What honor was Edwin Stanton almost bestowed before his death?

What honor was Edwin Stanton almost bestowed before his death?

• A. To become Attorney General
• B. To join the Supreme Court
• C. To become Vice President
• D. To be named Secretary of War

Answer: (B)

Edwin Stanton’s stature as a lawyer and statesman made the prospect of a seat on the Supreme Court a real possibility in conversations at the time. Being named to the Supreme Court would have been the highest professional honor for a legal mind and would have marked a dramatic leap from his role as Secretary of War. He died before any nomination could be finalized, so he never actually served on the Court. That’s why the idea of him being chosen to join the Supreme Court is the correct answer. He did not move into the other roles listed, and his notable position during his life was Secretary of War.

Edwin Stanton’s stature as a lawyer and statesman made the prospect of a seat on the Supreme Court a real possibility in conversations at the time. Being named to the Supreme Court would have been the highest professional honor for a legal mind and would have marked a dramatic leap from his role as Secretary of War. He died before any nomination could be finalized, so he never actually served on the Court. That’s why the idea of him being chosen to join the Supreme Court is the correct answer. He did not move into the other roles listed, and his notable position during his life was Secretary of War.