Columbus, March 19, 1860.
My Dear Friend:
Your letter came just as an imperious business necessity compelled me to go to
Cincinnati. Returning, I found the announcement that it is determined to
suspend the publication of the Era. The necessity of this step is
greatly to be deplored. Surely a very little activity among our friends at
Washington might have averted it. I fear the effect of it upon any attempt to
obtain the surrender of the certificates in the Chicago Block Property. If I
were only able I would myself take the responsiblity of carrying it on through
the year; but I am literally exhausted by the expense of my residence here for
the past four years, coupled with the great depreciation of property in the
State.
I regret now that I did not recommend Mr. French to you.
Although not the man to take the helm of the Era exactly, he is prompt,
talented, and faithful, and might have organized a support which would have
continued it. I believe I will write to him yet on the subject. Meantime please
let me know what you are doing or propose to do, what propositions are made, if
any, etc., etc.
As to the Chicago nomination, I possess my soul in patience.
That I shall have some friends outside of Ohio who prefer me to all others, I
know; that many more prefer me as a second choice is plain enough. What the
result will be nobody can tell. If I were certain of the nomination I can
hardly tell whether I should be more gratified by the confidence implied in it,
or alarmed by the responsibilities and trials which it would impose. There
seems to be at present a considerable set towards Seward. Should the nomination
fall to him, I shall not at all repine. If the best interests of our cause and
country will be best promoted by it, I shall not only not repine, but shall
rejoice. Many, however, think he cannot be nominated; many, that if nominated
he cannot be elected; many, that if elected, his administration will divide the
Republicans, reorganize the Democracy, and insure its triumph. Situated as I
am, I cannot enter into these speculations, but prefer to let opinions form
themselves.
I wish I could come to Washington without seeming to seek
votes. If I could, I would. There are some things of a business nature I want
to do, and there are friends I want to see. But I suppose it will not do for me
at present. I would rather never have a place than seem even to be importunate
for it.
Give my best love to the children, and believe me,
Affectionately and
faithfully yours,
S. P. Chase.
SOURCE: James Shepherd Pike, First Blows of the
Civil War: The Ten Years of Preliminary Conflict in the United States from 1850
to 1860, p. 502-3
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