Secretary of War Edwin M Stanton had…

Secretary of War Edwin M Stanton had played a leading role in the investigation and trial of the conspirators after Lincoln's assassination, and for a short time he had virtually directed the conduct of government in the stricken capital.

He has agreed to continue in his post under Andrew Johnson and skillfully manages the demobilization of Union forces.

The Congressional Radical Republicans, who favor severe measures toward the defeated yet largely impenitent South, had at first welcomed Johnson as president, but Johnson had quickly indicated his intention to pursue Lincoln's lenient Reconstruction policies.

He issues a proclamation of amnesty on May 29, granting pardons to Confederates upon taking an oath of allegiance, and proceeds to organize provisional governments for Southern states on the condition of their abolition of slavery and repudiation of state war debts.