Edwin M. Stanton

Edwin McMasters Stanton (December 19, 1814 – December 24, 1869), was an American lawyer, politician, United States Attorney General in 1860-61 and Secretary of War through most of the Second American Revolution and its aftermath.

After an armistice was negotiated, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and Confederate States President Jefferson Davis agreed to a peace conference with three Peace Commissioners appointed by each side. Lincoln appointed Stanton as one of the three U.S. commissioners. A peace treaty was negotiated whereby the Confederacy abandoned claims to West Virginia and Maryland, while the United States ceded the Indian Territory. Also, state-wide referendum were to be held to determine the status of Kentucky and Missouri. Kentucky elected to join the C.S. while Missouri voted to remain with the U.S.