accurate criticism of being obsequious. He seemed to be one who would suck up to those above him, while having a tendency to be harsh and punch down on subordinates.
But Stanton did not care. He was a man who always had a means to an end. He was a successful lawyer in Ohio, then in Pittsburgh, and later in Washington D.C. He handled difficult and complex land grant cases in California in the 1850s, then worked hard to keep the Union together at the end of Buchanan's administration. One of the reasons that Lincoln chose him was because, in the early 1860s, he was bipartisan, although that term had not yet come into use. Stanton worked diligently, in fact pretty much worked himself to an early death at age 55. There is a general historical impression that Stanton did not get along well with Lincoln. Stahr shows this to be false, and the fact that Lincoln kept him on and consulted with him multiple times a day shows it. The two men respected each other even though their personalities were vastly different.
While Stanton made many enemies, and often clashed with fellow cabinet members, he was an excellent organizer and faithfully carried out Lincoln's instructions. Indeed, at times both men went too far, having people arrested and held on the flimsiest of reasons. It was interesting to read about this given today's current discussions surrounding civil liberties. Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus, which drastically reduced one's individual rights in situations where the federal government was involved, and Stanton seemed almost gleeful in executing that order. Stahr rightly criticizes him for this, as well as his hypocrisy and insubordination when he was serving under Johnson. That is a whole second act which has its own drama: Stanton's refusal to leave office even when Johnson demanded it contributed to the House of Representatives impeaching Johnson, and the Senate falling one vote short of convicting him. Ironically, in the hindsight of history, Johnson actually had the better constitutional argument. He was a horrible president, and did immense damage to the nation (sound familiar to today?), but unlike today's president, what he did was not impeachable per how the Constitution is written. Short-sighted, stupid, and racist, yes. High crimes and misdemeanors, no. We now recognize that Presidents can remove cabinet secretaries at their discretion. But at the time, Congress had passed an act later declared by the Supreme Court to be unconstitutional, the Tenure of Office Act. And Stanton was stubborn and always spoiling for a fight, so despite being on record earlier as saying that any cabinet officer who lost the confidence of the president should resign, he himself refused to resign. Only when the impeachment attempt failed, did Stanton finally relinquish his office. By that point, his health was broken. The long, hard days of war and then fighting with Johnson had done him in. Plus he suffered from severe asthma.
Stahr finishes up the book by examining the somewhat sad last year of year of Stanton's life, with him being forced to ask for a personal loan from a friend to get by, and lobbying to get President Ulysses Grant to appoint him to the Supreme Court. He got the appointment, and was confirmed, but died only a few days later, thus never being able to serve on the Court. The final chapter is a nice summation of the feeling in the country about Stanton when he died and in the ensuing years, especially by contemporaries (both friends and enemies). Stahr also reviews Stanton's role in the Civil War, and shows how important he was to Lincoln and to the troops. I do like it when biographers take the extra effort to examine the whole of their subject's life. Also, while he ultimately came down on the more positive side of viewing Stanton, this was a pretty straight-laced treatment, never fawning or sycophantic, nor overly negative. Anyone interested in the Civil War, Lincoln's cabinet, Lincoln himself, the Johnson impeachment, or this time period, would be doing themselves a favor by becoming acquainted with Edwin Stanton through this wonderful biography.
Grade: A
Stahr plays this fairly even throughout, never hesitating to offer up critiques of many of Stanton's actions and words, while making sure to give him his due as a significant historical figure who contributed greatly to the North winning the Civil War. Stanton was a polarizing figure in his day: others either thought he was wonderful or hated him, and sometimes there was a mixture of both. Stahr provides an appropriate review of Stanton's early life in Ohio, and then Pittsburgh, while not getting bogged down in excessive detail. Stanton started as a Democrat and actually remained one until he joined Lincoln's cabinet. Yet despite being a Democrat, he did not seem to be pro-slavery. I write "seem to" because it became evident early on that Stanton was a chameleon - talking and acting one way with one person, then a completely different way with another person, continuously shifting his attitudes on subjects to appease his audience. He was a Democrat, until he wasn't. He made comments about the South being allowed to keep slavery, until he didn't. He was someone's friend (Stahr provides an excellent example of this with General George McClellan), until he wasn't. The end result was that Stanton could not keep everyone happy, and opened himself up to the accurate criticism of being obsequious. He seemed to be one who would suck up to those above him, while having a tendency to be harsh and punch down on subordinates.
But Stanton did not care. He was a man who always had a means to an end. He was a successful lawyer in Ohio, then in Pittsburgh, and later in Washington D.C. He handled difficult and complex land grant cases in California in the 1850s, then worked hard to keep the Union together at the end of Buchanan's administration. One of the reasons that Lincoln chose him was because, in the early 1860s, he was bipartisan, although that term had not yet come into use. Stanton worked diligently, in fact pretty much worked himself to an early death at age 55. There is a general historical impression that Stanton did not get along well with Lincoln. Stahr shows this to be false, and the fact that Lincoln kept him on and consulted with him multiple times a day shows it. The two men respected each other even though their personalities were vastly different.
While Stanton made many enemies, and often clashed with fellow cabinet members, he was an excellent organizer and faithfully carried out Lincoln's instructions. Indeed, at times both men went too far, having people arrested and held on the flimsiest of reasons. It was interesting to read about this given today's current discussions surrounding civil liberties. Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus, which drastically reduced one's individual rights in situations where the federal government was involved, and Stanton seemed almost gleeful in executing that order. Stahr rightly criticizes him for this, as well as his hypocrisy and insubordination when he was serving under Johnson. That is a whole second act which has its own drama: Stanton's refusal to leave office even when Johnson demanded it contributed to the House of Representatives impeaching Johnson, and the Senate falling one vote short of convicting him. Ironically, in the hindsight of history, Johnson actually had the better constitutional argument. He was a horrible president, and did immense damage to the nation (sound familiar to today?), but unlike today's president, what he did was not impeachable per how the Constitution is written. Short-sighted, stupid, and racist, yes. High crimes and misdemeanors, no. We now recognize that Presidents can remove cabinet secretaries at their discretion. But at the time, Congress had passed an act later declared by the Supreme Court to be unconstitutional, the Tenure of Office Act. And Stanton was stubborn and always spoiling for a fight, so despite being on record earlier as saying that any cabinet officer who lost the confidence of the president should resign, he himself refused to resign. Only when the impeachment attempt failed, did Stanton finally relinquish his office. By that point, his health was broken. The long, hard days of war and then fighting with Johnson had done him in. Plus he suffered from severe asthma.
Stahr finishes up the book by examining the somewhat sad last year of year of Stanton's life, with him being forced to ask for a personal loan from a friend to get by, and lobbying to get President Ulysses Grant to appoint him to the Supreme Court. He got the appointment, and was confirmed, but died only a few days later, thus never being able to serve on the Court. The final chapter is a nice summation of the feeling in the country about Stanton when he died and in the ensuing years, especially by contemporaries (both friends and enemies). Stahr also reviews Stanton's role in the Civil War, and shows how important he was to Lincoln and to the troops. I do like it when biographers take the extra effort to examine the whole of their subject's life. Also, while he ultimately came down on the more positive side of viewing Stanton, this was a pretty straight-laced treatment, never fawning or sycophantic, nor overly negative. Anyone interested in the Civil War, Lincoln's cabinet, Lincoln himself, the Johnson impeachment, or this time period, would be doing themselves a favor by becoming acquainted with Edwin Stanton through this wonderful biography.
Grade: A
May 2, 2020
A much needed gap-filling book. The author tells the story of Edwin McMasters Stanton, war secretary under President Lincoln. The author gives a full account of his subject, from boyhood till death. He argues that while many people had criticism about Stanton, none could say he was corrupt about financial matters. This was just what the country needed in the War Department at this time. Someone who could organize and orchestrate the department and make it run efficiently. Overall a very good read.
