Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 6 [Dec. 13, 1862-Nov. 3, 1863].

To Salmon P. Chase1Jump to section

Hon. Secretary of Treasury: May 11, 1863

My dear Sir: I have just learned that Henry C. Wilson, whom I had appointed as the successor of Victor Smith, at Puget Sound, is dead. Please send me a commission for Frederick A. Wilson. Yours truly, A. LINCOLN.

Annotation

[1]   ALS, RPB and Public Services of Salmon Portland Chase (1874), p. 527. See Lincoln's letters to Chase, May 8, supra. On May 11, Chase wrote Lincoln as follows:

``Some weeks ago you verbally directed me to investigate the papers connected with the case of the Collector for the Puget Sound District. . . .

``Almost immediately afterwards important business . . . called me to the Eastern Cities. On leaving I directed the Assistant Secretary to examine all the papers . . . so that, on my return, I could at once make the investigation you required.

``I came back on Friday night (8th) & was informed . . . that you had already directed him to make out . . . a Commission for a new Collector.

``This information surprised and greatly pained me; for I had not thought it possible that you would remove an officer of My Department, without awaiting the result, although somewhat delayed, of an investigation directed by yourself; and appoint a successor . . . without even consulting me. . . .

``Today I have received your note stating that the person for whom, in my

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absence, a commission was prepared, is deceased; and directing one to be made out for another person of whom I know absolutely nothing. . . .

``I can ask, of course, nothing more than conference. The right of appointment belongs to you; and if . . . your judgment . . . differs from mine, it is my duty to acquiesce, cheerfully; unless, indeed, the case be one of such a character, as to justify my withdrawal from my post. I have, however, a right to be consulted. . . .

``The blank commission which you direct me to send . . . is enclosed. . . . It is enclosed, however, with my most respectful protest against the precedent; and with the assurance that if you find anything in my views to which your own sense of duty will not permit you to assent, I will, unhesitatingly, relieve you from all embarrassment so far as I am concerned by tendering you my resignation.'' (DLC-RTL).

Lincoln endorsed on the envelope, ``First offer of resignation.'' Lewis C. Gunn of California was appointed to replace Victor Smith, but in 1865 Frederick A. Wilson received the post following Gunn's resignation. See Lincoln to Chase, May 13, infra.