Stanton, Edwin McMasters (1814-1869) [Envelope addressed to Major Vincent]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02256 Author/Creator: Stanton, Edwin McMasters (1814-1869) Place Written: [Washington, D.C.] Type: Envelope Date: ca. 16 April 1865 Pagination: 1 envelope ; 9 x 15 cm. Order a Copy
A free franked envelope (War Department stationery) signed as Secretary of War, allowing the bearer, Major Vincent, to see the Board of Inquiry into Lincoln's assassination.
Edwin M. Stanton was Secretary of War from 1862-1868 under Abraham Lincoln. After Lincoln's assassination, he continued his position under President Andrew Johnson. Impeachment charges were brought against President Johnson for his dismissal of Stanton. When the charges failed, Stanton resigned. He was then appointed associate justice but died before taking his seat in the Supreme Court.
War Department.
Official Business.
E M Stanton
Secretary of War
Major Vincent
A DEATH BED WITNESS
BOARD OF INQUIRY INTO LINCOLN'S DEATH.
[illegible phrase]
Edwin [illegible] Stanton
[written on the left margin]
Let the bearer appear before the Board
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