On invitation of Lincoln, Bates of Missouri is in Springfield. He spends most of day with Lincoln, and it is rumored he has been offered cabinet post. N.Y. Tribune, 17 December 1860.

Lincoln writes to North Carolina Congressman John A. Gilmer, who cited the "alarming" national situation, and expressed concerns about Lincoln's policies regarding the South and slavery. Lincoln advises Gilmer to read the "Republican platform, or my speeches." Lincoln resists issuing "additional" policy statements because doing so "would make me appear as if I repented for the crime of having been elected...To so represent me, would be the principal use made of any letter I might now thrust upon the public. My old record cannot be so used." John A. Gilmer to Abraham Lincoln, 10 December 1860, Robert Todd Lincoln Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Abraham Lincoln to John A. Gilmer, 15 December 1860, CW, 4:151-53.

Lincoln writes Trumbull and Weed: let there be no compromise on slavery extension. To Weed he defines his position on secession: "My opinion is that no state can, in any way lawfully, get out of the Union, without the consent of the others; and that it is the duty of the President, and other government functionaries to run the machine as it is." Abraham Lincoln to Lyman Trumbull, 17 December 1860, CW, 4:153; Abraham Lincoln to Thurlow Weed, 17 December 1860, CW, 4:154.

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

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.