Ulysses S Grants Cabinet

Ulysses S. Grant’s Cabinet

Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States (1869–1877), presided over a nation grappling with the challenges of Reconstruction following the Civil War. As a former Union general, Grant entered the presidency with immense popularity and the promise of uniting the country while ensuring the rights of newly freed African Americans. Ulysses S. Grant’s cabinet, composed of prominent political and military figures, played a significant role in shaping and executing his administration’s policies. However, Grant’s presidency was also marked by scandals and controversies that tarnished its achievements.

The Role of Ulysses S. Grant’s Cabinet

Grant’s cabinet was tasked with addressing critical issues such as Reconstruction, economic policy, civil rights, and foreign relations during a period of intense political and social transformation. The cabinet reflected Grant’s commitment to implementing Reconstruction policies, though internal conflicts and controversies often hindered its effectiveness. Despite its challenges, the cabinet made significant contributions to the nation’s recovery and progress.

Cabinet Positions and Members

Secretary of State

The Secretary of State oversees foreign relations and advises the president on international affairs.

  • Elihu B. Washburne (5 Mar 1869 – 16 Mar 1869): Washburne served briefly before being appointed as Minister to France, where he played a significant role during the Franco-Prussian War.
  • Hamilton Fish (17 Mar 1869 – 12 Mar 1877): Fish was a stabilizing force in Grant’s administration, known for his diplomatic skill and integrity. He successfully resolved the Alabama Claims with Britain through the Treaty of Washington (1871), a landmark in international arbitration (Brands, 2012).

Secretary of the Treasury

The Secretary of the Treasury oversees federal finances and economic policy.

  • George S. Boutwell (11 Mar 1869 – 17 Mar 1873): Boutwell focused on reducing the national debt and implementing policies to stabilize the post-war economy.
  • William A. Richardson (17 Mar 1873 – 3 Jun 1874): Richardson’s tenure was marred by the “Salary Grab Act” and controversies surrounding the administration of internal revenue.
  • Benjamin H. Bristow (3 Jun 1874 – 21 Jun 1876): Bristow is best known for his efforts to combat corruption, particularly his role in exposing the Whiskey Ring scandal.
  • Lot M. Morrill (7 Jul 1876 – 4 Mar 1877): Morrill worked to restore public trust in the Treasury following the scandals of previous years (McFeely, 1981).

Secretary of War

The Secretary of War manages military affairs, including Reconstruction policies in the South.

  • John A. Rawlins (11 Mar 1869 – 6 Sep 1869): Rawlins, a close ally of Grant, died shortly after taking office.
  • William W. Belknap (25 Oct 1869 – 2 Mar 1876): Belknap’s tenure ended in scandal when he was impeached for accepting bribes in exchange for appointing trading post agents in Native American territories.
  • Alphonso Taft (8 May 1876 – 22 May 1876): Taft briefly served as Secretary of War before being appointed as Attorney General.
  • James D. Cameron (22 May 1876 – 4 Mar 1877): Cameron managed military operations during the waning years of Reconstruction (Simpson, 2000).

Attorney General

The Attorney General provides legal counsel to the president and executive departments.

  • Ebenezer R. Hoar (5 Mar 1869 – 15 Jun 1870): Hoar played a key role in judicial appointments and supported civil rights enforcement.
  • Amos T. Akerman (23 Nov 1870 – 13 Dec 1871): Akerman was a strong advocate for civil rights, vigorously prosecuting cases against the Ku Klux Klan.
  • George H. Williams (14 Dec 1871 – 15 Apr 1875): Williams focused on legal matters related to Reconstruction, though his nomination for Chief Justice was rejected by the Senate.
  • Edwards Pierrepont (15 Apr 1875 – 22 May 1876): Pierrepont worked to address legal issues stemming from government corruption.
  • Alphonso Taft (22 May 1876 – 4 Mar 1877): Taft concluded Grant’s second term as Attorney General, emphasizing legal reform (Brands, 2012).

Secretary of the Navy

The Secretary of the Navy oversees naval operations and maritime security.

  • Adolph E. Borie (5 Mar 1869 – 25 Jun 1869): Borie resigned after a brief tenure, citing health reasons.
  • George M. Robeson (25 Jun 1869 – 4 Mar 1877): Robeson expanded the Navy and implemented modernization initiatives but faced allegations of financial improprieties (McFeely, 1981).

Postmaster General

The Postmaster General manages the nation’s postal service.