October 14, 2019
The grumpus23 (23-word commentary)
Good, not great. Interesting biography of the "man in charge" after Lincoln's assassination. Narration was sub-par. Pronouncing "th"-ending words as "f" was distracting.
Good, not great. Interesting biography of the "man in charge" after Lincoln's assassination. Narration was sub-par. Pronouncing "th"-ending words as "f" was distracting.
December 15, 2017
An interesting, sympathetic and well-written biography of Stanton. Much of the book deals with the Civil War and Andrew Johnson’s impeachment (the war takes up most of the book, actually), but this is still a great portrait of the man.
The narrative is compelling, and Stahr has a great grasp of the time period. His treatment of Stanton is balanced; while he often bent the rules and occasionally played both sides of the fence politically, he did contribute much to the Union victory. He comes off as brilliant, hard-edged and even compassionate. Stahr describes his control of the press (such as shaping coverage via government telegrams that the press often treated uncritically) and jailing reporters or Lincoln opponents. Stahr also challenges some assumptions about Stanton. He disputes the idea that he viewed Lincoln with contempt during the administration, although the two were not close friends.
A judicious, comprehensive and well-researched work, although some more analysis and context would have helped at times.
The narrative is compelling, and Stahr has a great grasp of the time period. His treatment of Stanton is balanced; while he often bent the rules and occasionally played both sides of the fence politically, he did contribute much to the Union victory. He comes off as brilliant, hard-edged and even compassionate. Stahr describes his control of the press (such as shaping coverage via government telegrams that the press often treated uncritically) and jailing reporters or Lincoln opponents. Stahr also challenges some assumptions about Stanton. He disputes the idea that he viewed Lincoln with contempt during the administration, although the two were not close friends.
A judicious, comprehensive and well-researched work, although some more analysis and context would have helped at times.
October 14, 2017
When one thinks of impactful figures in American history few would come up with the name, Edwin M. Stanton. However, without Stanton the North would have had a much more difficult time defeating the South in the Civil War, the night Abraham Lincoln was assassinated someone else would have had to step forward to round up the conspirators and capture John Wilkes Booth and Jefferson Davis, and perhaps Andrew Johnson might not have been brought before the Senate for an impeachment trial. Lincoln’s Secretary of War is the subject of Walter Stahr’s latest biography, STANTON: LINCOLN’S WAR SECRETARY, a smartly written, intimate, and incisive portrait of Stanton’s role in the Civil War and American history in general. As he did in his previous biographies of John Jay and William Seward, Stahr has mined the available sources reaffirming many of the standard opinions of his subject, but also evaluating new sources and developing new perspectives.
Born in Steubenville, Ohio in 1814 Stanton was raised near the dividing line between the slave and non-slave states of Virginia and Ohio in a period when abolitionism was beginning to take root. Stanton would attend Kenyon College, but never graduate. He went on to study law under the auspices of a Steubenville attorney, Daniel Collier and began his practice of law in the spring of 1837. Soon Judge Benjamin Tappan, a staunch Democrat would become his law partner and mentor. At this point in time Stanton grew increasingly interested in politics in large part due to the depression that would last over five years. Stanton’s involvement in Democratic Party politics increased and he was soon elected Prosecutor for Harrison County, Ohio. Judge Tappan would soon be appointed to the US Senate and Stanton was well on his way as a partisan Democrat developing a “no holds barred” approach to politics.
Stahr has full command of primary materials as he repeatedly points out what documents pertaining to Stanton’s views were available and those that were missing. This allows him to compare diverse viewpoints and sources to determine what Stanton actually wrote, said, or acted upon during his law and political career. Stahr attacks the many myths associated with Stanton and he does his best to straighten out discrepancies in the historical record. In Stahr’s study we follow the evolution of Stanton from an important member of the Ohio Democratic Party to becoming the cornerstone of Lincoln’s Republican administration. During this later process, in particular, we witness the liberalization of Stanton’s views dealing with race.
Stanton’s personal life was wrought with tragedy leading to a strong sense of religiosity. As a boy he would lose his father, a brother would commit suicide, and a sister would pass at a young age. Further, in March, 1844 he would lose his first wife to tuberculosis and during the war years he would lose his infant son James. These experiences made him appear decidedly older than he actually was.
Stahr correctly stresses that though he was known for his service to a Republican president, Stanton was a staunch Democrat who had supported Martin Van Buren as President, and later James K. Polk’s annexationist policies. Though he had a very low opinion of James Buchanan whose presidency directly preceded the Civil War, he did not think that highly of Abraham Lincoln either during the pre-war period.
An area that Stahr should have developed much further were Stanton’s views on race and abolitionism. The author seems to skirt these issues and based on his later beliefs an earlier intellectual roadmap for Stanton’s thinking is warranted. In Stahr’s defense, he does give the appropriate amount of attention to Stanton’s views and handling of the use of blacks as soldiers in the union army and what prerequisites it demanded and how it would be implemented, especially the Freedman’s Bureau. Further, the care and treatment of former slaves is examined and the reader gains a more complete picture of where Stanton stood on these issues especially constitutional amendments. Stahr does spend an inordinate amount of time detailing Stanton’s legal career, seemingly case by case ranging from the Pennsylvania v. Wheeling and Belmont Bridge case arguing that the bridge blocked commerce on the Ohio River designated for Pittsburgh, to land cases in California, patent claims, labor riots, medical body-snatching, death from duels, and electoral chicanery. Stanton would argue many cases before the Supreme Court, and many thought he was the leading lawyer of the period.
One of the strengths of Stahr’s effort are his descriptions of American society, culture, and geography in areas in which Stanton lived and influenced. Stahr provides numerous insights particularly concerning California in the 1850s where he argued numerous land claims, and Washington DC before, during, and after the Civil War.
Stahr stresses how Stanton seems to always claim the moral higher ground no matter the situation. It is difficult to sustain that approach by supporting the weak President Buchanan and the corruption that surrounded him. Stanton became a member of the Buchanan administration because of his legal work and with a few months remaining in office Buchannan appointed Stanton Attorney-General. The most important issue that was at hand was whether to supply Fort Sumter after South Carolina seceded. Buchanan’s cabinet was split by secessionists and those loyal to the union, and Stanton did his best to stiffen Buchanan’s back and get him to support resupply. Once out of office Stanton’s view of cabinet meetings stressed positions that Republicans would support as a means of strengthening his position with Lincoln. Stahr is on firm ground as he argues that Stanton’s view of Lincoln at this time was not much better than Buchanan. Stahr quotes Stanton’s letter to Buchanan after Lincoln assumes office, “the imbecility of this administration.… [is]…. a national disgrace never to be forgotten….as the result of Lincoln’s ‘running the machine’ for five months.” Stanton’s bonifides are also to be questioned as he was close with General George McClellan and seemed to share the same views. It appeared too many inside and outside the press that they were “confidential friends.” Simon Cameron as Secretary of War advocated arming slaves which McClellan abhorred. With Congress upset over the course of the war by January, 1862 it should not have come as a surprise that Cameron would be fired. What was surprising is that Lincoln chose Stanton as his replacement.
Stahr is accurate in his assessment that Lincoln chose Stanton because of his organizational ability, his workaholic approach, and his ability to get things done. Critics, particularly the northern democratic press pointed to Stanton’s extensive use of military commissions that tried civilians for military offenses, suspension of habeas corpus, and cutting telegraph privileges to opposing newspapers. These criticisms of Stanton must be weighed against the crucible of war since the Militia and Conscription Acts did deprive numerous individuals’ due process and civil rights. But one caveat to Stanton’s record on civil rights were the virulent attacks on the Secretary of War which a good part of the time were unmerciful.
