Chase favored over Cameron

Thursday, January 10, 1861

Florida secedes.
Wisconsin Senator James Doolittle writes President-elect Lincoln to oppose the nomination of Simon Cameron as secretary of the Treasury: “While some object to Mr [William H.] Seward, the great majority will acquiesce and look with favor upon his being Secretary of State But the rumor that Mr Cameron was to go into the Cabinet also, from Mr [Thurlow] Weed’s relations to Gov Seward and his financial relations with Mr Cameron gave great and painful apprehensions lest a certain class of jobbers & speculators might come too near the Treasury, lest Albany & Harrisburg corruptions would be transferred to Washington We have overcome our political adversaries by showing up their corruptions. We must not be suspected. The name of Mr [Salmon P.] Chase in connexion with the Treasury gives much better satisfaction.”