Wherever it was possible, Lincoln gave Stanton his own way, and did not oppose him.  But there were occasions when, in a phrase used by Lincoln long before, it was “necessary to put the foot down firmly.”  Such an occasion is described by General J.B.  Fry, Provost Marshal of the United States during the war.  An enlistment agent had applied to the President to have certain credits of troops made to his county, and the President promised him it should be done.  The agent then went to Secretary Stanton, who flatly refused to allow the credits as described.  The agent returned to the President, who reiterated the order, but again without effect.  Lincoln then went in person to Stanton’s office.  General Fry was called in by Stanton to state the facts in the case.  After he concluded, Stanton remarked that Lincoln must see, in view of such facts, that his order could not be executed.  What followed is thus related by General Fry:  “Lincoln sat upon a sofa, with his legs crossed, and did not say a word until the Secretary’s last remark.  Then he said, in a somewhat positive tone, ’Mr. Secretary, I reckon you’ll have to execute the order.’  Stanton replied, with asperity, ’Mr. President, I cannot do it.  The order is an improper one, and I cannot execute it.’  Lincoln fixed his eye upon Stanton, and in a firm voice and with an accent that clearly showed his determination, he said, ’Mr. Secretary, it will have to be done.’  Stanton then realized that he was overmatched.  He had made a square issue with the President, and had been defeated.  Upon an intimation from him, I withdrew, and did not witness his surrender.  A few minutes after I reached my office I received instructions from the Secretary to carry out the President’s order.”

Vice-President Wheeler relates a characteristic incident illustrating the relations between Lincoln and Stanton.  The President had promised Mr. Wheeler an appointment for an old friend as army paymaster, stating that the Secretary of War would instruct the gentleman to report for duty.  Hearing nothing further from the matter, Mr. Wheeler at length called upon the Secretary and reminded him of the appointment.  Mr. Stanton denied all knowledge of the matter, but stated, in his brusque manner, that the name would be sent in, with hundreds of others, to the Senate for its consideration.  Mr. Wheeler argued that his friend had been appointed by the Commander-in-chief of the Army, and that it was unjust to ask him to wait for the tardy action of the Senate upon the nomination, and that he was entitled to be mustered in at once.  But all in vain; the only reply that could be got from the iron Secretary was, “You have my answer; no argument.”  Mr. Wheeler went to the chief clerk of the department, and asked for the President’s letter directing the appointment.  Receiving it, he proceeded to the White House, although it was after executive hours.  “I can see Mr. Lincoln now,” says Mr. Wheeler, “as he looked