It was therefore an almost equal surprise to the country that General Grant should call Mr.Fish from his retirement, and that Mr.
Fish, at sixty years of age, should again be willing to enter the political field.

His career as Secretary of State was fruitful in good works.

He was throughout the eight years of his service devoted to his official duties, and it was his good fortune to be connected with public events of exceptional importance.

He brought great strength to the Cabinet of General Grant, and added in many ways to the prestige and power of the administration.
The changes in the Cabinet continued.

Immediately after Mr.
Washburne's resignation as Secretary of State, General Schofield retired from the War Department, and was succeeded by General John A.
Rawlins, who had been chief of staff to General Grant during some of his most important campaigns.