Washington, January 11, 1861.
I desire to say, in as few words as possible, that it is the
almost universal desire of our true friends here that you should accept the
position of Secretary of the Treasury, which it is understood that Mr. Lincoln
has tendered to you. We would all like to see you in the Senate. We very well
know that you would do great good in this body, but it is vastly important to
our party, and, above all, to the country, that we should at the present crisis
have the right man at the head of the Treasury. I think I can safely say
without any flattery to you, that the general idea among our friends is, that
the country will regard the right man in the right place, with you there. Of
course, I do not expect or desire to influence you in this matter against your
better judgment. I know that you will sacrifice much, by surrendering your
place in the Senate for the head of the Treasury, but I beg to assure you that
it is my sincere conviction that the safety of the party, and probably of the
country, depends upon your being there. Pardon this intrusion.
SOURCE: William Salter, The Life of James W. Grimes,
p. 133
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