Cameron's reputation for corruption was so bad that Thaddeus Stevens a Pennsylvania congressman, called Cameron a thief during a discussion with Lincoln.[20] But, he added, "I don't think he would steal a red-hot stove".[20] On hearing this, Cameron demanded Stevens take back what he said.[20] Stevens told Lincoln, "I believe I told you he would not steal a red-hot stove. I now take that back."[20] Cameron was Secretary of War for the first year, then he resigned.[21] He could not agree with allowing former black slaves to fight as Union soldiers.[21] He was replaced by his own legaladvisor, Edwin Stanton.[21]
In 1860, no one expected any armed conflict would come from the Southern statessecession from the Union.[25] Or, if it did, it would be brief and mostly for show purposes. Southerners did not believe the North would mobilize an army against them. Then, as it became apparent that it would become a military confrontation, both sides believed it would not last very long.[25] In 1861, when the Union Army entered the First Battle of Bull Run, they thought a quick victory would bring an end to the war.[25] After the Union loss at Bull Run, the Confederates thought the Union would simply give up the idea re-uniting the North and South.[25] Both were wrong.[25]
