Was Secretary of War Edwin Stanton Involved in the Assassination of President Abraham Lincoln?

The assassination of President Abraham Lincoln remains one of the most notorious and mysterious events in American history, shrouded in...

Contrary Evidence and the Lack of Provable Claims

Some suggest that Secretary of War Edwin Stanton was involved in the assassination, drawing evidence from various historical accounts and speculative theories. However, a rigorous examination of the available data discredits these claims. There is no proof that Stanton planned Lincoln's assassination, and there never will be.

The Evidence Against Stanton

While many believe Stanton had a hand in the planning, concrete evidence is lacking. Here are a few points of speculation:

Potential Kidnapping Plan: With the help of Sergeant Gleason and Lieutenant Sharp, Louis Weichmann informed Stanton about John Wilkes Booth and others' plans to kidnap Lincoln. However, Stanton did not act on this information, which was unexpected and puzzling. No arrests or interrogations of these individuals were made. Release of Confederate Lieutenant Boyd: Stanton released Confederate Lieutenant James William Boyd from prison. This was to help him locate people who would give food and shelter to escaping Confederate soldiers. Stanton had Lafayette Baker supervise Boyd's activities. This could indicate involvement in undermining any efforts to apprehend conspirators. Advising Against the Play: General Grant accepted Lincoln's invitation to the theatre, but when Stanton heard about it, he advised Grant not to go, citing danger. Stanton questioned why Lincoln did not follow his own advice, considering Lincoln's determination to attend the play. Refusal to Attend the Play: When Lincoln asked Stanton to attend with him, Stanton declined, claiming he had too much work. If Stanton believed attending the theatre was dangerous, it seems contradictory that he would not involve himself in Lincoln's protection. Calamity at the Telegraph Office: After Stanton refused Lincoln's invitation, Lincoln asked Stanton to replace him with a more available person. Stanton refused, citing Thomas Eckert's work schedule. After the assassination, it was discovered that wires in the telegraph office were crossed, preventing communication. Stanton's presence at the critical moment is questionable. Union Light Guard: The Union Light Guard, under Stanton's command, was not on duty the night of the assassination despite their usual deployment. This could raise suspicions about Stanton's intent or involvement. The Password to Cross the Bridge: Booth knew the password to cross the Navy Yard Bridge, a fact that is perplexing if Stanton did not intend for Lincoln to be targeted. Diary and Missing Pages: The diary found on the dead man passed through several hands, including Stanton. He claimed that pages were missing before turning over the diary to the court, raising questions about why he did not notice before. Procedures During Arrest: The conspirators were treated with extreme severity, including tight leather bags, no communication with families or friends, and no regular toilet breaks. These severe measures are unusual, suggesting a level of control that aligns with an involvement. Military Tribunal: The conspirators were tried by a military tribunal with Stanton in control, which raised eyebrows given his potential significance in the events.

Conclusion

The suppositions about Edwin Stanton's involvement in the assassination of President Lincoln hold only historical interest and little investigation hold. With no concrete proof and the likelihood of political cover-up, the claims remain speculative. It is noteworthy, however, that Stanton's actions during and after Lincoln's assassination did not support a clear, positive stance of innocence or guilt but rather added to the intrigue of the historical event.

Tags: Edwin Stanton, Abraham Lincoln, Assassination, Investigation, Conspiracies