Lincoln writes William H. Seward: "With your permission, I shall, at the proper time, nominate you to the Senate, for confirmation, as Secretary of State, for the United States." He encloses this note in letter to Hamlin, asking him to consult with Trumbull, "and if you and he see no reason to the contrary, deliver the letter to Governor Seward at once. If you see reason to the contrary, write me at once." He writes explanatory letter to Seward, and letter to Trumbull asking him to confer with Hamlin about Seward, sending copies of both letters to Seward. Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward, 8 December 1860, CW, 4:148; Abraham Lincoln to Hannibal Hamlin, 8 December 1860, CW, 4:147-48; Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward, 8 December 1860, CW, 4:148-49; Abraham Lincoln to Lyman Trumbull, 8 December 1860, CW, 4:149.