Tarbell on Otto Eisenschiml

[JMadonna]

John,
I disagree with your conclusions on the examples you cited. Lincoln made a decision on the first example but Stanton (the better lawyer) found Lincoln's logic faulty. To save Lincoln from making a political mistake he did not follow the order until he could talk with him. That is guts but its also displays loyalty. This happened more than once between the two men but when Lincoln overruled him Stanton always complied.

The second example shows this dynamic. Stanton acted within his powers and gave Lincoln a heads up. When Lincoln disagreed he complied.