IMPORTANT FROM WASHINGTON: The Nomination of Mr. Stanton as Secretary of War Unanimously Confirmed; Mr. Cameron’s Nomination to Russia Held Over for Consideration (01/16/1862)

New York Times archives – Times Machine ^ | 1/16/1862

[Homer_J_Simpson]

WASHINGTON, Wednesday, Jan. 15.

The Senate in Executive session to-day, unanimously confirmed the nomination of Mr. STANTON as Secretary of War. He will enter upon the discharge of his duties on Saturday.

The President stated to-day that Gen. MCCLELLAN knew nothing of STANTON's appointment till it was made.

The nomination of Mr. CAMERON as Minister to Russia was not confirmed, but laid over for further consideration.

It is doubtless true that Adjt.-Gen. THOMAS will soon vacate his place. The reasons for this change are obvious and inexorable. There is deeper and more general hostility to him than to any other officer in the army, not excepting Gen. STONE. Gen. SETH WILLIAMS, a popular officer and most indefatigable working man, is named as the probable successor.

It is the purpose of the President and Gen. MCCLELLAN to popularize the army, and challenge the nation's confidence by adopting salutary improvements in its organization.

Gen. MCCLELLAN was, to-day, before the Joint Committee on the conduct of the war. For three hours, they listened to a patient and candid account of his operations in the responsible office to which he was so suddenly, and without his knowledge or procurement, summoned by the President and by the nation's voice. The difficulties of his position; the embarrassments of questions arising; the amount of labor to be done; the ferocity and strength of the rebellion he has to vanquish -- were grouped together in a manner so effective, as to win a sympathy from members who had imbibed prejudices against him; and the modest and steady assurance he manifested of an early and utter overthrow of the rebels gave confidence in his capacity and generalship, that had not before existed.

Gen. BUTLER was also before the Committee to-day.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

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To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.

Link to previous New York Times thread

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4029765/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

Important from Washington: The Nomination of Mr. Stanton as Secretary of War Unanimously Confirmed – 2
The Mississippi Expedition: The Advance under Gen. McClernand at Mayfield – 2
Suicide of Gen. Cocke – 2
The Thousandth Year of the Russian Empire – 2-3
The Story of a Contraband: Interesting Lecture by an Escaped Slave from Fortress Monroe – 3
The Horse Market – 3
Editorial: The Burnside Expedition – 3-4
Texas – 4
A Complicated Forgery Case – 4

[MustKnowHistory]

Thanks again!

[Terry L Smith]

what was the reason that the US government went away from ‘the war department’, to ‘the department of defense’?

i see more levels of desk sitting waiting for retirement generals, and the highest they can go colonels, and so many useless offices.

we went from ‘the secretary of war’ to ‘the joint chiefs of defense’. clusterbucks, all!

[MustKnowHistory]

I was under the impression this name change was after WWII in order to appear less bellicose.

[MustKnowHistory]

But I personally am fine with bellicose.

[cuz1961]

Your cw posts are a valuable lesson to us all.

From this

“
as to win a sympathy from members who had imbibed prejudices against him; and the modest and steady assurance he manifested of an early and utter overthrow of the rebels gave confidence in his capacity and generalship, that had not before existed.”

I see that the press has always been lying scum.

MCCLELLAN was a complete an utter failure and im confident the whole country knew that.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

It says in Wikipedia that the War Dept split into Army, Navy and Air Force Departments in 1947, which were combined into the Defense Department in 1949.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_War

[Homer_J_Simpson]

My pleasure, Mr. S.