  • John A. J. Creswell (5 Mar 1869 – 4 Jul 1874): Creswell reformed the postal system, improving efficiency and expanding services to underserved areas.
  • James W. Marshall (7 Jul 1874 – 3 Aug 1874): Marshall served briefly as acting Postmaster General.
  • Marshall Jewell (4 Aug 1874 – 25 Jul 1876): Jewell implemented further reforms and addressed corruption within the postal service.
  • James N. Tyner (12 Jul 1876 – 4 Mar 1877): Tyner managed the postal system during the administration’s final months (Simpson, 2000).

Secretary of the Interior

The Secretary of the Interior oversees domestic affairs, including Native American relations and land management.

  • Jacob D. Cox (5 Mar 1869 – 1 Nov 1870): Cox advocated for civil service reform and Native American rights but resigned due to disagreements with Grant.
  • Columbus Delano (1 Nov 1870 – 15 Oct 1875): Delano’s tenure was marked by allegations of corruption and inefficiency.
  • Zachariah Chandler (19 Oct 1875 – 4 Mar 1877): Chandler worked to restore integrity to the Interior Department and supported policies promoting western expansion (White, 2009).

Key Issues and Contributions

Reconstruction and Civil Rights

Reconstruction was a central focus of Grant’s presidency, and his cabinet played a crucial role in enforcing federal policies in the South. Akerman’s vigorous prosecution of the Ku Klux Klan under the Enforcement Acts was a notable achievement in protecting African American rights. However, the waning support for Reconstruction during Grant’s second term limited the administration’s ability to sustain these efforts (Simpson, 2000).

Economic Stabilization

Boutwell’s fiscal policies reduced the national debt and stabilized the economy in the post-war years. Bristow’s efforts to combat corruption, particularly in the Treasury Department, reflected Grant’s commitment to restoring public trust despite the scandals that plagued his administration (McFeely, 1981).

Foreign Relations

Under Fish’s leadership, the Treaty of Washington resolved long-standing disputes with Britain, marking a significant diplomatic success. Fish also navigated challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean, reflecting the administration’s broader focus on international stability (Brands, 2012).

Government Corruption

Grant’s presidency was marred by scandals, including the Whiskey Ring and the Belknap bribery case. While figures like Bristow and Taft sought to address these issues, the controversies overshadowed many of the administration’s achievements (White, 2009).

Native American Policy

The Interior Department, under Delano and Chandler, struggled to implement effective policies for managing Native American relations. Corruption and mismanagement hindered efforts to support Native American communities and promote equitable land policies (Simpson, 2000).

Challenges Within the Cabinet

Ulysses S. Grant’s cabinet faced significant challenges, including internal conflicts, scandals, and public criticism. The frequent turnover in key positions, such as Secretary of the Treasury and Secretary of War, reflected the administration’s struggles to maintain stability. Despite these issues, some members, such as Fish and Bristow, emerged as effective leaders who upheld the administration’s goals.

Legacy of Ulysses S. Grant’s Cabinet

Grant’s cabinet left a complex legacy, reflecting both the achievements and shortcomings of his presidency. Key contributions include:

  1. Civil Rights Enforcement: The cabinet’s efforts to combat the Ku Klux Klan and protect African American rights represented a significant, though ultimately incomplete, commitment to Reconstruction.
  2. Economic Stabilization: Fiscal policies reduced the national debt and established a foundation for economic growth.
  3. Diplomatic Successes: The Treaty of Washington and other diplomatic achievements under Fish strengthened U.S. foreign relations.
  4. Government Reform: Bristow and others worked to address corruption, though scandals undermined public confidence.
  5. Naval Modernization: Robeson’s initiatives expanded and modernized the Navy, ensuring its readiness for future challenges.

Final Summary

Ulysses S. Grant’s cabinet, composed of figures like Hamilton Fish, Benjamin H. Bristow, and Edwin M. Stanton, played a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of Reconstruction and post-war governance. While the administration achieved significant successes in civil rights, economic policy, and diplomacy, its legacy was tarnished by scandals and controversies. To learn more about Ulysses S. Grant, please visit his presidential page.

References

Brands, H. W. (2012). The Man Who Saved the Union: Ulysses Grant in War and Peace. New York: Doubleday.

McFeely, W. S. (1981). Grant: A Biography. New York: W.W. Norton.

Simpson, B. D. (2000). Ulysses S. Grant: Triumph over Adversity, 1822–1885. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

White, R. (2009). The Republic for Which It Stands: The United States During Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, 1865–1896. New York: Oxford University Press.

Wilentz, S. (2005). The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln. New York: W.W. Norton.