Columbus Nov. 10, [I860]
My Dear Friend,
There is no one whom I would more willingly “entrust with my views and feelings”
on any subject than yourself. No man, in my belief, better deserves the
confidence of the true friends of the cause which has just triumphed so
gloriously through the election of Mr. Lincoln.
Your “apprehensions” that I “do not desire the place” you
speak of, are well founded. I appreciate beyond my capacity of expression, the
sentiments of regard and confidence which Mr. Lincoln has expressed towards me.
To manifest, in some measure, that appreciation by an honest, faithful and
unselfish support of his administration is among my most cherished wishes. One
wish only more occupies my heart — that his administration by its fidelity to
the principles of the great and noble party which has elected him may ensure
the permanence and permanent ascendancy of the organization and thereby the
welfare and happiness of the country.
It would be most agreeable to me to render what help I may
to the attainment of these ends in a station absolutely private. My duty to my
brother Republicans of Ohio, however, requires me to take the part they have
assigned me, and, as one of the Senators from this State to labor for the
advancement of the cause they love. I have no political objects or aspirations
beyond the simple performance of that duty.
Besides this, I know I have not the sort of ability
necessary to fill the position you refer to, as it ought to be filled. The best
I could do would be a mere approximation to what I think ought to be done.
My wish, therefore, is to make no change of position; but to
give to Mr. Lincoln, in the place my State has directed me to take, whatever
aid a true personal friend and faithful supporter of the common cause can give,
in carrying on the government.
Such are my views and feelings candidly expressed. I can
not, therefore say that I will take an administrative “post if offered under
circumstances entirely agreeable.” Such an offer would, however, doubtless,
impose on me the duty of carefully considering, with the advice of judicious
friends the question of duty, and I should not, 1 hope permit any
considerations purely personal to prevent me from taking that course which
public obligations might seem to require.
_______________
* From letter-book 7, pp. 71-72. George Gilman Fogg,
1815-1881; editor Manchester (N. H.) Independent Democrat, 1854-1861; member of
Republican national committee, 1856-1864; United States minister to
Switzerland, 1861-1865; United States Senator, 1866-1867.
SOURCE: Diary and correspondence of Salmon P. Chase, Annual
Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1902, Vol.
2, p. 290-1
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