Lorenzo
Thomas
was born in New Castle, Delaware, in 1804. After graduating from West
Point in 1823, he fought in the Seminole War and the Mexican
War where he won a brevet.
Appointed as Chief of Staff under General Winfield
Scott until 7th March, 1861. Appointed Adjutant General on the
outbreak of the American Civil War,
he was put in charge of organizing black
regiments in March, 1863.
In 1867 President Andrew Johnson attempted
to replace his Secretary of War, Edwin M.
Stanton, with Ulysses S. Grant. This
was a violation of the Tenure of Office Act and some members of the
Republican Party began talking about
impeaching Johnson. Stanton refused to go and was supported by the
Senate. Grant now stood down and Thomas agreed to become the new Secretary
of War. This was only a short-term measure and he soon left office.
Lorenzo
Thomas died in 1875.
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