New Union Secretary of War

Simon Cameron

On January 11, 1862, Simon Cameron resigned as the Union Secretary of War. He had been a political appointee to reward him for helping Lincoln get elected, and he was famous for his corruption. As the story goes one congressman emphasized this to Lincoln by saying, “I don't think he would steal a red hot stove.” When Cameron protested and demanded he retract his statement, the congressman said, “I believe I told you he would not steal a red hot stove. I will now take that back.” He resigned 150 years ago today because of his known corruption and inability to organize the logistics of the army. Lincoln replaced him with Edwin Stanton, who although he did not always work well with Lincoln, was competent and a good organizer.

Edwin M. Stanton