Memorandum on Cabinet Appointments
Lincoln selected William H. Seward to serve in his cabinet as secretary of state, a position that satisfied the former governor and presidential hopeful. Once Lincoln had secured Seward, he approached Salmon P. Chase, primarily about serving as secretary of the Treasury Department. Lincoln also approached Simon Cameron about heading the Treasury Department or War Department, though Chase was his first choice for Treasury. Camerons appointment was problematic, largely because of his stained reputation. To settle the matter, he turned to the Republican members of the Senate. Their responses, shown here, helped Lincoln to decide in favor of Chase. Cameron grudgingly accepted the War Department position.
(Transcription)
Trumbull. ... Chase ... x
Anthony ... Simmons ...
Lincoln selected William H. Seward to serve in his cabinet as secretary of state, a position that satisfied the former governor and presidential hopeful. Once Lincoln had secured Seward, he approached Salmon P. Chase, primarily about serving as secretary of the Treasury Department. Lincoln also approached Simon Cameron about heading the Treasury Department or War Department, though Chase was his first choice for Treasury. Camerons appointment was problematic, largely because of his stained reputation. To settle the matter, he turned to the Republican members of the Senate. Their responses, shown here, helped Lincoln to decide in favor of Chase. Cameron grudgingly accepted the War Department position.