Seward Tries to Back out of Cabinet

Saturday, March 2, 1861

Congress passes 13th Amendment prohibiting interference in “any domestic institution,” namely slavery. This amendment was never ratified.

William H. Seward, upset by the number of former Democrats including Salmon P. Chase who were slated for the cabinet, tries to decline cabinet appointment as secretary of state. Seward writes President-elect Lincoln: “Circumstances which have occurred since I expressed to you in December last my willingness to accept the office of Secretary seem to be to render it my duty to ask leave to withdraw that consent.”

Lincoln has dinner with General Winfield Scott.

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