Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1865-05-27
secretary stanton and His Way.

The New York Herald gives the FOL
lowing anecdote of Secretary Stanton,
which accounts in part for the success
of Lieut.. Gen. Grant In succeeding bet
ter with the Army of the Potomac than
his predecessors: - y ~ =
"When Gen. Grant was about to leave
Washington to enter upon the sublime
campaign which, began with the battle
of the Wilderness, and ended with the
downfall of the rebellion, he called upon
Secretary Stanton to say goodbye. The
Secretary was anxiously awaiting him.
During the two-and-a-half years that
President Lincoln had managed the
Eastern armies, it was the first point in
their plans to keep Washington well
gar1soned with troops. Large bodies
of men were stationed in the fortifica-
lions, around the city, and other large
bodies were kept. within supporting dis
lance. Now that Grant had come into
power, Stanton wanted TO see,athat the
defense of Washington was not overlook
ed. Accordingly, after few .prelimina-
ries the Secretary remarked: 4
~"Well, General, 1 suppose you have
left us enough men to strongly garrison
the fofts?" t.f ~ oR&
.'No,'' said Grant coolIy, ST can't do
that. t-se Te COMO +
'::Why not?" cried Stanton. jumping
nervously about. "Whynot? Why not?
D"Because 4 have already sent the men
to the front, replied Grant, calmly.
ssfsThat won't do" cried Stanton more
nervous than before, ''lt's contrary to
my plans. i can't allow it. I'll order
the men back. zaia i 81 }fe a-d1
II shall need the men there" an
swered Grant, 0'.and you can't order
them back" .v- ~
why not?" enquired Stanton again.
"Why not? Why not?b " $ no = 4
81 believe i rank. the Secretary in
this matter" was the. quiet reply.
warmly. '.we'll see the President about
that. I'll have to take you to the Pres
ident.
{ ssrhat's right,5s politely observed
Grant, '.the President ranks us both.
Arrived at the White House, the Gen
eral and the Secretary asked TO see the
President upon important business, and
in few moments the good-natured face
of Ny. Lincoln appeared.
'WelI, gentlemen" said the Presi-
dent, with a genial smile, ''what do you
want with me?" sess
General, said Stanton, stifliy, estate
yourd;ase.' F~zs8f's ~ ~ e
II have no case to state" replied
Gen. Grant; ''I'm satisfied as it is;p
thus outfianking the Secretary, and dis
playing the same strategy in diplomacy
as In war.
I "Well, we'll, said the President.
laughing, Estate your case, Secretary"
Secretary, Stanton obeyed; General
Grant said nothing; the President lis
teLed very attentiyely When Stanton
had concluded, the President crossed
his legs, rested his elbow on his knee,
twinlled his eyes quantity, and said:
'Now, Secretary, you know we have
been trying TO manage this army for
two years and half, and you know we
haven't done much with it. We sent
over the mountains and brought Mister
Grant-as Mrs Grant calls him-to
manage it for us, and now / guess we
had betterflet Mister Grant have his
own way" .. ...-,1 tssf tfs
The good judgment of Mr.. Lincoln,
who, when he found real military
man in whom he had confidence, gave
him the supreme command of the ar.
mics of the United States, refusing to
interfere with him in the smallest par
ticular, has been indicated. Halleck
and Stanton being choked oil. and the
President. confirming himself to his civil
duties, the soldiers performed the work
of destroying the military power of the