New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-02-11

Although, a IL will TO seen, this correspondence
ia marked private, its publication WAS rendered abso,
lutely necessary well TO maintain the truth Of
history as to serve tho ends vi justice. This must
expuin it's ap, earancc IT, our colGmns. Ire letter
of the President in his own handwriting reads rs
iollOws
PpiyArrJ Executive MANSION
WAsHiSGros, Jsn- H. 1904
DEAR SIR: Though have said nothing hi heitn
in response - your wish, expressed long since, 10
resign your sea, in the Cabinet, have not zen un-
mindful Of il. have been only unwilling 10 con-
seat 70 a change at time aud under circumstances
which might give occasion TO mi construction, and
uua H., I'LL now, 10 zoe how such misconstruction
could be avoided.
But the desire Of Mr.. Clay TO return home aud TO
o or ls PER, ices hs country ia the field, euanles
ne how 10 crafty yonr with, aud at the same time
evinee my persoral regard Tor you, and my conf
dcuce 1T your ability, patriotism and hdehty to pub
lie trust.
therefore tender TO your acceptance il you still
d"sire 10 wrisn your present position, The post OF
Minister 10 Russia. Should You accept it, y0l will
bar with you the assurance OF my undimins'ied
confidence of my ahoctoaste esteem, aud OF my SURE
eAI.ctaiIon that, near tie great Sovereign whose
lersonai and Hereditary frieudship for the United
Statr- 20 much endears him TO Americans, you will
be able Ia render services To your country not less
imrorant than those you could render at home.
Very SINCERELY your friend A. LINCOLN.
Hon. sIuos CAxEnoS. Secretary OF War.
Gen. Cameron reply TO the President 10 as fol-
WAN DYrNtTxENr. W,suIsaro Jan. II, 1862.
Nh DEAN SIR: have the houor 10 Acknowledge
your favor Of this date, and To thank YOU with pro-
found respect for ia Kind aud generous tone. When
YOU were elected Prcsi oui, result to winch con-
iribn.d nv best exert0ns had 40 thought of leav-
ing the Senate of tie United States or of accepting
any ,ostion within your gilt. But wheo you invited
mr 10 sringielj H., and presented me the choice
of one Of two ned PLACES III the list OF your consi
tutional advisers, / coald not, for grave public
.ff.x. A I'm. An
irving aud labolious. My life had been one OF con-
,ta,t labor aud exciteme {. l looked TO The Senate
IA Ire heat field after such iile IN wbich ID serve
my country and my state IL was only when
realized that might be OF service TO the general
c,,n.e in the dnrAly toreshadowed future, that
v.utured to undertake the manifold and various
fesponri pilites OF the War Department feit when
SAW the traitors leaving their seats IN Congress
ard when tho Star OF the West WAS bred upon IN
Charleston hal bor that bloody conflict was newt
able.
have devoted myself without interruption to my
official du'ies and hnvo given TO them all my enei
aies | huyo done my beat. IL was inpos-lble, in
the direction OF Oper,t 81 extensive, but tuat
sorue mstaaes SHOULD have happened, aud som. eo,l-
plcntiOus aud compIalns should have aIkou. La
view OF such considerations thank you for the ex-
preston Of your confidence ia NV AGILITY, patriotism,
and fidelity TO public trust Thus my own coiiscen-
tious sense 81 GOing my duty by the Executive aud
| by my country l. approved by tie acknowledged
head Of tho Gov eIliinent himself.
| When became member OF your Administration
avowed my purpose to retire from tie Caoinet ns
roon as my duty 10 nay country would allow me W
do 80. your letter Of this DAY dAte, 50 Iluslfa
tive OF your Just aud upright character, you resise
ths fact that | time ago expressed ,no s''"o
purpose To you and IN reminding me Oh u' yye'
prulfer for my acceptance one OF the b'ghest ~io,
muric petitions at your bes,owal, ~ "i "ao-''oo'
mark oi your confidence aud esteem.
la retiring FROM .he War Department 4 isei sha'
the mighty army Of tie United s'v 90 lesoy 20 y.
gallant aud exponeueed leaders, chat AZ Is animated