18. _The mode of voting_ is provided in the act to be _by ballot_. The board will keep a record and poll book of the election, showing the votes, list of voters, and the persons elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the election, and make returns of these to the commanding general of the district. 19. The board appointed for registration and for superintending the elections must take the oath prescribed by the act of Congress approved July 2, 1862, entitled "An act to prescribe an oath of office." By order of the President: E.D. TOWNSEND, _Assistant Adjutant-General_. EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, August 12, 1867_, Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, _Secretary of War_. SIR: By virtue of the power and authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States, you are hereby suspended from office as Secretary of War, and will cease to exercise any and all functions pertaining to the same. You will at once transfer to General Ulysses S. Grant, who has this day been authorized and empowered to act as Secretary of War _ad interim_, all records, books, and other property now in your custody and charge. ANDREW JOHNSON. EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, D.C., August 12, 1867_. General ULYSSES S. GRANT, _Washington, D.C._ SIR: The Hon. Edwin M. Stanton having been this day suspended as Secretary of War, you are hereby authorized and empowered to act as Secretary of War _ad interim_, and will at once enter upon the discharge of the duties of the office. The Secretary of War has been instructed to transfer to you all the records, books, papers, and other public property now in his custody and charge. ANDREW JOHNSON. EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, D.C., August 17, 1867_. Major-General George H. Thomas is hereby assigned to the command of the Fifth Military District, created by the act of Congress passed on the 2d day of March, 1867. Major-General P.H. Sheridan is hereby assigned to the command of the Department of the Missouri. Major-General Winfield S. Hancock is hereby assigned to the command of the Department of the Cumberland. The Secretary of War _ad interim_ will give the necessary instructions to carry this order into effect. ANDREW JOHNSON. EXECUTIVE MANSION, _Washington, D.C., August 26, 1867_. General U.S. GRANT, _Secretary of War ad interim_.