Hon. Simon Cameron Springfield, Ills.
My dear Sir: Jan. 13. 1861
At the suggestion of Mr. Sanderson,2Open page and with hearty good-will besides, I herewith send you a letter dated Jan. 3rd.---the same in date, as the last you received from me. I thought best to give it that date, as it is, in some sort, to take the place of that letter. I learn, both, by a letter of Mr. Swett, and from Mr. Sanderson, that your feelings were wounded by the terms of my letter really of the 3rd. I wrote that letter under great anxiety, and perhaps I was not as guarded in it's terms as I should have been; but I beg you to be assured, I intended no offence. My great object was to have you act quickly---if possible, before the matter should be complicated with the Penn. Senatorial election. Destroy the offensive letter,3Open page or return it to me.
I say to you now I have not doubted that you would perform the duties of a Department ably and faithfully. Nor have I for a moment intended to ostracise your friends. If I should make a cabinet appointment for Penn. before I reach Washington, I will not do so without consulting you, and giving all the weight to your views and wishes which I consistently can. This I have always intended. Yours truly A. LINCOLN.
[Enclosure]
Hon. Simon Cameron Springfield, Ills.
My dear Sir: Jan. 3. 1861
When you were here about the last of December, I handed you a letter saying I should at the proper time, nominate you to the Senate for a place in the cabinet. It is due to you, and to truth, for me to say you were here by my invitation, and not upon any suggestion of your own. You have not, as yet, signified to me, whether you would accept the appointment; and, with much pain, I now say to you, that you will relieve me from great embarrassment by allowing me to recall the offer. This springs from an unexpected complication; and not from any change of my view as to the ability or faithfulness with which you would discharge the duties of the place.
I now think I will not definitely fix upon any appointment for Pennsylvania until I reach Washington. Your Obt. Servt.
A. LINCOLN.