Stahr does a workmanlike job reporting on the McClellan-Lincoln/Stanton imbroglio. McClellan’s ego is explored in detail and the author makes excellent use of the available correspondence. Stahr performs equally as well in detailing Stanton’s relationship with other generals including; Grant, Sherman, Hooker, Halleck, Meade, and Burnside. The Stanton-Lincoln relationship is analyzed and the author like many historians before him concludes that personalities and demeanors may have been opposite in many cases, but as A.E. Johnson, Stanton’s private secretary wrote “they supplemented each other’s nature, and they fully recognized the fact that they were necessary to each other.”
Stahr does a commendable job revisiting the Andrew Johnson-Edwin Stanton relationship and the deterioration that led to Johnson’s trial in the Senate. As with other examples in the book this aspect is well documented and the “large” personalities and issues involved are careful dissected. The result is that Stahr has captured the essence of Stanton as a man who could be deceitful, arbitrary, capricious, as well as vindictive. However, he was a superb Secretary of War who galvanized Union forces as well as President Lincoln with his energy, organizational skills, ability to learn and adapt, and overwhelming will to defeat the south. Stahr characterizes Stanton as the “Implementer of Emancipation,” as opposed to the “Great Emancipator,” that was Lincoln. But for all intents and purposes Stanton must be seen as the equal to Lincoln and Grant in earning accolades for their work during the Civil War.
Born in Steubenville, Ohio in 1814 Stanton was raised near the dividing line between the slave and non-slave states of Virginia and Ohio in a period when abolitionism was beginning to take root. Stanton would attend Kenyon College, but never graduate. He went on to study law under the auspices of a Steubenville attorney, Daniel Collier and began his practice of law in the spring of 1837. Soon Judge Benjamin Tappan, a staunch Democrat would become his law partner and mentor. At this point in time Stanton grew increasingly interested in politics in large part due to the depression that would last over five years. Stanton’s involvement in Democratic Party politics increased and he was soon elected Prosecutor for Harrison County, Ohio. Judge Tappan would soon be appointed to the US Senate and Stanton was well on his way as a partisan Democrat developing a “no holds barred” approach to politics.
Stahr has full command of primary materials as he repeatedly points out what documents pertaining to Stanton’s views were available and those that were missing. This allows him to compare diverse viewpoints and sources to determine what Stanton actually wrote, said, or acted upon during his law and political career. Stahr attacks the many myths associated with Stanton and he does his best to straighten out discrepancies in the historical record. In Stahr’s study we follow the evolution of Stanton from an important member of the Ohio Democratic Party to becoming the cornerstone of Lincoln’s Republican administration. During this later process, in particular, we witness the liberalization of Stanton’s views dealing with race.
Stanton’s personal life was wrought with tragedy leading to a strong sense of religiosity. As a boy he would lose his father, a brother would commit suicide, and a sister would pass at a young age. Further, in March, 1844 he would lose his first wife to tuberculosis and during the war years he would lose his infant son James. These experiences made him appear decidedly older than he actually was.
Stahr correctly stresses that though he was known for his service to a Republican president, Stanton was a staunch Democrat who had supported Martin Van Buren as President, and later James K. Polk’s annexationist policies. Though he had a very low opinion of James Buchanan whose presidency directly preceded the Civil War, he did not think that highly of Abraham Lincoln either during the pre-war period.
An area that Stahr should have developed much further were Stanton’s views on race and abolitionism. The author seems to skirt these issues and based on his later beliefs an earlier intellectual roadmap for Stanton’s thinking is warranted. In Stahr’s defense, he does give the appropriate amount of attention to Stanton’s views and handling of the use of blacks as soldiers in the union army and what prerequisites it demanded and how it would be implemented, especially the Freedman’s Bureau. Further, the care and treatment of former slaves is examined and the reader gains a more complete picture of where Stanton stood on these issues especially constitutional amendments. Stahr does spend an inordinate amount of time detailing Stanton’s legal career, seemingly case by case ranging from the Pennsylvania v. Wheeling and Belmont Bridge case arguing that the bridge blocked commerce on the Ohio River designated for Pittsburgh, to land cases in California, patent claims, labor riots, medical body-snatching, death from duels, and electoral chicanery. Stanton would argue many cases before the Supreme Court, and many thought he was the leading lawyer of the period.
One of the strengths of Stahr’s effort are his descriptions of American society, culture, and geography in areas in which Stanton lived and influenced. Stahr provides numerous insights particularly concerning California in the 1850s where he argued numerous land claims, and Washington DC before, during, and after the Civil War.
Stahr stresses how Stanton seems to always claim the moral higher ground no matter the situation. It is difficult to sustain that approach by supporting the weak President Buchanan and the corruption that surrounded him. Stanton became a member of the Buchanan administration because of his legal work and with a few months remaining in office Buchannan appointed Stanton Attorney-General. The most important issue that was at hand was whether to supply Fort Sumter after South Carolina seceded. Buchanan’s cabinet was split by secessionists and those loyal to the union, and Stanton did his best to stiffen Buchanan’s back and get him to support resupply. Once out of office Stanton’s view of cabinet meetings stressed positions that Republicans would support as a means of strengthening his position with Lincoln. Stahr is on firm ground as he argues that Stanton’s view of Lincoln at this time was not much better than Buchanan. Stahr quotes Stanton’s letter to Buchanan after Lincoln assumes office, “the imbecility of this administration.… [is]…. a national disgrace never to be forgotten….as the result of Lincoln’s ‘running the machine’ for five months.” Stanton’s bonifides are also to be questioned as he was close with General George McClellan and seemed to share the same views. It appeared too many inside and outside the press that they were “confidential friends.” Simon Cameron as Secretary of War advocated arming slaves which McClellan abhorred. With Congress upset over the course of the war by January, 1862 it should not have come as a surprise that Cameron would be fired. What was surprising is that Lincoln chose Stanton as his replacement.
Stahr is accurate in his assessment that Lincoln chose Stanton because of his organizational ability, his workaholic approach, and his ability to get things done. Critics, particularly the northern democratic press pointed to Stanton’s extensive use of military commissions that tried civilians for military offenses, suspension of habeas corpus, and cutting telegraph privileges to opposing newspapers. These criticisms of Stanton must be weighed against the crucible of war since the Militia and Conscription Acts did deprive numerous individuals’ due process and civil rights. But one caveat to Stanton’s record on civil rights were the virulent attacks on the Secretary of War which a good part of the time were unmerciful.
Stahr does a workmanlike job reporting on the McClellan-Lincoln/Stanton imbroglio. McClellan’s ego is explored in detail and the author makes excellent use of the available correspondence. Stahr performs equally as well in detailing Stanton’s relationship with other generals including; Grant, Sherman, Hooker, Halleck, Meade, and Burnside. The Stanton-Lincoln relationship is analyzed and the author like many historians before him concludes that personalities and demeanors may have been opposite in many cases, but as A.E. Johnson, Stanton’s private secretary wrote “they supplemented each other’s nature, and they fully recognized the fact that they were necessary to each other.”
Stahr does a commendable job revisiting the Andrew Johnson-Edwin Stanton relationship and the deterioration that led to Johnson’s trial in the Senate. As with other examples in the book this aspect is well documented and the “large” personalities and issues involved are careful dissected. The result is that Stahr has captured the essence of Stanton as a man who could be deceitful, arbitrary, capricious, as well as vindictive. However, he was a superb Secretary of War who galvanized Union forces as well as President Lincoln with his energy, organizational skills, ability to learn and adapt, and overwhelming will to defeat the south. Stahr characterizes Stanton as the “Implementer of Emancipation,” as opposed to the “Great Emancipator,” that was Lincoln. But for all intents and purposes Stanton must be seen as the equal to Lincoln and Grant in earning accolades for their work during the Civil War.
