Private &
Confidential
Springfield Ill. Dec. 8th,
1860
My dear Sir:
In addition to the accompanying, and more formal note,
inviting you to take charge of the State Department, I deem it proper to
address you this. Rumors have got into the newspapers to the effect that the
Department, named above, would be tendered you, as a compliment, and with the
expectation that you would decline it. I beg you to be assured that I have said
nothing to justify these rumors. On the contrary, it has been my purpose, from
the day of the nomination at Chicago, to assign you, by your leave, this place
in the administration. I have delayed so long to communicate that purpose, in
deference to what appeared to me to be a proper caution in the case. Nothing
has been developed to change my view in the premises; and I now offer you the
place, in the hope that you will accept it, and with the belief
that your position in the public eye, your integrity, ability, learning, and
great experience, all combine to render it an appointment pre-eminently fit to
be made.
One word more. In regard to the patronage, sought with so
much eagerness and jealousy, I have prescribed for myself the maxim, “Justice
to all”; and I earnestly beseech your co-operation in keeping the maxim good.
Your friend, and
obedient servant
A. LINCOLN
Hon. William H. Seward
Washington D.C.
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