He supported General Grant for the Presidency and made one or two important public speeches in aid of his election.

On the 20th of December, 1869, he was appointed by President Grant an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

For many years of his eminent professional life this high judicial position was the one ambition which Mr.Stanton had cherished.

But its realization came too late.

His prolonged labors, his anxieties and his disappointments had done their work, and on the 24th of December, five days after he had completed his fifty-fifth year, he sank to his grave, after herculean labors for the safety and honor of his country.
General John M.Schofield was nominated by the President as Mr.
Stanton's successor and was confirmed by the Senate.