Delaware State journal and statesman., 1862-02-11
ImpOrtant COrreapondence.
PRESlDENT LINCOLN AND HON. SIMON
CAMERON

CAMEKDN
Although, as will he seen this correspon-
dence 10 marked private, its publication was
rendered absolutely necessary, M we'll ns to
maintain the truth # history as tn serve the
ends Of justice. This must explain it's appear
ance In our columns. The letter of tho Presi-
dent, in his own handwriting, reads as follows;
PRlvATE, ExeoUTIvE MANSION,
Washington, Jan. II, 1862. I
Dear Sir Though - have said nothing hither.
to in response to your wish, expressed long since,
to resign your seat in the Cabinet, have not
been unmiudful OF il. have been only unWill-
ing to consent to change at time aud under
circumstances which might give occasion 10
miscUnstrucliOn, and unable, til now, to see how
such miseonsruction could be avoided.
But the desire of Mr.. Clay to return home and
to offer his services to his country in the field
enables me now to crafty your wish, aud ut the
same time eyince my personal regard for you,
and my confidence in your ability, patriotism
and fidelity to public trust.
therefore tender to your acceptance, if you
still desire to resign your present position, the
post Of Minister to Russia Should you accept
il, you will bear with you the assurance of my
undimnshed confidence, of my aifectionate
esteem, and Of my sure expectation that, near
the great Sovereign whose personal and heredi-
tary friendship for the United States SO much
|
render services to your country not less impor-
iant than those you could render at home
Very sincerely, your friend,
A. LINCOLN.
Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of war.
Gen. Cameron's reply to the President is a:
follows;
WAR DEPARTMENT, /
Washington, January IL, 1862 I
1 NlxH naau 4 Inu l..
ledge your favor of this date and to thank you
with profound respect, for its kind and generou.
tone. When you were elected President, u re.
suit To which contributed my hest exertions,
had no thought of leaving the Senate of the
United States, or of accepting any position with
in your gilt. But when you invited me t.
Springfield, Illinois, and presented me the choic,
of one Of two named places in the list Of your
constitutional advisers, could not for grave
public reasons, aud after great reflection, refue'
IA trust 70 trying and l,buliola My life hal
been one Of constant labor and excitement
looked to the Senate as the best field after suci
II life, in which to serve my country aud my
State. 1t was only when ] realized that nigh
be Of service TO the general cause in the dhrkly
fote-shadOwed future, that yenturei 10 under
take the manifold aud various responsibilities o
the War Department. I felt when | saw the
traitors leaving their seats in Congress, All,
when the Star Of the West was fired upon il
Charleston hnhor, that bloody conflict wa
inevitable
have devoted myself without interruption tt
my official duties, aud have given to them al
my energies. ! have done my best Il was i'm
possible, in the direction Of operations so ex-
tensYe. hut that some mistakes should hav
happened, aud some complications and com
plants should have arisen. In view Of such
considerations, thank you for the expression Q
your confidence in my ability, patriotism an,
fidelity To public trust Thus my own conscien
! tiuus sense Of doing my duty by the Executive
aud by my country IS approved by the ackuow
leigcd head of the government himself
when became u member oi your alminiaira
ton ! avOweh my purpose 10 retire from ih
Cabinet ms soon US my country would allow IN
to do su 10 your letter Of this days date, "
illustrative Of your just and upright character
yon revive the fact that | sometime ago express
ed the same purpose TO yon, and in reminding
me Of this you protler for my acceptance one o
the highest diplomatic positions al your leslOWal
rs AN additional mark of your confidence au,
esteem.
In retiring from the War Department fee
that the mighty army Of the United States
, ready 10 do battle for the Constitution and
is marshalled by gallant aud experienced lead
ers that II is animated with the greatest en
Ihusiasm for the good cause and also that m
succehsOr III tnls Department ~ my persona
, friend, who uniles to wonderful intellect nn
b vigor the grand essential of being in earnest i
the present struggle, aud of being resolved upo
speedy and overwhelming triumph Of ou
8 arms. ! therefore frankly accept the new dis
+ | uncton you have rendered me, mud rs soon a
If important and long neglected private busines
can be arranged, will enter upon the importat
D duties Of the mission which you have ussgne
J. me.
a have the honor to he, my dear sir,
d YOur obedlent aud humble servant,
9 Simon CAMERON.
y Abraham Lincoln, President,