August 10, 2018
Of the thee books by Stahr, Seward is the best, but this is a close second. The section of the book dealing with Andrew Johnson and Johnson's impeachment process is an absolute gem. Makes reading this book worth the time and effort. His history under Buchannan and how he became involved in the Lincoln Cabinet after serving on Buchannan's helps make him real.
May 23, 2021
I would probably give this a higher ranking but the audio version was not read very well in my opinion. Worth reading as a follow up to the Seward book.
April 30, 2018
This book was fascinating. Before I get into the content of the book I want to note that it’s a really well made book. The binding is solid and the paper used is of excellent quality. It really gives you a sort of luxurious experience when you handle the book that made reading it an even greater pleasure.
There were three things that I found this book did a better job of illustrating than most books about this period. The book shows a special moment in the history of warfare logistics, provides an example of how Lincoln inspired loyalty, and shows how some people’s racist views during the period evolved.
Scientific developments during this period had their biggest impact on the frequently overlooked bureaucratic and logistical sides of warfare. With the use of telegraphs and railroads, the Union army was probably the best supplied and best informed army in the history of the world up to that point. Learning about the work Stanton put in to move troops to defend Chattanooga is fascinating b/c you see the creativity and might the Union had and how the use of these new technologies was not obvious and took time to develop. Stanton worked tirelessly with civilian and military leaders to perfect these developments. Stanton and the Union quartermaster Montgomery Meigs definitely have a lot to teach anyone involved in logistics.
The description of his relationship with Lincoln follows a similar pattern to other cabinet members. Their relationship started as one of contempt, Stanton thought of Lincoln as a country bumpkin and was condescending and rude and over the 4 years that he worked with Lincoln he came to venerate him and have a deep love for the President’s bravery, empathy, and intellect. This is similar to the process Seward and Wells went through and it’s amazing to see Lincoln’s charisma take hold on three such different personalities. There really was something almost providential about Lincoln.
The last aspect of the book was interesting and provides insight into how racism slowly changes in the U.S. Stanton went from a man who bragged about slave ownership in his extended family to a man who was adamant about voting rights for black citizens. Although he had a propensity of telling people what they wanted to hear and had told Democrats one thing and Unionists another on important topics like abolition and the defense of Fort Sumner I believe this was a real change in his belief about citizenship and black people as human beings. He saw daily the work that black troops did in defending the Union and when he was given choices that would have been more politically popular, like trading only white prisoners of war, he refused. He understood the importance of guaranteeing black Americans the vote b/c that was the only way they could defend their hard fought liberty.
Stanton’s character is interesting b/c he was pompous, stubborn and egotistical but he was an amazing learner. His ability to apply the lessons he learned, whether in logistics, his estimation of an individual, or his recognition of the humanity of black Americans was forceful and a good lesson to learn from his life.
There were three things that I found this book did a better job of illustrating than most books about this period. The book shows a special moment in the history of warfare logistics, provides an example of how Lincoln inspired loyalty, and shows how some people’s racist views during the period evolved.
Scientific developments during this period had their biggest impact on the frequently overlooked bureaucratic and logistical sides of warfare. With the use of telegraphs and railroads, the Union army was probably the best supplied and best informed army in the history of the world up to that point. Learning about the work Stanton put in to move troops to defend Chattanooga is fascinating b/c you see the creativity and might the Union had and how the use of these new technologies was not obvious and took time to develop. Stanton worked tirelessly with civilian and military leaders to perfect these developments. Stanton and the Union quartermaster Montgomery Meigs definitely have a lot to teach anyone involved in logistics.
The description of his relationship with Lincoln follows a similar pattern to other cabinet members. Their relationship started as one of contempt, Stanton thought of Lincoln as a country bumpkin and was condescending and rude and over the 4 years that he worked with Lincoln he came to venerate him and have a deep love for the President’s bravery, empathy, and intellect. This is similar to the process Seward and Wells went through and it’s amazing to see Lincoln’s charisma take hold on three such different personalities. There really was something almost providential about Lincoln.
The last aspect of the book was interesting and provides insight into how racism slowly changes in the U.S. Stanton went from a man who bragged about slave ownership in his extended family to a man who was adamant about voting rights for black citizens. Although he had a propensity of telling people what they wanted to hear and had told Democrats one thing and Unionists another on important topics like abolition and the defense of Fort Sumner I believe this was a real change in his belief about citizenship and black people as human beings. He saw daily the work that black troops did in defending the Union and when he was given choices that would have been more politically popular, like trading only white prisoners of war, he refused. He understood the importance of guaranteeing black Americans the vote b/c that was the only way they could defend their hard fought liberty.
Stanton’s character is interesting b/c he was pompous, stubborn and egotistical but he was an amazing learner. His ability to apply the lessons he learned, whether in logistics, his estimation of an individual, or his recognition of the humanity of black Americans was forceful and a good lesson to learn from his life.
July 10, 2025
Edwin Stanton, Secretary of War under president Abraham Lincoln, is an imposing figure in American history, particularly in the area of the Civil War. Now, for the first time, historian Walter Stahr has rendered him justice. Stanton, an initial Democrat who served as Attorney General during the failed and disastrous presidency of James Buchanan, and then made a complete, 180 degree turn in favor of abolition, becoming a radical Republican and becoming a close friend of Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase, Secretary of State William H. Seward, and, most importantly, President Abraham Lincoln. Stanton was appointed Secretary of War in the middle of the Civil War, following the resignation of corrupt former Pennsylvania governor Simon Cameron. Then, for five years, Stanton headed the war department in one of the most consequential and controversial tenures of the leader of the Department of War. Responsible for the incarceration of reporters, generals, and anti-Lincoln politicians, Stanton suspended the writ of habeus corpus under Lincoln's authorization, one of the most controversial parts of the Lincoln administration. He also served an instrumental role in convincing the President to issue the Emancipation proclamation, freeing the slaves. Stanton became an advocate for black voter suffrage, and a key figure in post-civil war reconstruction, before being fired and locking himself in the War department office for weeks following an intense rivalrty with President Andrew Johnson.
Stahr gives an objective analysis of Stanton's life, legacy and acomplishments. Critizising Stanton for his failures, including significantly limiting freedom of speech and freedom of the press during the War, but also chronicles his inmense and numerous successes, Stahr provides a well-rounded view of Stanton's early life as a lawyer and Democrat activist, before arguing several landmark cases before the Supreme Court, and then becoming AG. Stahr also delves into his character traits, both good and bad, intense personality, and religious convictions, as well as his family life, relationships with other Civil War-time figures, including: Charles Sumner, William Fessenden, Salmon Chase, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses Grant, George McLellan, William T. Sherman, William H. Seward, Gideon Welles, James Buchanan, Philip Sheridan, and others.
For history buffs, or Civil War junkies, as well as for a deeper analysis of the Presidency, legacy and life of Abraham Lincoln, this is a must read.
In summing up the book, and providing an analysis of Stanton, Stahr quotes the Russian philosopher Alexander Solzhenitsyn "the line dividing good and evil runs through the heart of every human being."
Stahr gives an objective analysis of Stanton's life, legacy and acomplishments. Critizising Stanton for his failures, including significantly limiting freedom of speech and freedom of the press during the War, but also chronicles his inmense and numerous successes, Stahr provides a well-rounded view of Stanton's early life as a lawyer and Democrat activist, before arguing several landmark cases before the Supreme Court, and then becoming AG. Stahr also delves into his character traits, both good and bad, intense personality, and religious convictions, as well as his family life, relationships with other Civil War-time figures, including: Charles Sumner, William Fessenden, Salmon Chase, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses Grant, George McLellan, William T. Sherman, William H. Seward, Gideon Welles, James Buchanan, Philip Sheridan, and others.
