Was Stanton a murder target?

[PaigeBooth]

In addition to Major Knox's testimony there was also another witness, John Hatter, who testified to having spoken with O'Laughlen at Stanton's home on April 13th.

I do not believe Stanton was ever a murder target. In fact, I find it likely that O'Laughlen wasn't even there to see Stanton in particular. It seems to me as though O'Laughlen wanted something, but not any specific person because:

O'Laughlen visited Stanton's home twice on the night of April 13th. During his first visit, he asked to speak with General Grant. During his second visit, he asked to speak with Stanton. It was during this second visit that he spoke with Major Knox and inquired about Stanton. And during O'Laughlen's first visit, which occurred earlier that evening, around 9pm, he spoke with John Hatter. Hatter too, later testified at the trial that O'Laughlen asked him if General Grant was in, and Hatter told O'Laughlen that this was not the time to see Grant.

We may never know exactly what O'Laughlen wanted to accomplish that night at Stanton's home. But it does appear clear that he did not have a preference as to whether he spoke to Grant or Stanton.