He had an unexceptional record as a soldier, was a man of spotless personal character, and possessed of sound judgment and discretion.

His ability for civil administration had been tested and satisfactorily demonstrated during his command of the District of Virginia in the period of reconstruction, and also in a certain degree during the war when Mr.Lincoln entrusted to him the difficult task of preserving loyal ascendency in Missouri.

He took charge of the War Department at a difficult and critical time, but his administration of it was in all respects successful and received the commendation of fair-minded men in all parties.
Immediately after his acquittal the President renominated Mr.Stanbery for Attorney-General.

The Senate, in a spirit of resentment not altogether praiseworthy or intelligible, rejected him.

It was rumored that Mr.Stanbery's previous course as Attorney-general "in construing the Reconstruction Acts" had given offense to certain senators.