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/.
