Lincoln & Stanton

[Laurie Verge]

I have used the wedding invitation example and the Stanton photo displayed by RTL many times in disputing visitors' and researchers' claims at Surratt House that Stanton was the mastermind behind the assassination. Even the chairman of the citizens' committee that fought to save and restore the site believed the tales that Eisenschiml told.

I have a tender spot in my heart for both Mrs. Lincoln and Mr. Stanton. I think many historians have overplayed their eccentricities.

[Julianna]

I hope this is not too off-topic for this thread, but I am wondering if anyone has information about whether Stanton employed any Black men in the War Department? I know that Lincoln had several Black servants in the White House, including messenger William Slade, with whom he and Mary were quite close.
Was Stanton able (and willing) to hire any Black men to his office, as messengers and clerks, or even ciphers?

[Gene C]

Julianna, that's a good question.
I don't recall reading anything about Stanton that would answer your question one way or another.

This article from the National Archives may be of some help. It doesn't address your specific question, it's focus is on the army soldiers.
https://www.archives.gov/education/lesso...20disease.