For history buffs, or Civil War junkies, as well as for a deeper analysis of the Presidency, legacy and life of Abraham Lincoln, this is a must read.
In summing up the book, and providing an analysis of Stanton, Stahr quotes the Russian philosopher Alexander Solzhenitsyn "the line dividing good and evil runs through the heart of every human being."
January 9, 2020
He wasn't a good man. But he was a great man.
From humble beginnings and through personal tragedy, Edwin Stanton rose to political prominence during the Presidency of James Buchanan. He became Lincoln's Secretary of War and was a key figure in the Union victory in the Civil War.
While the most engaging portions of the book are the pre and post civil war narrative, Stanton's contribution to US History is during the Civil War. While getting at times bogged down in the jealousies, competitions, and ineptitudes of the larger than life generals, Stahr did bring out the logistical, political, and industrious strengths that Stanton brought to "organize the victory."
A prickly hard worker, he had few friends and probably literally worked himself to death. He suffered, and he served, and was a central figure in the first presidential impeachment. He led an interesting and noteworthy life.
From humble beginnings and through personal tragedy, Edwin Stanton rose to political prominence during the Presidency of James Buchanan. He became Lincoln's Secretary of War and was a key figure in the Union victory in the Civil War.
While the most engaging portions of the book are the pre and post civil war narrative, Stanton's contribution to US History is during the Civil War. While getting at times bogged down in the jealousies, competitions, and ineptitudes of the larger than life generals, Stahr did bring out the logistical, political, and industrious strengths that Stanton brought to "organize the victory."
A prickly hard worker, he had few friends and probably literally worked himself to death. He suffered, and he served, and was a central figure in the first presidential impeachment. He led an interesting and noteworthy life.
January 19, 2019
Stanton served in the cabinets of both President Buchanan and Lincoln; was the Secretary of War for much of the Civil War; and his attempted removal triggered the Andrew Johnson impeachment. Any of these reasons make him an interesting figure for study, but all three highlight him as one of the pivotal figures in US history in the middle of the 19th century.
Stahr has written a biography worthy of Stanton's importance. Stahr looks at Stanton's roots as a Democratic political figure and his time as a lawyer in Ohio and Pittsburgh - he made a number of contributions on these roles, and gave Stanton the prominence to become a candidate for cabinet figure. Some of the interesting themes that emerge in Stahr's biography are Stanton's transition from leading Democrat to a figure that Radical Republicans sought to protect from Andrew Johnson. Another interesting theme is Stanton's ability to navigate between disparate figures such Salmon Chase, Seward, and Thaddeus Stevens.
Stahr does a nice job showing the strengths and outstanding aspects that made Stanton such a key figure in Union victory - his work ethic, analytical mind, authority, and organizational strength. Importantly, this is a multi-dimensional bio of Stanton, so Stahr also addresses Stanton's weaknesses (his histronics and lack of calm; his partisanship and sometimes vindictive nature) and controversies (the suspension of the writ of habeus corpus, arrests of General Stone, Valladingham, and newspaper editors.)
A well-written, thorough biography that will give insights not only into Stanton, but the US in the mid-19th Century, Lincoln's cabinet, key Civil War figures, and post-Civil War politics.
Stahr has written a biography worthy of Stanton's importance. Stahr looks at Stanton's roots as a Democratic political figure and his time as a lawyer in Ohio and Pittsburgh - he made a number of contributions on these roles, and gave Stanton the prominence to become a candidate for cabinet figure. Some of the interesting themes that emerge in Stahr's biography are Stanton's transition from leading Democrat to a figure that Radical Republicans sought to protect from Andrew Johnson. Another interesting theme is Stanton's ability to navigate between disparate figures such Salmon Chase, Seward, and Thaddeus Stevens.
Stahr does a nice job showing the strengths and outstanding aspects that made Stanton such a key figure in Union victory - his work ethic, analytical mind, authority, and organizational strength. Importantly, this is a multi-dimensional bio of Stanton, so Stahr also addresses Stanton's weaknesses (his histronics and lack of calm; his partisanship and sometimes vindictive nature) and controversies (the suspension of the writ of habeus corpus, arrests of General Stone, Valladingham, and newspaper editors.)
A well-written, thorough biography that will give insights not only into Stanton, but the US in the mid-19th Century, Lincoln's cabinet, key Civil War figures, and post-Civil War politics.
January 19, 2018
A very solid, well-researched and well-written book about a controversial figure in American history. And it's a fair assessment of Stanton, not shying away from his faults as well as discussing his accomplishments. I'm glad that the author didn't confine his story to Stanton's political life, but included his personal and family life as well. The author's writing style is highly engaging; he's writing for the general audience, but I do believe history buffs will find this book very worthwhile. And, as a side note, Stanton's hometown of Steubenville, Ohio is just 40 miles from me. I enjoy driving through the city; it's very picturesque. And I always make sure to see the statue of Stanton in front of the Jefferson County Courthouse.
March 5, 2021
Very well done biography of Edwin Stanton. The book takes you through Stanton's early years as a lawyer, through his time as Secretary of War under Lincoln for most of the Civil War. Stanton is credited for organizing the war effort of the North, guiding the Union to victory. He also led the effort to hunt down John Wilkes Booth after Lincoln's assassination. Stanton was a complex individual, highly liked and praised by some, and highly disliked and criticized by others. Regardless of how you feel about Stanton, it is obvious that he had a tremendous impact on the country leading up to and during the Civi War. Very interesting read if you enjoy American History.
Read
February 25, 2021Very good. I had no idea what was involved in running a war.
I had no idea that there were so many questions to contemplate and problems to solve constantly.
Through Stanton, I learned a great deal about Abraham Lincoln.
I learned about Reconstruction - or lack thereof.
I had no idea that there were so many questions to contemplate and problems to solve constantly.
Through Stanton, I learned a great deal about Abraham Lincoln.
I learned about Reconstruction - or lack thereof.
June 7, 2020
LoopThis is a very good biography of a difficult man to grasp. Wa Stanton a true bipartisan patriot? Or a traitor to his party, the Democrats. He certainly played both sides but without him in the Buchanan cabinet during the session winter, or world could and most likely would be quite different. This biography is essential to understanding the Civil War and Reconstruction.
April 7, 2018
Before reading this book I knew very little about Edwin Stanton other than he was Lincoln’s war secretary and that he was present in the room when Lincoln died and was reported to have said, “Now he belongs to the ages.” However, after reading it, I have a great and new appreciation for the role Stanton played at a pivotal time in the history of the country.
While Stanton was not above manipulating the rules and laws to achieve a goal, he was certainly a man who personifies the descriptive phase, “a public servant,” unlike many who boast of being that today. He spent long, long hours on the job overseeing the Union armies in the field and providing them with necessary war materials, food and clothing.
His sacrifice of a promising legal career is most noticed in the fact that less than a year before his death and in failing health, he had to borrow $5,000 to live on. His salary as war secretary had been $6,000 annually.
At his death he left behind a widow, three young children and almost no assets. In 4 months after his death Stanton’s friends had raised $150,000 for a fund for his wife and children. His sacrifice was not unnoticed.
Stanton was a complex man and, much like the president whom he served, an unlikely figure playing a vital role in preserving the Union.
Well written and researched, Walter Stahr has given us a great account of a man whose role in our country’s history is not well known.
While Stanton was not above manipulating the rules and laws to achieve a goal, he was certainly a man who personifies the descriptive phase, “a public servant,” unlike many who boast of being that today. He spent long, long hours on the job overseeing the Union armies in the field and providing them with necessary war materials, food and clothing.
