Lincoln writes to U.S. Senator Lyman Trumbull, of Illinois, regarding the question of whether or not Lincoln should appoint the controversial U.S. Senator Simon Cameron, of Pennsylvania, to a cabinet post. Trumbull warned, "Our truest friends in the Senate" do not support Cameron for treasury secretary. Lincoln writes, "What I would most like, and what I think he should prefer too, under the circumstances, would be to retain his place in the Senate...I may mention before closing that besides the very fierce opposition to Gen. C. he is more amply recommended for a place in the cabinet, than any other man." Lyman Trumbull to Abraham Lincoln, 31 December 1860, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Abraham Lincoln to Lyman Trumbull, 7 January 1861, CW, 4:171.

John A. Clark, Illinois political friend of Cong. Washburne (Ill.), calls on Lincoln, who "seems as calm and serene as a summer morning." Clark to Washburne, 9 January 1861, Elihu B. Washburne Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Dr. Charles H. Ray, editor, Chicago "Tribune," visits briefly with Lincoln and is "interrupted by a visitor" before stating purpose of call. Ray to Washburne, 7 January 1861, Elihu B. Washburne Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln withdraws $20 from Springfield Marine and Fire Insurance Company. Writes check for $10.97 to Bressmer, McQuinton & Matheny, dry goods. Pratt, Personal Finances, 175.