US Presidency
1867

To the Senate of the United States: On the 12th of August last I suspended Mr. Stanton from the exercise of the office of Secretary of War, and on the same day designated General Grant to act as Secretary of War ad interim. The following are copies of the Executive orders: EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, August 12, 1867. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. By virtue of the power and authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States, you are hereby suspended from office as Secretary of War, and will cease to exercise any and all functions pertaining to the same. You will at once transfer to General Ulysses S. Grant, who has this day been authorized and empowered to act as Secretary of War ad interim, all records, books, and other property now in your custody and charge. EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, D.C., August 12, 1867. General ULYSSES S. GRANT, Washington, D.: WAR DEPARTMENT, August 12, 1867.