His sacrifice of a promising legal career is most noticed in the fact that less than a year before his death and in failing health, he had to borrow $5,000 to live on. His salary as war secretary had been $6,000 annually.
At his death he left behind a widow, three young children and almost no assets. In 4 months after his death Stanton’s friends had raised $150,000 for a fund for his wife and children. His sacrifice was not unnoticed.
Stanton was a complex man and, much like the president whom he served, an unlikely figure playing a vital role in preserving the Union.
Well written and researched, Walter Stahr has given us a great account of a man whose role in our country’s history is not well known.
February 19, 2020
With "Stanton: Lincoln's War Secretary", Walter Stahr goes into the biography of the man who would be Secretary of War under the Lincoln administration as well as become one of the more complicated people in American history. The book is a decent read as we trace Stanton's path from his humble roots in Steubenville, Ohio (a town that is next door to where I grew up) through his journeys as a lawyer & into the spotlight in Washington, D.C. in both the Lincoln & Johnson administrations. Each step of way Stahr guides us on this journey which for me reveals a good chunk more of US history that at times I was never aware of especially with regards to my home area. Overall a very well done book which will be enjoyed by anyone with a love of the Civil War or any other part of this period in American history.
June 6, 2019
Very excellent book on Edwin Stanton Lincoln's War Secretary. After Lincoln and Grant possible the next one who saved the Union. Stahr makes this a very enjoyable and easy book to read, similiar in scope to his Seward book a few years back. Besides his dealings with Lincoln I thoroughly enjoy the part where he was also Johnson's War Secretary and the bitterness/disagreements between these two individuals.
May 1, 2018
Stanton
A good biography of Edwin Stanton. The author recognizes the good and bad qualities of Stanton and demonstrates this in the book. A number of primary sources were used in the research of this biography as well as secondary. A thorough examination of Stanton and very enlightening. I did not know much about Edwin Stanton before reading this book and found the book interesting and engaging. Highly recommend this book.
A good biography of Edwin Stanton. The author recognizes the good and bad qualities of Stanton and demonstrates this in the book. A number of primary sources were used in the research of this biography as well as secondary. A thorough examination of Stanton and very enlightening. I did not know much about Edwin Stanton before reading this book and found the book interesting and engaging. Highly recommend this book.
June 14, 2018
A Thorough Biography of a Neglected Champion
Stahr’s work here, much like in his biography of Seward, goes a long way towards reviving the memory of a pivotal figure in the war. Works such as these are a necessary corrective to the narrative of the war that recalls only Lincoln and the Generals.
The book is well-researched and paced. It moved briskly through the life of Stanton, but while illuminating his entire life.
Stahr’s work here, much like in his biography of Seward, goes a long way towards reviving the memory of a pivotal figure in the war. Works such as these are a necessary corrective to the narrative of the war that recalls only Lincoln and the Generals.
The book is well-researched and paced. It moved briskly through the life of Stanton, but while illuminating his entire life.
March 3, 2018
I guess I didn't know what to expect when I began reading about Stanton. I am from Steubenville, like Stanton, and although I have seen his statue in front of the County Courthouse, I really didn't know much about him. Well, not anymore! Wonderful details and descriptions of a the most difficult time in our country's history.
A great book!
A great book!
December 17, 2017
This is a complete biography of Stanton. His strengths helped Lincoln and the North win the Civil War. He had weaknesses and this is in the book too. A great reference book, and great read for Civil War and History fans, enjoy!
September 14, 2019
Surprisingly compelling biography of Lincoln's war secretary, who was a fascinating man in his own right. Recommended if you are a Civil War buff or you have an affinity for nineteenth-century politics.
December 12, 2017
Excellent biography! Well written and thoroughly researched.
February 20, 2024
Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard repeatedly mentions that Edwin Stanton might have been involved in the plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. What I knew about Stanton was mostly that he was a lawyer from Ohio and was Lincoln's Secretary of War, not that he might have been complicit - or worse - in the assassination. Fortunately, I found this biography in the Audible Plus catalogue. It's read by George Guidall, who I enjoy.
The book is a fairly straightforward biography of Stanton and doesn't shy away from the more complicated aspects of his political life. Stanton was born in Ohio in 1814. As a boy, he developed asthma which limited his physical activity. His father died when he was a child, making it hard for the remaining family to make ends meet. He studied at Kenyon College before apprenticing with a local lawyer.
He gradually expanded his practice, taking on high profile cases - including a patent case where he crossed paths with a young Abraham Lincoln, and the defense of Dan Sickles, who famously killed Francis Scott Key. Eventually, he became involved with the Buchanan administration, representing it in California, giving legal advice on the looming secession crisis, and becoming Attorney General in 1860.
When Lincoln became President, he replaced Stanton with Edward Bates and Stanton went to help Simon Cameron at the War Department. Although Stanton was a Democrat, he was chosen to replace Cameron after recommendations from his friends Seward and Chase. Staton had been critical of Lincoln but came to respect him. He proved to be adept at organizing the War Department and the war effort, while letting the Generals tend to military matters. He was very hard-working and scrupulous in a time when corruption was common. He also ran the Department with an iron fist, leading opponents to brand him as a tyrant or dictator. Some also criticized him for perceived shifting stands on slavery, but in the end, he was for the union and against slavery.
When Lincoln was shot, Stanton rushed to him and took control of the situation. The chaotic and unprecedented situation brought out the best and the worst in him. He relentlessly tracked down Booth and his fellow conspirators, arranged a military trial, and had them executed before Southerners could rally around them.
Once Johnson became president, he had increasing differences with Stanton. Johnson attempted to dismiss him. Stanton, having been out of legal practice for several years, had no good prospects and needed the job so he refused to leave. The ensuing crisis led to the impeachment and near conviction of Johnson before Stanton left. The war and the Johnson turmoil had taken a toll on Stanton's health. Grant nominated him to the Supreme Court in 1868, but he died before taking his seat.
Stanton was more of a doer than an idealogue. He was loyal to Lincoln and the union and willing to do whatever was necessary to win the war. Some of the steps he took after the Lincoln assassination have later been interpreted as indicating a prior knowledge of the events or attempting to cover things up. Stahr argues that a better explanation is that Stanton was doing the best he could to keep things under control. Having seen Alexander Haig in action after Ronald Reagan was shot, I'm inclined to agree. I really enjoyed this thorough look at a complicated man in a difficult time.
The book is a fairly straightforward biography of Stanton and doesn't shy away from the more complicated aspects of his political life. Stanton was born in Ohio in 1814. As a boy, he developed asthma which limited his physical activity. His father died when he was a child, making it hard for the remaining family to make ends meet. He studied at Kenyon College before apprenticing with a local lawyer.
He gradually expanded his practice, taking on high profile cases - including a patent case where he crossed paths with a young Abraham Lincoln, and the defense of Dan Sickles, who famously killed Francis Scott Key. Eventually, he became involved with the Buchanan administration, representing it in California, giving legal advice on the looming secession crisis, and becoming Attorney General in 1860.
When Lincoln became President, he replaced Stanton with Edward Bates and Stanton went to help Simon Cameron at the War Department. Although Stanton was a Democrat, he was chosen to replace Cameron after recommendations from his friends Seward and Chase. Staton had been critical of Lincoln but came to respect him. He proved to be adept at organizing the War Department and the war effort, while letting the Generals tend to military matters. He was very hard-working and scrupulous in a time when corruption was common. He also ran the Department with an iron fist, leading opponents to brand him as a tyrant or dictator. Some also criticized him for perceived shifting stands on slavery, but in the end, he was for the union and against slavery.
When Lincoln was shot, Stanton rushed to him and took control of the situation. The chaotic and unprecedented situation brought out the best and the worst in him. He relentlessly tracked down Booth and his fellow conspirators, arranged a military trial, and had them executed before Southerners could rally around them.
