, 1862-02-12

Il Ac OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
ON the late change In tho cabinet.
The Harrisburg (Pa) Telegraph publishes,
from the original manuscript furnished by Mr.
Cameron, the correspondence tint passed be-
himself and the President Oh the late change
in the War Department. Although the Presi-
dents letter is marked 'sprtvnte,' its publica-
tion was solicited in order to put Mr.. Came
ron right on the record. The correspondence
is as follows:
[rrrArE.1 EXECUTIVE MAxs1oN,
WASHINGTON. january II, 1859.
DEAR SIR: Though have said nothing
long since, to resign your seat in the Cabinet,
hare not beeen unmindful Of it. I have been
only unwilling to consent to q change at q
time and under circumstances which might
give occasion to misconstruction, and unable,
fill now, to sec how such misconstruction
But the desire Of Mr.. Clay to return home,
and to offer his services to his country in the
field, enables me now to gratify your wish, and
ut the same time evincc my personal regard
for you, and my confidence iu your ability,
patriotism, and fidelity to the public trust.
therefore lender to your acceptance, Il you
| the post of Minister to Russia. Should you
| accept it, you will bear with yon the assurance
| Of my undfminished confidence, Of my attec-
| 1lQE1te eEECcI1, anu QI ult bulE IARe<TAoAoA.1
that, near the great Sovereign whose personal
and hereditary friendship for the United
| States SO much cndcare him to Americans, you
will be able to render services to your coun,
! try not less important than those you co1!a
render at home: Very sincerely 1opa TsooIs a5sna
Hon. SIMON CAMERON, sec'y Of War.
Gen. Camcron's reply to the President is rs
follows:
WAR DEPARTAENT, |
WASHINGTON, Jan II, 1867
NIY DEAR S1R:-I have the honor to &C.
knowledge your favor Of this date, and to
flank you, With profound respect ior 'es 81 hnd M
| President, a result to which contributed my
lest exertions, / had no thought Of leaving
, he Senate Of the United States, or Q
accepting any position within your gilt
: But when you invited me to Spring
us!u' tSe choice f of one @ Of two named place
| in the list Of your constitutional advisers,
, | could not, for grave public reasons, and ate
great reflection, refuse trust so trying ant
1aborious. Ny Life had been one ct G constan stan
as the best field, after such Life, ln which t
serve nv country and my State. It was onl
when realized that I might be Of service +
! lie general cause in the darkly foreshadowe'
future, that venturcd to undertake. nc man nan
Department. felt, when saw the traitor
l. leaving their seats in Congress, and when th
d Star Of the West was fred upon in Charlesto
harbor, that bloody conflict was inevitable
have devoted myself without interruptlo
Il to nv official duties, and have given to thcl
it al nv energies. have done my best.
,s was impossible, in the direction Of operation
SO extensive, but that some mistakes shou
vi hare happened, and some complications al
is complaints should have arisen. In view
ii such considerations, thank you ior the :,.s e
=. preston OF your confidence in my. abilit
patriotism, and fidelity to public trust. Th1
ae my own conscientious sense Of doing mi. du
in by the Executive and by my country Is u
Y. proved By tho acknowledged head Of the Go
- crnment himself.
d; istration I ayowcd my purpose to retire ff1
IT. the Cabinet rs soon as my duty to my count
nc would allow INC to do SO. In your letter
=, this days date, so Illustrative Of your Just q
III upright character, you rcy i've the fact tha
some time ago expressed the same purpose
YOU, and in reminding me Of this You pr
IT fer for my acceptance one Of the hlgh'
Diplomatic positions at your bestowal, as
[or additional mark Of your confidence and
m | teen.
rs In retiring from the War Department, f
as that the mighty army Of the United State:
I'LL ready to do battle for the Constitution; tt
ga it is marshallcd by gallant and experient
20 leaders; that it is animated with the great
~, | enthusiasm for the cause, and also that
w successor in this Department is my pcrso
'ur friend, who unites to wonderful INTEL
Id and yigor, the grand essential Of being
raj earnest in the present struggle, aud being
la -" solved upon a speedy and Overwhelming
es' umph Of our arms. I therefore frankly
tel, ccpt the new distinction you have tende
yer me, and as soon as important and long. .neglt
a.; | cd private business can be arranged, Will
ter uponssthc important duties Of the miss
acs / which you have assigned me.
Re- lave the honor to be, my dear Sir,
for Your obedient and humble servant,
SIMON CAMERo.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President.