_Washington, D.C., February 21, 1868_.
Brevet Major-General LORENZO THOMAS,
_Adjutant-General United States Army, Washington, D.C._
SIR: The Hon. Edwin M. Stanton having been this day removed from office
as Secretary for the Department of War, you are hereby authorized and
empowered to act as Secretary of War _ad interim_, and will immediately
enter upon the discharge of the duties pertaining to that office.
Mr. Stanton has been instructed to transfer to you all the records,
books, papers, and other public property now in his custody and charge.
Respectfully, yours,