I went up to the Secretary of War, showed him the telegraphic correspondence, and pointed out the existing law in the Revised Statutes.

General Belknap was visibly taken aback, and explained that he had supposed the right of appointment rested with him, that Ward was an old rebel Democrat, etc.; whereas Ward had been in fact the sutler of Fort Laramie, a United States military post, throughout the civil war.

I told him that I should revoke his orders, and leave the matter where it belonged, to the local council of administration and commanding officers.

Ward was unanimously reelected and reinstated.

He remained the trader of the post until Congress repealed the law, and gave back the power of appointment to the Secretary of War, when of course he had to go.