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Chapter XIII
Grant in the Cabinet.
it was August when
Grant entered the
Cabinet, and he remained there only until January.
The President of course was aware of the views of his new
Secretary of War.
He had
Grant's protest before him against the suspension of
Stanton; he had the knowledge of all
Grant's previous acts and could hardly have doubted what his subsequent course would be. But if he had any doubts they were soon dispelled.
Within five days after
Grant became
Secretary,
Sheridan was removed, and in his new capacity
Grant objected more emphatically than ever.
He was overruled, but he did not cease his efforts to perform what he believed his duty; and his whole term of service in the
Cabinet was marked by disputes and differences with the
President.
Nevertheless, the storm of indignation that burst from the mass of the people at the
North on the supersedure of
Stanton and
Sheridan extended in some degree to
Grant, when he was seen to take
Stanton's place.
Some of his stanchest personal friends regretted his course, while politicians openly proclaimed that it indicated sympathy with
Johnson's policy.
Grant remained silent under the unmerited reproach and continued, as far as he was able, to carry out the will of those who thought he was opposing them.
He made strenuous efforts to induce the
President to retain the other District Commanders at their posts, but
Sickles was soon relieved by
Canby, and
Pope by
Meade; both for the same political reasons which had brought about the