Once Johnson became president, he had increasing differences with Stanton. Johnson attempted to dismiss him. Stanton, having been out of legal practice for several years, had no good prospects and needed the job so he refused to leave. The ensuing crisis led to the impeachment and near conviction of Johnson before Stanton left. The war and the Johnson turmoil had taken a toll on Stanton's health. Grant nominated him to the Supreme Court in 1868, but he died before taking his seat.
Stanton was more of a doer than an idealogue. He was loyal to Lincoln and the union and willing to do whatever was necessary to win the war. Some of the steps he took after the Lincoln assassination have later been interpreted as indicating a prior knowledge of the events or attempting to cover things up. Stahr argues that a better explanation is that Stanton was doing the best he could to keep things under control. Having seen Alexander Haig in action after Ronald Reagan was shot, I'm inclined to agree. I really enjoyed this thorough look at a complicated man in a difficult time.
December 31, 2021
This is a thoroughly researched and balanced biography of Edwin Stanton, Lincoln's Secretary of War.
It details Stanton's the challenges in Stanton's early life, Stanton's father died when Stanton was young leaving few assets. Stanton had to alternate work and school before eventually becoming a very successful lawyer. He supported his family for his entire life even as family tragedies plagued him throughout his life, losing siblings, his first wife and a child. While Stanton's legal success was mainly in civil cases he did help create the "temporary insanity" defense when he defended Daniel Sickles for shooting Philip Key( son of the Key who wrote the Star Spangled Banner) in broad daylight in front of many witnesses after learning of Key's affair with Sickle's wife.
But the Civil War and Reconstruction years are the reasons for wanting to know more about Stanton. He was in Buchanan's cabinet at the time of Lincoln's election and there continues to be debate about Stanton's actions during this time. But Walter Stahr's meticulous research and discussion of the different arguments leads to the conclusion that Stanton was a counter to the traitors in the Cabinet who wanted to the aid the South before Lincoln's inauguration. Lincoln appointed Stanton Secretary of War almost a year into the war to replace the inept and possibly corrupt Simon Cameron. Stanton was indisputably an organizational genius who led the marshaling of American resources to support the Union's battle efforts, his unquestioned integrity made sure that the resources went to the armies that needed them. Stanton worked closely with Lincoln, sharing exasperation with generals such as McClellan and admiration of generals such as Grant, demoting the former and promoting the latter.
Stanton was also a leading advocate for Blacks during the war, he encouraged the use of Blacks in the army, stopped prisoner exchanges when the Rebels refused to include Blacks, and planned for economic and justice relief for freed Blacks. Stanton was not without warts. He was too quick to imprison political critics and seize newspapers, though this is tempered by the challenges of having southern sympathizers in the union wanting to the rebel armies.
The reconstruction chapters are depressing to read. Stanton worked to protect the freed blacks and provide pathways for them to have land and economic opportunity. But he was constantly overridden by Andrew Johnson who seemed bent on restoring a pre-civil war system in the South. Johnson's firing of Stanton was a basis of impeachment of Johnson, it's a sad chapter in our history that Johnson's vision prevailed over Stanton's.
The last paragraph of Stahr's biography sums up Stanton so well:
" So Stanton was not a good man, but he was a great man. He played a central role in winning the central war in American history. He lived and worked with great men, Lincoln and Grant and Sherman. He was on of them. For all his faults, he deserves our praise.:
It details Stanton's the challenges in Stanton's early life, Stanton's father died when Stanton was young leaving few assets. Stanton had to alternate work and school before eventually becoming a very successful lawyer. He supported his family for his entire life even as family tragedies plagued him throughout his life, losing siblings, his first wife and a child. While Stanton's legal success was mainly in civil cases he did help create the "temporary insanity" defense when he defended Daniel Sickles for shooting Philip Key( son of the Key who wrote the Star Spangled Banner) in broad daylight in front of many witnesses after learning of Key's affair with Sickle's wife.
But the Civil War and Reconstruction years are the reasons for wanting to know more about Stanton. He was in Buchanan's cabinet at the time of Lincoln's election and there continues to be debate about Stanton's actions during this time. But Walter Stahr's meticulous research and discussion of the different arguments leads to the conclusion that Stanton was a counter to the traitors in the Cabinet who wanted to the aid the South before Lincoln's inauguration. Lincoln appointed Stanton Secretary of War almost a year into the war to replace the inept and possibly corrupt Simon Cameron. Stanton was indisputably an organizational genius who led the marshaling of American resources to support the Union's battle efforts, his unquestioned integrity made sure that the resources went to the armies that needed them. Stanton worked closely with Lincoln, sharing exasperation with generals such as McClellan and admiration of generals such as Grant, demoting the former and promoting the latter.
Stanton was also a leading advocate for Blacks during the war, he encouraged the use of Blacks in the army, stopped prisoner exchanges when the Rebels refused to include Blacks, and planned for economic and justice relief for freed Blacks. Stanton was not without warts. He was too quick to imprison political critics and seize newspapers, though this is tempered by the challenges of having southern sympathizers in the union wanting to the rebel armies.
The reconstruction chapters are depressing to read. Stanton worked to protect the freed blacks and provide pathways for them to have land and economic opportunity. But he was constantly overridden by Andrew Johnson who seemed bent on restoring a pre-civil war system in the South. Johnson's firing of Stanton was a basis of impeachment of Johnson, it's a sad chapter in our history that Johnson's vision prevailed over Stanton's.
The last paragraph of Stahr's biography sums up Stanton so well:
" So Stanton was not a good man, but he was a great man. He played a central role in winning the central war in American history. He lived and worked with great men, Lincoln and Grant and Sherman. He was on of them. For all his faults, he deserves our praise.:
July 25, 2024
I was looking for a biography of Stanton; three finalists were Hyman's, which was by some described as sympathetic to Stanton, sometimes to the extent of being factually incorrect; Marvel's, which from reviews sounded just vile; and this, which I hoped would be somewhere in the middle. I was satisfied. Stahr doesn't deny Stanton's many vices, but I agree with the book that he is "one of the great men." The author showed it well since he didn't hold back on the sweet political details.
Stahr is quite careful with the sources; he prefers contemporary to the reminiscent and, on this account, dismisses some of the popular stories about Stanton. Perhaps he is sometimes overly eager to do so. Although I agree that Stanton probably did not use the words "long-armed ape" in Cincinnati, the words "facts" and "know" did not deserve quotations of dubiousness around them. I also don't necessarily agree that a contemporary newspaper is better than an inner-circle reminiscence. That said, the general serious approach to the sources is quite admirable.
Then there is an interpretation. There is a problem to which maybe all biographies are doomed - as the author writes about Stanton, he focuses on what Stanton did, not what other people did, and therefore sometimes gives him too much credit. In addition, the narrative sometimes goes like in an old joke: "if it worked, it's our achievement; if it failed, it's your fault." The most common victim is Lincoln, but sometimes it's various senators. Stahr discusses Grant's promotion without even mentioning Elihu Washburne by name. He quotes that Grant's promotion "was forced upon Lincoln by Stanton", but this seems dubious. Washburne, in his letter to J. Russel Jones, suggested that Grant being made lieutenant-general was part of the bargain; in exchange, Grant would back Lincoln for reelection. Besides that, Lincoln had zero reasons to veto the bill and all reasons not to anger his potential opponent.
Stahr also claims that Stanton pressed Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. After reviewing index entries on the "Emancipation Proclamation" multiple times, I assume that he means Stanton's support for it on July 22. Stanton certainly supported issuing it immediately, and it certainly was helpful, but whether it qualifies as "pressed Lincoln", I am not sure. (the main source is the same Adam Gurowski who said Stanton was behind Grant's promotion). On the other hand, when Stanton messes up, like with some arrests, the author never neglects to mention that it was sanctioned by Lincoln. That's not to diminish Stanton's achievements, but it would be better to share both glory and guilt.
