He did not think that he had been treated with the same courtesy which he had shown to Mr.Stanton when he succeeded him the preceding August.

In fact, he had not expected, nor did he desire, the restoration of Mr.Stanton, and but for differences that arose between him and the President might have used his influence against Mr.
Stanton's remaining.

He had indeed warmly seconded a suggestion of General Sherman (who was then in Washington), made the day after Mr.
Stanton's restoration, that the President should immediately nominate Governor Cox of Ohio for Secretary of War.
The President did not accept the suggestion respecting the name of Governor Cox.

His chief purpose was to get rid of Mr.Stanton, and he did not believe the Senate would consent in any event to his removal.
He expressed surprise that General Grant did not hold the office until the question of Mr.Stanton's Constitutional right to resume it could be judicially tested.

A heated controversy ensued a fortnight later on this point, leading to the exchange of angry letters between the President and General Grant.