Description:

Edwin Stanton
Washington, DC, September 10, 1862
Edwin Stanton on Lincoln, Resignation Rumors, & Power of the War Dept. "In all civil wars… the elements of society are stirred up from their lowest deep"
ALS

A historically significant letter signed "Edwin M. Stanton" as Secretary of War, addressed to notable New York lawyer Edwards Pierrepont. 3pp of a bifolium, 8" x 10", Washington, D.C., September 10, 1862. Docketed as "Private" at top left and written relatively early in his tenure as Secretary of War. Within, Stanton comments on the President's stalwart attitude toward the ongoing rebellion and the morally complex duties currently facing the War Department. Accompanied by its original transmittal envelope addressed and franked by Stanton, postmarked September 11, 1862. Exhibits expected letter folds with light age toning and scattered soiling throughout. Envelope shows general weathering and isolated staining at far right. Near fine overall with fantastic contents.

Reading in part:
"Your note to me and also the one addressed to the President have been duly received. For your kindness, confidence and manly support accept my thanks.
The note for the Prest. I shall not present nor have it presented; for upon any other tenure than his own judgement I would not remain a minute. He has never given the slightest sign of any disposition for a change, and never at any period of our official intercourse manifested a greater degree of confidence and earnest good will than during the past two weeks. The stories of resignation are 'weak devices'. I am growing weary of the labor and want rest, but shall not seek it in the face of the enemy & while deeply regretting the adverse condition of our military affairs I am not cast down and do not halt one jot of heart a hope in overcoming this rebellion.
In all civil wars the success of arms fluctuates, and the elements of society are stirred up from their lowest deep. All the phases of republican government are to be tried and proved in their contest. He who serves his country must expect hostile interests to rage against him, and even as good patriots as himself are wise and patriotic men to take different views of administration and conduct. I am therefore neither surprised nor grieved by any manifestation of doubt or hostility…
The vast power of the War Department is necessarily exercised though agents and subordinates, and much necessarily be often misapplied either willfully or ignorantly by those to whom it is entrusted, and complaints just or unjust will follow… You know the old Spanish proverb says 'No man is as good as his friends think him, not so bad as his enemies speak of him.' I have received more commendation than I deserved and taking all the abuse the account will be about square.
…Of public affairs the papers tell everything and a good deal more. In respect to the War Committees and the like, they are innocent safety valves by which the patriotic effervescence works off without damage to any one… I have no apprehension that the 'settled order of the state' will be much disturbed by them."

Stanton came into office as Secretary of War on January 20, 1862, and soon after replaced George McClellan as General-in-Chief that March. The tenure of Stanton's predecessor, Simon Cameron, was noted for both its allegations of corruption and lax management during the outbreak of Civil War. Indeed, the slightly defensive tone of this letter suggests his struggle break from this precedent and rehabilitate the public's opinion on the War Department. In this capacity, Stanton's management helped to efficiently organize the Union's military resources, eventually guiding them to victory. He would be often criticized by other Union leaders, however, who perceived him as overcautious and a micromanager.

Edwards Pierrepont (1817-1892) was an American attorney from New York. A member of the Democratic party prior to 1868, he nonetheless supported the Lincoln administration throughout the Civil War. Later in 1867, Pierrepont notably acted as head prosecutor in the case of John Surratt, the last co-conspirator in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln to be tried in court. Switching allegiance to the Republican party as a supporter of U.S. Grant in the election of 1868, he would later serve as Attorney General from 1875 to 1876.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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