Newark. N J. Jan 12.
1861
Hon. Abraham Lincoln.
My Dear Sir.
Having been a delegate from this State to Chicago, I take
the liberty, (tho' I have not the pleasure of your acquaintance) to write this
line – I feel a deep interest in the prosperity of your approaching trying
administration but a far deeper interest in the well-being of our afflicted
country. This feeling prompts me to suggest Wm L. Dayton of N J as a man in my
opinion eminently qualified, by his firmness of character – his abilities, his
integrity, his consistent conservative record – his high order of
statesman-ship by the hold he has on Republicans & by the position of his
state, for a place in your cabinet—
You have no time to read long letters. I have known Mr
Dayton many years, been engaged in the practice of the law with him at our bar,
& am also personally intimate with him, and the qualities I have attributed
to him are not stated without knowledge & reflection—
Hoping that our country under your administration may have a
safe deliverance from her many troubles
I remain with great respect
Your Obt Svt.
Fredk T. Frelinghuysen
SOURCE: Abraham Lincoln Papers
at the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
