He was a lieutenant of ordnance when Sumter was fired upon and a brigadier-general in the regular army three years later.

He had discharged his military duties with steadiness, intelligence, earnestness and courage.

He was a man of pure character, of deep religious faith, and was somewhat an exception to West-Point graduates in being from the outset thoroughly anti-slavery in his intellectual and moral convictions.

It was the possession of these characteristics which led Secretary Stanton to select General Howard for the important trust.

For his ease and his peace of mind he should have declined the place, as he might well have done, since it was not a military duty to accept.