LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Autograph letter signed ("A Lincoln") as President, to Secretary of the Treasury [Salmon P. Chase], Washington, 2 March 1863.

One page, bifolium, 202 x 126mm (contemporary ink smudges, and a few mild spots of dustsoiling). Docketed by Salmon P. CHASE (1808-1873) on docket.

Lincoln vs. Chase: the President acknowledges the temporary settlement of a dispute over a nomination favored by Lincoln and a Connecticut Senator. Earlier in the day on 2 March 1863, Lincoln responded to a request by the Treasury, denying his request to re-nominate his choice for Collector of Internal Revenue for Hartford, Connecticut, and asking that another individual, favored by Senator James Dixon of Connecticut. As Treasury Secretary in a wartime economy, Chase oversaw a huge expansion in the Treasury's bureaucracy, not only in Washington, but in customs houses, internal revenue offices, and treasury offices throughout the country. Hundreds of appointive offices fell under his jurisdiction, and Chase, who was prickly about his prerogatives, insisted on controlling them. These beholden officials would come in handy for Chase's planned run for the Presidency in 1864. By and large, Lincoln acquiesced in Chase's requests. He told his secretary John Hay that he preferred letting Chase have his way rather "than getting into a snarl with him by refusing him what he asks." In this case, Lincoln did object, resulting in a near-crisis. Rather than follow the President's instructions, Chase replied the same day with the news that he, Senator Dixon, and Congressman Loomis had met and all wished to call on Lincoln to discuss the matter further. Then Chase offered a firm statement of his position on appointments and a none-too-subtle threat of resignation. "My only object--and I think you so understand it," Chase insisted, "is to secure fit men for responsible places, without admitting the right of Senators or Representatives to control appointments for which the President & the Secretary as his presumed adviser must be responsible. Unless this principle can be practically established I feel that I cannot be useful to you or the country in my present position." (See Basler, Collected Works, 6:122-123).

To this, Lincoln tactfully replied in the present letter: "Your note in relationship to the Collectorship at Hartford is just received—It is a little difficult for me to read; but as I make it out the matter is now temporarily suspended by agreement of yourself and Senator Dixon;' and with which, of course, I am satisfied. Published in Baseler, Collected Works, 6:123.