Annotation
[1] ALS, CSmH; ADfS, DLC-RTL. See Lincoln's memorandum on Clement C. Clay, supra. Although marked ``Private,'' Lincoln's letter was obviously intended to be shown to James Gordon Bennett, owner of the New York Herald, whom Lincoln wished to enlist, in so far as possible, in support of his ensuing campaign. That Lincoln's final sentence was meant to convey promise of Bennett's appointment to a post of dignity is borne out of Wakeman's reply as well as by subsequent events leading to Lincoln's offering Bennett the post of minister to France (Lincoln to Bennett, February 20, 1865, infra). On August 12, 1864, Wakeman wrote Lincoln:
``Your excellent letter was duly received. I have read it with proper explanations to Mr B. He said, after some moments of silence, that so far as it related to him, `It did not amount to much.' I supposed, if anything was written, something more specific would be expected. However, I hope to avoid the writing of any thing further. Should it be deemed necessary I will indicate my views as to its form, personally, as I expect to be in Washington next week. I have ventured to show this letter to several of our friends (of course without indicating a word as to what drew it out) and it has met with universal approval.
``A word upon our other matter. I am fearful our hold upon Mr Weed is slight. He evidently has his eye upon some other probable candidate. I deeply regret this, for against him it will be difficult to carry New York. Now I dont know, precisely, what he asked when he last saw you, but I think, so far as I could without compromising principle, I would yield to his wishes. Cant this be done? . . .'' (DLC-RTL).