Abraham Lincoln papers From James R. Doolittle to Abraham Lincoln, January 10, 1861 (Private) Washington Jany 10-1861, Dear Sir; My position here among all our friends is such that I hear on all sides. Having no wish but for the good of the country and as the best means of attaining it, the success of your administration I write you now to inform you of the state of feeling among our friends here. 1 While some object to Mr Seward, the great majority will acquiesce and look with favor upon his 2 being Secretary of State But the rumor that Mr Cameron was to go into the Cabinet also, from Mr 3 Weed's relations to Gov Seward and his financial relations with Mr Cameron gave great and painful apprehensions, lest a certain class of Jobbers & speculators might come too near the Treasury, lest Albany & Harrisburg corruptions would be transferred to Washington We have overcome our political adversaries by shoring up their corruptions. We must not be suspected. The name of Mr 4 Chase in connexion with the Treasury gives much better satisfaction. 1 Lincoln had tendered William H. Seward the office of secretary of state. 2 Simon Cameron 3 Thurlow Weed 4 Salmon P. Chase 5 6 Mr Bates is well received Let me suggest two names Major Anderson, for the War Department 7 Commodore Hiram Paulding for the Navy. 5 Edward Bates Abraham Lincoln papers http://www.loc.gov/resource/mal.0602300 6 Robert Anderson 7 ID: Hiram Paulding had a naval career that spanned over a half century. A veteran of the War of 1812, Paulding was in command of the sqaudron that captured William Walker in 1857. Paulding was in charge of the evacuation of the Norfolk navy yard in April 1861 and was widely criticized for his handling of the situation. Though he officially retired from active service in December 1861, Paulding continued to serve as director of the NewYork naval yard until 1865. These men are made of the right stuff and will be received with universal enthusiasm Anderson you know well. Paulding a son of Paulding who captured Andre, the glorious old Commodore who performed his duty so well in seizing the Fillibusters that this administration lay them has thrust him aside. We want men of deeds, in these times. These appointments in these times would rouse the enthusiasm of the Country. It is not in old politicians that you must seek all your advisers in these such revolutionary times. Pardon me for this frank, unasked suggestion. It comes from my heart and is expressed entirely in confidence. 8 Your southern members might then be Anderson, Bates, and Blair for the Interior, say, 8 Montgomery Blair Seward State Chase Treasury Anderson War Paulding Navy M. Blair Interior Bates Atty Genl. &c &c &c Abraham Lincoln papers http://www.loc.gov/resource/mal.0602300 I do not doubt that the names of these two men I have suggested at this juncture would give a power and a popularity which no other names would give at this time. But it may be best that you do not fully determine at present. The Cotton States are in a revolution. The Contagion is spreading through all the slave states like an epidemic. If Virginia joins I think Maryland will join also. They will in that event with their organized forces unite to drive us from the Capitol before the 4th of March Treason & Imbecility have so long presided at the White House; it stalks openly in the Senate, every day; the men who lead the treason against the government, remain in high places, as long as they can, to negotiate the surrender to traitors; the disease is so deep seate seated that it must run its course. No compromise would stay it. An offer to do so would be treated with contempt as wrung from our fears. If under the threat of secession, we now yield, we are slaves, forever slaves. For one I will not consent, though the grave should open this very hour. If God so wills it, that we must drink of the cup of civil war be it so. I will fight for the constitution, & its supremacy — for liberty — and equality — and under it to the bitter end, and, I will never consent that it shall be made a slavery extending constitution come what may. If Mr. Seward as we now anticipate or rather as we now fear shall go for a compromise to surrender the free territories acquired or to be acquired from Mexico to slavery, it will force upon you another question whether your whole Cabinet shall not be reconstructed from top to bottom He speaks on Saturday He speaks We shall see Respectfully Yours J. R. Doolittle Abraham Lincoln papers http://www.loc.gov/resource/mal.0602300.