Hawkins Taylor of Iowa tells Lincoln that he and party are in debt to Cameron for success in Pennsylvania. Taylor to Cameron, 12 January 1861, Simon Cameron Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln writes announcement of appointment of Edward Bates to cabinet for insertion in "Missouri Democrat." To John D. Defrees he comments: "I am sorry any republican inclines to dally with Pop. Sov. of any sort. It acknowledges that slavery has equal rights with liberty, and surrenders all we have contended for." He writes Montgomery Blair of Maryland that he is corresponding with Gilmer. Trumbull can show Blair copy of Lincoln's letter. He complains to Henry J. Raymond of New York "Times" about misrepresentations of Mississippian, William Smedes, whose writing "Times" has published. "A very mad-man," says Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln to Edward Bates, 18 December 1860, CW, 4:154-55; Abraham Lincoln to John D. Defrees, 18 December 1860, CW, 4:155; Abraham Lincoln to Montgomery Blair, 18 December 1860, CW, 4:155; Abraham Lincoln to Henry J. Raymond, 18 December 1860, CW, 4:156.

Mississippian, "a live disunionist, wearing the emblem of secession," calls on Lincoln. When conversation turns to secession, Southerner makes sullen remarks. Lincoln defines stand of his party and presents copy of Lincoln-Douglas debates, autographed. Visitor is visibly chastened. N.Y. Herald, 24 December 1860.

Thurlow Weed arrives and calls on Lincoln at home, where they confer until mid-afternoon. It is rumored that Weed has received little encouragement for his proposed compromise. Lincoln draws up three short resolutions for presentation to Republicans of Senate Committee of Thirteen. News of secession of South Carolina reaches Springfield and produces sensation. Lincoln, however, receives it calmly. Resolutions Drawn up for Republican Members of Senate Committee of Thirteen, [20 December 1860], CW, 4:156-57; N.Y. Tribune, 21 December 1860; N.Y. Herald, 25 December 1860.

Mrs. Lincoln buys more yard goods and edging. Pratt, Personal Finances, 150.

Lincoln informs Trumbull of Weed's visit, and says he gave him three resolutions which might do much good "if introduced, and unanamously supported by our friends." He advises Gov. Curtin on Curtin's inaugural remarks: "I think you would do well to express, without passion, threat, or appearance of boasting, but nevertheless, with firmness, the purpose of yourself, and your state to maintain the Union at all hazzards." He thanks Francis P. Blair Sr. of Washington for his account of Blair's interview with Gen. Scott. "If the forts shall be given up before the inaugeration, the General must retake them afterwards." Washburne has also talked to Scott, and reported. Lincoln writes Washburne to tell commanding general forts must be held or retaken. Abraham Lincoln to Lyman Trumbull, 21 December 1860, CW, 4:158-59; Abraham Lincoln to Andrew G. Curtin, 21 December 1860, CW, 4:158; Abraham Lincoln to Francis P. Blair, Sr., 21 December 1860, CW, 4:157-58; Abraham Lincoln to Elihu B. Washburne, 21 December 1860, CW, 4:159.

Informed of rumor that Buchanan has instructed Major Anderson to surrender Fort Sumter if attacked, Lincoln exclaims, "If that is true they ought to hang him!" He adds that he has just written to Washburne "to tell General Scott confidentially that I wished him to be prepared, immediately after my inauguration, to make arrangements at once to hold the forts, or, if they had been taken, to take them back again." ISLA—Nicolay Memo., Ms.

Lincoln writes Major David Hunter that he thinks forts must be retaken, if they fall. Lincoln acknowledges letter from Peter H. Silvester of Coxsackie, N.Y., former colleague in Congress, but has time to write no more than that, and: "If Mr. B. surrenders the forts, I think they must be retaken." He replies to letter from Alexander H. Stephens of Georgia, another former congressional colleague, assuring him that South will not be harmed by Republican rule. Abraham Lincoln to David Hunter, 22 December 1860, CW, 4:159; Abraham Lincoln to Peter H. Silvester, 22 December 1860, CW, 4:160; Abraham Lincoln to Alexander H. Stephens, 22 December 1860, CW, 4:160-61.

