The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-08-08
of Grant on this occasion strengthened Stanton's
hold on the President.

bidding him to hold any conference with Lee ex-
cept on purely military matters, and there were
those about him who attributsa what they
thought an implied rebuke, to Stanton's influence
But they were wrong, for Lincoln wrote with
his own hand, and without suggestion. the dis
patch that Stanton forwarded. But even this
produced no ill-feeling between the great pa
triots who felt that each in his sphere was doing
indispensable service to the cause in which they
were alike so interested.
After the war, however, Stanton assumed all
the authority of his Office. When everyone else
was paying conrt to Grant. he showed that he
thought the Secretary of War the superior OF
the general of the army. He gave Grant or
ders, as he had right to do, and always sent
for him when he wished to see him officially.
This may have nettled Grant little, as 1t Ger
tainly did some of his personal friends; but it
never annoyed him as much as it did others.
There was once, indeed, question almost OF
authority. Stanton insisted that all orders
by the General-in- chief should be submitted to
him before they were issued by the Adjutant-
general OF the army. Sometimes he delayed
giving the necessary authorization, but when
Grant protested in writing, the difficulty was
obviated. 1t was an old question, and had arisen
in the days of General Scott it came up again,
or something like it, after Grant had ceased to
be General of the Army. Grant once had a
letter written to the President appealing to him
from Stanton's action in the matter, but he tore
1t up, and there was no rupture or open disagree
ment.
There was always, however, a sort of personal
barrier between them. Grant respected pro-
foundry the services Stanton had rendered the
country. and doubt not the sentiment was re-
ciprocated. But Stanton was austere in man
ner, and apparently cared little for the feelings
of others. He doubtless had his affections and
his intimacies, but Grant was included in neither;
and at times the harshness was extended even
to him, probably without intent perhaps uncon-
sciously. But Grant was in reality one of the
most sensitive of men. He regarded the feel
ings of others carefully, and it was always pain
full to him to inflict pain. Although few sup
posed so, he felt acutely all the censures and at
tacks. and even the Sights Of which he was the
object He said nothing perhaps, when he re-
ceived them, but there was abundant svi
dence which those who were with him
closely could detect. that he was a
thin-skinned man. Therefore these esperi.
ties of Stanton wounded him. He was
in no way elated at his success and his honors,
but he was nevertheless conscious that he had
done good service to the country; he knew that
he occupied a dignifed position before the
world; and the attention ard consideration he
received were far from disagreeable to him
When in the midst of all this one man roughly
asserted or implied superiority, sent for Grant
as he would for lieutenant, or allowed his or
ders as Generalin- Chief TO remain for days un-
approved, Grant was touched, as any other
human being would have been under the cir
cumstances. He did not indeed, resent what he
disliked, for Stanton never transcribed his tech
nicsl rights-though he sometimes approached
the verge-but the recollection remained and
produced a permanent impression. Thus, with
out any absolute variance ever occurring
and while on all important matters the two were
in complete harmony, their personal intercourse
was never familiar, and hardly agreeable. do
not believe either ever enjoyed the others So
ciety. But they were true patriots and earnest
men. The moment a question of duty to the
country or to each other was involved, all this
petty unrevealed sentiment was ignored or tram
pied on. To my mind their behavior to each
ether was finer than if they had been warmly
and personally attached.
must add one remark AS I look back upon
these matters now, with all my partiality for
my personal chief, am convinced that while
Stanton was undoubtedly lacking in delicacy
and perhaps withheld some of the consideration
to which Grant was entitled, he doubtless be-
lisyed that he was asserting an important prin-
ciple-the superiority of the civil over the mill
tary arm, the doctrine that even victorious
general-in-chief is under our institutions, the
subordinate of the executive branch of the gov
eminent
But these were absolutely the only points on
which the soldier and the Secretary had ever
differed. They would DO insignificant If their ef-
feet and Importance had not been unduly magni-
fed. They are mentioned only to be disposed of,
brought forward only TO be brushed away.
Grant had higher respect for the character and
services of none Of lis compatriots than for
Stanton. He had been co-worker with him in
war, and he was now as cordially working with
him in a crisis which both considered as impor-
tant as any through which they had already
passed ADAM BADEAU
Telegram Mr.. Stanton to Mrs Grant
WASHINGTON May 8, 1864.
Mrs. Acknowledgement Grant: Since my last
telegram to you this department has received
dispatches direct from General Grant dated yes
terday at Ii o'clock A. M. He was quite we'll
He says the yesult of the three days fight at Old
Wilderness was decidedly In our favor. He is
now pursuing the rebels to Richmond. I con-
graduate you upon his great achievement
EDWIN NJ STANTON
Telegram.
WASHINGTON, Sept. %, 1864
To Mrs. Northumberland Grant: Sheridan
fought another great battle yesterday and won a
splendid victory. EDWIN N. STANTON,
Secretary of War;
Francis Murphy and His Enemies.
Philadelphia Press.
Mr. Francis Murphy. the temnAranca advocata