Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Character

Edwin M. Stanton

The Secretary of War whose Washington presence shadows Grant's campaigns, the civilian authority weighing every telegram from the front.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Stanton, Secretary Stanton, Hon. E. M. Stanton

First appearance: i

As a supporting figure in Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant, Edwin M. Stanton is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Secretary of War; mentioned in the context of instructions regarding the employment of freedmen.

In the storyThe Campaign Against VicksburgOpen this moment free

Stanton sits at the center of Union war administration, the man through whom Grant's requests for troops, transports, and reinforcements must pass. Grant writes to him and around him, negotiating the distance between field command and political oversight. His influence shapes how the war is supplied and sustained, and his relationship with Grant becomes one of the quiet pressures behind every major campaign.

See Edwin M. Stanton in The Campaign Against Vicksburg Book page

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Character Web

20 connections

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Character groups

Political Leadership
Grant's Inner Circle
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Grant’s severe sick headache—a physical manifestation of immense psychological strain—reaches its peak just as…

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In the story

Edwin M. Stanton appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Campaign Against Vicksburg
Secretary of War; mentioned in the context of instructions regarding the employment of freedmen.
First Meeting with Secretary Stanton—General Rosecrans—Commanding Military Division of Mississippi—Andrew Johnson’s Address—Arrival at Chattanooga
Secretary of War; meets Grant in Indianapolis and travels with him to Louisville, delivers orders creating the Military Division of Mississippi.
The Relief of Knoxville
Stanton is criticized for withholding Grant's orders and temporarily usurping his authority as General-in-Chief, though he later apologizes.
XLVI
Cautions Grant against sharing plans with the President; later offers Buell an assignment.
Chapter LVII
Objects to Sheridan's appointment due to his youth.
LXI: Expedition Against Fort Fisher
Secretary of War; arrives after the fort's fall and promotes officers for gallantry.
LXVII: Negotiations at Appomattox
Secretary of War; Grant telegraphs him with news of the surrender.
LXIX
Secretary of War; denounces Sherman's terms and orders Grant to take charge in North Carolina.
The End of the War — The March to Washington — One of Lincoln’s Anecdotes — Grand Review at Washington — Characteristics of Lincoln and Stanton — Estimate of the Different Corps Commanders
Characterized as timid, interfering, and assuming executive functions; contrasted with Lincoln's trustfulness.
Conclusion
Mentioned as Secretary of War in discussions about Mexico.
Report of Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant, of the United States Armies 1864–65
Secretary of War; recipient of Grant's official report.
Endnotes
Secretary of War; recipient of Grant's recommendation for promotions.

Chapter companion notes

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See Edwin M. Stanton in The Campaign Against Vicksburg