Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-11-15
TIE STANTON CONTRO VERSE

Chief Justice Chase appears as partici-
pant in the controversy about Secretary STAN
ton, started in the GALAXY in June last, by
Judge Black He published a letter dated
July 4th, which he sent to the latter, in which
he says:
"What Senator Wilson said in The atlantic
MONTHLY for February about remarks made to
me by Mr.. Stanton nearly thirty years ago. at
Columbus, is, in substance, quite correct.
Mr.. Stanton did, in 1912, express his concur
renee in the views relating to Slavery set
forth in the Address and Resolutions of the
Ohio State Liberty Convention OF Decem-
Der, lS4l, of which was the writer. There
was, think, at that time, no material differ
ence in political principle between US. But
he was identified in party relations with the
old line Democracy, while thought it my
duty to act independently of both OF the then
great national organizations. He urged me
to Join the party with which he was connect
ed, and declared with emphasis his readiness
to stand by me in the support OF the princi-
pies had proclaimed. More than once, on
subsequent occasions, when Withdrawn from
active participation in politics, and absorbed
in professional labors, he expressed his pur-
pose to act, whenever he should again en-
gage in political action, with those who, like
myself, we're then known Independent Demo-
Gratis against the naturalization Of Slavery.
And YOU are misinformed, also, in respect
to the circumstances connected with Mr..
Stanton's appointment as Secretary OF Wal
in place of Gen. Cameron. l then thought
and still think, I was well acquainted with
them. Gen. Cameron had expressed wish It
retire and take the mission to st. Petersburg
sometime before he actually Withdrew, and
believe that he was the first to suggest 10 mir
Lincoln the name of Mr.. Stanton. held my
self several conversations on the subject o
Gen. Cameron's retirement, his appointment
to ST. Petersburg, and the appointment OF Mr.
Stanton to ascertain il he would accept thu
post OF Secretary of War if rendered. Ulti-
mately, when, as supposed, the matter was
fully understood, Mr.. Lincoln addressed a
note to Gen. Cameron, rendering the mission to
St. Petersburg, and signitying his Willingness
to accept his resignation. The n"te was briei
and seemed curt, But Mr.. Lincoln, on his
attention being drawn to its terms, said thai
he intended to make it everything it SHOULD
be. and another note was Substituted, express
ing what he declared to be his real sent
ments. This is, believe, as exact state
ment as its breyity admits of Gen. Cameron
retirement from MIR. Lincolns Cabinet IL
was not yemored; he resigned because, as h
stated at the time, he preferred the Secretary
ship; and he did recommend the appointment
of Mr.. Stanton as his successor.
On one other point, wish to correct you
information, lest not mentioning may seen
to have admitted its exactitude. You stat
that the Cabinet (Mr. Lincoln's) voted si'
to one en- taror of surrendering Fort Sum
ter;' Mr.. Blair being the only dissentient.
nerer roted for the surrender Of Fort Sumter
My grounds of opposition to its surrender
were not, perhaps, the same, nor so absolute
AS those of Mr.. Blair, but / was against it
and SO voted.
was in position to be well informed, ant
am sure you would not willingly remain il
error. Before all things, Justice. Your
very truly,
The Hon. j. S. BLACK. S. p. CHASE.