FREDERICK DOUGLASS TO EDWIN M. STANTONStanton, Edwin McMasters

Edwin McMasters Stanton (1814-69), a Democrat, was a prominent lawyer from Ohio. In 1862, President Lincoln appointed him secretary of war to replace the discredited Simon Cameron. While in office, Stanton restored the War Department’s credibility and switched his allegiance to the Republican party. He remained in office after Lincoln’s assassination, but differences with President Andrew Johnson regarding Reconstruction led to a falling out with the new administration. Johnson tried to dismiss Stanton from office, but Congress reinstated him and impeached Johnson for violating the Tenure of Office Act. Stanton resigned in 1868 when Congress failed to remove Johnson from office. President Ulysses S. Grant appointed Stanton to the Supreme Court in 1869, but Stanton died before taking the bench. Benjamin P. Thomas and Harold M. Hyman, Stanton: The Life and Times of Lincoln’s Secretary of War (New York, 1962); DAB, 17:517-521; ANB, 20:558-562.

Rochester[,] N.Y. 17 August 1863.
HON. E. M. STANTON
SEC.Y OF WAR. U. S.
WASHINGTON D. C.
SIR:
In pursuance of your order just received, I shall proceed to Vicksburg on
receipt of transportation, and on my arrival will report to Brig’r General
L Thomas, Adjudant General of the U. S Army—but before leaving home

I should like to know upon what conditions you require me to enter upon
the proposed recruiting service.¹At his 10 August 1863 meeting with President Lincoln and Secretary Stanton, Douglass came away with the understanding that he would receive an officer’s commission and the concomitant rank and salary before he entered the Southern recruiting field. He was hesitant to proceed to the South without the promised commission appointing him assistant adjutant to General Lorenzo Thomas. Blight, Frederick Douglass’ Civil War, 169-70.
Very Respectfully, your Obedt. Ser.t
FREDERICK DOUGLASS.

ALS: Record Group 94, Records of the Adjutant General’s Office, 1762-1984, DNA.