Senate confirms President Lincoln’s choice of Edwin Stanton to be Secretary of War 160 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Jan 15 1862)

1860s, American Civil War, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'Ken.Burns.The.Civil.War.2of9.A.Very.Bloody.Affair.' (Stanton confirmed to replace Cameron at 9:40)

(Wednesday, January 15, 1862; during the American Civil War) — U.S. Senate confirmed President Abraham Lincoln’s choice of Edwin M. Stanton to be the new Secretary of War, replacing Simon Cameron.

Stanton would take office on Monday, Jan. 20, 1862. His management helped organize the massive military resources of the North and guide the Union to victory in the American Civil War. However, he was criticized by many Union generals, who perceived him as overcautious and micromanaging.