Two notables arrive in Springfield, Lincoln's old friend E. D. Baker and David Wilmot of Pennsylvania. Lincoln calls on Wilmot at his hotel and spends most of day. N.Y. Tribune, 25 December 1860.

Lincoln writes to Trumbull. Lincoln has heard that South Carolina forts are to be surrendered. If true, he intends to announce publicly that they are to be retaken, to give Union men "a rallying cry." He thanks Isaac N. Morris, Quincy, for introducing Union resolution in Congress, and asks Hamlin to find New Englander of Democratic antecedents for cabinet. "Or shall I decide for myself?" Abraham Lincoln to Lyman Trumbull, 24 December 1860, CW, 4:162; Abraham Lincoln to Isaac N. Morris, 24 December 1860, CW, 4:161; Abraham Lincoln to Hannibal Hamlin, 24 December 1860, CW, 4:161.

Lincoln buys yard goods for his wife, and 11 handkerchiefs for Christmas presents. Pratt, Personal Finances, 150.

Lincoln deposits $400 in his bank account. Marine Bank Ledger.

"That popular mania—the collection of autographs of distinguished men," "Herald" correspondent writes, "—has proved of late a source of considerable annoyance to Mr. Lincoln also, and hardly a mail reaches here without bringing him numerous requests." N.Y. Herald, 5 January 1861.

Lincoln begins daily morning sittings for Thomas D. Jones, Cincinnati sculptor, at improvised studio at St. Nicholas Hotel. This hour enables Lincoln to escape visitors, relax, and think. Among the matters on his mind is struggle for and against Cameron. Lincoln writes memorandum of charges that Cameron bought his election to Senate in 1857, listing witnesses for and against him. He concludes that weight of evidence is for Cameron. Thomas D. Jones, Memories of Lincoln (New York: Press of the Pioneers, 1934), 5-8; Memorandum on the Charges against Simon Cameron, [c. 31 December 1860], CW, 4:165-67.

Lincoln writes Trumbull: "Gen. Duff Green is out here endeavoring to draw a letter out of me. I have written one, which herewith I inclose to you, and which I believe could not be used to our disadvantage. Still, if, on consultation with our discreet friends, you conclude that it may do us harm, do not deliver it." [Enclosure, which states that Lincoln would not oppose constitutional amendment, and that he would uphold right of each state to control its domestic institutions, is not delivered.] Abraham Lincoln to Duff Green, 28 December 1860, CW, 4:162-63.

Lincoln is convinced that Gulf states will secede, and is watching border states "with daily increasing interest." N.Y. Herald, 3 January 1861.

Lincoln and Nicolay move out of governor's office at state house. Lincoln plans to spend most of his time at home, and Nicolay takes room in Johnson's Building, across from Chenery House. Lincoln expects to come in occasionally. ISLA—Nicolay Memo.

Lincoln replies to William Cullen Bryant, who warned him about compromises of "well-known politician." Lincoln says he did not press any compromise. "As to the matter of the cabinet, . . . I shall have a great deal of trouble, do the best I can." He writes Seward his reaction to four names Seward proposed for cabinet. Lincoln also answers letter from James Watson Webb, New York editor Forts must be held or retaken. Abraham Lincoln to William C. Bryant, 29 December 1860, CW, 4:163-64; Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward, 29 December 1860, CW, 4:164; Abraham Lincoln to James W. Webb, 29 December 1860, CW, 4:164-65.

Simon Cameron, cabinet candidate from Pennsylvania, arrives in Springfield. He proceeds to Lincoln's residence, where he is received with Lincoln's "customary artless Western heartiness." N.Y. Herald, 7 January 1860.

Later they talk at Cameron's hotel, and are accidentally joined by Edward Bates. Bates, Diary.

Cameron's visit brings results, for Lincoln writes: "I think fit to notify you now, that by your permission, I shall, at the proper time, nominate you to the U.S. Senate, for confirmation as Secretary of the Treasury, or as Secretary of War—which of the two, I have not yet definitely decided." Lincoln also writes note to Chase of Ohio, asking him to come to Springfield at once. Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 31 December 1860, CW, 4:168; Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase, 31 December 1860, CW, 4:168.