I like the selection of the illustrations. It's nice to be able to immediately put a face to the name.
Besides that, it's extremely well-written, captivating, and exciting. As long as you don't use it as the only Civil War textbook, it's a great read.
Stahr is quite careful with the sources; he prefers contemporary to the reminiscent and, on this account, dismisses some of the popular stories about Stanton. Perhaps he is sometimes overly eager to do so. Although I agree that Stanton probably did not use the words "long-armed ape" in Cincinnati, the words "facts" and "know" did not deserve quotations of dubiousness around them. I also don't necessarily agree that a contemporary newspaper is better than an inner-circle reminiscence. That said, the general serious approach to the sources is quite admirable.
Then there is an interpretation. There is a problem to which maybe all biographies are doomed - as the author writes about Stanton, he focuses on what Stanton did, not what other people did, and therefore sometimes gives him too much credit. In addition, the narrative sometimes goes like in an old joke: "if it worked, it's our achievement; if it failed, it's your fault." The most common victim is Lincoln, but sometimes it's various senators. Stahr discusses Grant's promotion without even mentioning Elihu Washburne by name. He quotes that Grant's promotion "was forced upon Lincoln by Stanton", but this seems dubious. Washburne, in his letter to J. Russel Jones, suggested that Grant being made lieutenant-general was part of the bargain; in exchange, Grant would back Lincoln for reelection. Besides that, Lincoln had zero reasons to veto the bill and all reasons not to anger his potential opponent.
Stahr also claims that Stanton pressed Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. After reviewing index entries on the "Emancipation Proclamation" multiple times, I assume that he means Stanton's support for it on July 22. Stanton certainly supported issuing it immediately, and it certainly was helpful, but whether it qualifies as "pressed Lincoln", I am not sure. (the main source is the same Adam Gurowski who said Stanton was behind Grant's promotion). On the other hand, when Stanton messes up, like with some arrests, the author never neglects to mention that it was sanctioned by Lincoln. That's not to diminish Stanton's achievements, but it would be better to share both glory and guilt.
I like the selection of the illustrations. It's nice to be able to immediately put a face to the name.
Besides that, it's extremely well-written, captivating, and exciting. As long as you don't use it as the only Civil War textbook, it's a great read.
December 22, 2022
This biography of Edwin Stanton takes you behind the scenes, in the war room/telegraph office of the Sec. of War and President Lincoln. Stanton was Lincoln’s right-hand-man during the Civil War and often worked day and night during the war. Though not necessarily friends they respected each other and their abilities throughout the war. Stanton grew up as a Democrat, a lawyer and found himself in the Buchanan administration. When Lincoln was elected in 1860, he kept Stanton in his administration, later Stanton become a Lincoln Republican. So early in life while he didn’t oppose slavery, he came to be a leading influence on Lincoln in supporting emancipation mainly because he saw this as helping the northern war effort. Stanton implemented systematic military justice, developed a military code of conduct (the basis of which is still used today), set up a national railroad system to transport soldiers and supplies, was incorruptible, set up the Freedman’s Bureau, and most significantly (according to the author) should be known as the “Implementer of Emancipation” to Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Stanton led the recruitment of black soldiers for the Union Army and continued to provide for and look after their families after the war. The author says that while Stanton was not always a good man, he was a great Sec. of War. He was prone to panic, paid little attention to basic rights of others (maybe necessary during a war), arrested editors and shut down newspapers that revealed military actions, broke basic chain of command rules by telegraphing directly generals in the field. Stanton also was at the heart of the impeachment of President Johnson by refusing to leave his post, challenging the power of the President versus Congress. Stanton was appointed to the Supreme Court by President Grant but died before occupying the position. So while the author says Stanton was not always a good man, he was however a great Secretary of War during the Civil War. A very good read.
October 3, 2017
I am not a historian so I am not really in a position to question assumptions Walter Stahr makes in this expansive book. What I mean is that some assert that Stahr rehabilitates Stanton. To me we will better understand America if we really seek to become knowledgable of the times and events that took place during Stanton's life. Stanton, it turns out, has lots to do with those events, something I have always somewhat known but also something I have not explored until reading Stahr's book. Stanton grows up and builds his professional life away from the east coast, but in the border region between north and south. He appears quite the politician several times seeming to change his positions on important issues. He is a democrat as the Civil War begins. He is not so clearly identified with the democrats though that he can't become a cabinet member in Lincoln's republican government. It seems that one could make the argument that Stanton is the hardest working member of the Lincoln government during the war. One of the American History questions I've often tried to answer is: How could we fight a Civil war risking the union in part because of slavery and 20 years later, give up almost all gains for black people? Stanton's life suggests possible answers but mostly leaves ambiguity. I read Stanton at the time of the Charlottesville riot/protest making the Civil War period come to life for me. Ameria's failing was slavery and our failing continues to be an inability to create the true equality announced in our Declaration of Independence. Stahr's Stanton is a uniquely American character who most certainly lived in interesting times for the development of our nation.
November 5, 2025
This was a very well done straightforward biography of an under-appreciated American. Stanton has not been sufficiently covered as a man in his own right. In most Civil War books and bios, Stanton is the annoying Washington bureaucrat. He is typecast. Hardly anyone has taken the time to stop and rethink Edwin Stanton. Walter Stahr pulls it off.
The author was balanced in every respect, covering the good and bad. I appreciate how Stahr kept the focus on Stanton during the war years, lest it become, as some biographies do from this era, a re-telling of the history of the war. Some wrongs do stand out, like the arrest of Charles Stone. But on the whole, we needed Stanton on Team America. By the end I was convinced that the three great men of the war were indeed Lincoln, Grant, and Stanton. Removed any one of them and there is no victory, no Union.
And far from being duplicitous or obsequious, I was convinced that Stanton evolved for the better, as sometimes people actually do. Stanton indeed was a life-saver in the Secessionist Winter. He was the driving force of the organization of USCT. He organized the Freedman’s Bureau. He helped push through the CW Amendments. He was a post-war champion of civil rights, Johnson’s foil. As the author notes, Stanton was on the right side of the issues. He may have been an SOB but he was our SOB. Indeed, the incessant criticisms of him being “overbearing” or “haughty” or the like seem trivial compared to these bigger issues.
Too bad he didn’t live long enough to be on the Supreme Court. He would have been a voice of freedom like John Marshall Harlan soon was amidst a sea of mostly mediocre justices.
The author was balanced in every respect, covering the good and bad. I appreciate how Stahr kept the focus on Stanton during the war years, lest it become, as some biographies do from this era, a re-telling of the history of the war. Some wrongs do stand out, like the arrest of Charles Stone. But on the whole, we needed Stanton on Team America. By the end I was convinced that the three great men of the war were indeed Lincoln, Grant, and Stanton. Removed any one of them and there is no victory, no Union.
And far from being duplicitous or obsequious, I was convinced that Stanton evolved for the better, as sometimes people actually do. Stanton indeed was a life-saver in the Secessionist Winter. He was the driving force of the organization of USCT. He organized the Freedman’s Bureau. He helped push through the CW Amendments. He was a post-war champion of civil rights, Johnson’s foil. As the author notes, Stanton was on the right side of the issues. He may have been an SOB but he was our SOB. Indeed, the incessant criticisms of him being “overbearing” or “haughty” or the like seem trivial compared to these bigger issues.
Too bad he didn’t live long enough to be on the Supreme Court. He would have been a voice of freedom like John Marshall Harlan soon was amidst a sea of mostly mediocre justices.
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