"Little of particular importance in the Cabinet meeting." Welles, Diary.

President writes Sec. Chase: "I have felt considerable anxiety concerning the Custom House at New York. . . . I am convinced that he [Hiram Barney] has ceased to be master of his position. . . . I propose sending Mr. Barney Minister to Portugal, as evidence of my continued confidence in him." J. F. Bailey, special agent of Treasury, assumes to be collector. Public interest will suffer in his hands. Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase, [12 February] 1864, CW, 7:181.