His administration occurred during the trying time of the War of the Outbreak, and he believed that negotiation and not gunpowder was demanded to settle the disturbance. He was strongly opposed by the military department, and not until he carried his views directly to President Lincoln, in the spring of 1865, was he able to get a respectful hearing. President Lincoln at once agreed to the views advanced by Governor Edmunds, and assisted in putting them forward. The result was the end of the war within a few months. When Governor Edmunds came into office, it was the practice to grant divorces by act of the legislature. He vetoed all divorce bills and put a stop to the scandalous practice. He had the utmost faith in Dakota, even in its darkest days, and did much to assist and encourage the settlers in building up homes, and establishing themselves in farming and stock growing.
Andrew J. Faulk, a Pennsylvanian, followed Governor Edmunds (1866), and held the office during the administration of President Andrew Johnson. He was a gentleman of culture and great affability. There was little to demand a particular executive policy during his administration, but his conduct was marked by wisdom and honesty.
John A. Burbank, of Indiana, followed Governor Faulk (1869). He did not secure the general confidence and coöperation of the people. His administration covered a troublous period during which General McCook, secretary of the territory, was killed, and very strong factional feeling prevailed throughout the territory.
