De Witt C. Chipman to Abraham Lincoln, February 29, 1864

De Witt C. Chipman,

Collector.

Collector's Office, 11th Indiana District,                  

Noblesville, February 29 A. D. 1864

Dr Sir

Enclosed find a circular signed by S C Pomeroy and franked by Blow. It is marked “private” As I do not recognise the right of any man to send me such a document, with an injunction of “private” upon a matter of such commanding public importance as the Presidency I take the liberty of enclosing it to you

This circular has been forwarded to the Collectors in Indiana, but at a meeting of several of them at Indianapolis on the 23 instant when this state Instructed for you, every one of them declared for you. It was understood then and there that Secretary Chase would remove all who did not actively take the field for him and against you. But they did not and could not believe that Chase was a party to this affair. His high character hitherto, and his spotless integrity precluded the suspicion of it. But whether he did or did not the threat of removal hanging over them in terrorum did not make a single one falter I said then and stand by it now, that my official head might be elevated as high as Hamans Galows before I would be driven to the support of any man I knew you 20 odd years ago in Tazewell Co Illinois as a Lawyer, and do not propose to be bamboozled or driven from my preferinces

The slanderous and disgraceful charges contained in that circular, amounting to legal scandalum magnatum will be rejected by a Country which sees the administration exposing corruption, extravigance and rascality wherever found and pushing a victorious war all over the rebellious territory.

When you issued the Emancipation Proclimation, you did an act which history will chronicle and posterity recognise as the most imperishable monument of Liberty and Justice in the annals of time.

Mr President you are safe, for that Providence which you invoked and that considerate mankind which you appealed to will perpetuate your name among the illustrious benefactors of mankind.

I trust that you will regard this circular as a sufficient excuse for writing this letter, and believe that I am animated by the kindest wishes for your welfare, and the best interest of our Common Country

The enclosed piece of poetry will demonstrate the high estimate which time and sober judgements will place upon that Proclamation

With sentiments of the

highest respect I beg leave to

subscribe myself your obidient

Servant

De Witt. C. Chipman

To His Excellency Abraham Lincoln,

            Washington D. C.

SOURCE: Lincoln, Abraham. Abraham Lincoln papers: Series 1. General Correspondence. 1833 to 1916: De Witt C. Chipman to Abraham Lincoln, Monday,Pomeroy Circular. 1864. Manuscript/Mixed Material. https://www.loc.gov/item/mal3109100/.