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Edwin McMasters Stanton (1814–1869)
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With the war costing the federal government a million
dollars a day, Edwin M. Stanton proved ideal for
the vital cabinet post of secretary of war. In January
1862, he replaced the inefficient and politically
motivated Simon Cameron, who left the department
mired in waste and scandal. Immediately, Stanton
brought about an effective reorganization, establishing
strict procedures for negotiating war contracts
and vigorously investigating fraudulent ones. Although
many officials in Washington found Stanton irascible
and arrogant, he maintained good relations with
generals in the field, and Lincoln grew to rely
upon his precision and vigor in administering the
war effort. |
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Henry Ulke (1821–1910)
Oil on canvas, not dated
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
Transfer from the National Museum of American
Art; gift of Miss Sophy Stanton to the Smithsonian
Institution, 1923
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