New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-11-11
three years, and applies 70 oil the sdnects Of Russia
respective Of rank.
THE STANTON CONTRO NERSY

A LITTER FROM CIIIEF-JUsrICE CHASE TO JUDGE
BLAOK-MR. STANTON AND THE SLAVERY
QUESTION IN 1SilLrHE TRUE HISTORY OF
GEN. CAMERON's RETIREMENT FROM MIR.
LINCOLN'S CABINET-THE BURRENDER OF
FORT SUMTER.
NEWPORT, X. l.. Nov. 9.-The following letter OF
ChiefJustice Chase to Judge Black explains itself:
sASDusKY, Ohio, July 4, 1870.
Ny DEAR SIR. Just before leaving Washington
received through your kindness az suppose, o num-
Der of The GALAXY for June. Your letter to Senator
Wilson had already attracted my attention, and
have since read it again. 1t IL marked every one
who knows you would expect, by great power, but
there are as think some errors OF fact which ought
TO be corrected. What Senator Wilson said In Inc
Atlantic Monthly for February about remarks made
to me by Mr.. Stanton nearly thirty years ago. at
Columbus, it, in substance quito correct Mr.. stan
ton did in 1892 express his concurrence in the views
relating to Slavery set fOrthin the Address and heso
buttons of the Ohio State Liberty Convention of De-
cember, ls41, Of which was the writer. There was,
think, at that time no material difference in poli-
cal principle between 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 connected and
declared with emphasis his readiness TO stand by me
in the support of the principles had proclaimed.
More than once, subsequent occasions, when with
drawn from active participation in politics, and abb
sobed in professional labOrs, he expressed his pur
pose to act, whenever lie should again engage In
Iolitica action, with those who, like myself, were
then known ~ Independent Democrats against the
naturalization Of Slavery.
And YOU are misinformed, also, In respect to the
circumstances connected with Mr.. StantOns appoint
ment as Secretary Of War in place OF Gen. Cameron.
then thought and still think, was well acquainted
with them. Gen. Cameron had expressed WISH 70
retire and take the mission to st. PetersDurg some
time before he actually withdrew, and believe that
he was the first to suggest to Mr. Lincoln the name
of Mr.. Stanton held myself several conversations
on the subject of Gen. Camerons retirement his sp'
pointment to st. Petersburg, and the appointment
of Mr. Stanton az his successor; and called on Mr..
Stanton to ascertain if he would accept the post OF
Secretary of War if rendered. Ultimately when, as
l supposed, the matter was fully understood, Mr..
Lincoln addressed note to Gen. Cameron, rendering
the mission to st. Petersburg, and signifyIng his
willingness to accept his resignation. The note was
brief and Iseemed curt. But Mr. Lincoln, on his
attention being drawn to its terms, said that he
intended to make it everything it should be, and
another note was substituted, expressing what he
declared to be his real sentiments This IL, believe
az exact statement as it's brevity admits OF Gen.
Cameron's retirement from MIR. Llncons Cabinet
He was not reored he resigned because as he stated
at the time he preferred the mission to the Secre-
taryship: and he did recommend the appointment OF
Mr.. Stanton az his successor.
On one other point wish to correct your informa-
ton, lest not mentioning may seem to have ad-
mitted it's exactitude You state that the Cabinet
mr. Lncolns) voted six to one in favor Of ssrrendr-
ing Fort SUMTER" Mr.. Blair being the only dis
sentient roted for the surrender Of Fort Sumter
Ny grounds Of opposition to it's surrender were not
perhaps, the same, nor 80 absolute as those Of Mr..
Blair, but was against it, and 80 voted.
was in position to be well informed, and am
sure you would not willingly remain in error
Before all things, Justice. Yours very truly,
The Hon. j. y. BLACK y. r. CHASE.