The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-11-11
THE STANTON CONTROVERSY.

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NEWPORT, r. J., Nov. 9.-The following let
ter of Chief Justice Chase to Judge Black ex-
plains ITSELF
sANDUsKY, O., July Any Dear Sir r:-Just before
leaving Washington received, through your kind
ness, as j suppose, number of the GALAXY for
June. Your letter to Senator Wilson had already
attracted my attention, and l have since read it
would expect by great power, but there are, as
think, some errors of fact which ought to be cor
Atlantic Monthly for February about remarks made
to me by Mr.. stanton nearly thirty years ago, at
columbus, is, in substance quite correct Mr. STAN
ton did, in 1912, express his concurrence in the
views relating to slavery set forth IN the address and
resolutions Of the Ohio state Liberty Convention OF
December, 1s4l, OF which was the writer. There
was, think, at that time, no material difference in
political principle between But he identified
in party relations with the old line Democracy, while
thought it my duty to act indedendently of both
the then great national organizations. lie urged me
to join the party with which he was connected,
and declared with emphasis his readiness to stand
by me Ia the support OF the principles had pro-
claimed. More than once, on subsequent occasions,
when Withdrawn from active participation in poll
tics, and absorbed in professional labors he eX-
pressed his purpose to act, whenever he should
like myself, were then known as Independent Demo-
Gratis, against the naturalization of slavery.
And you are mlsinformed also, in respect to the
circumstances connected with Mr.. Stantons ap-
pointment as Secretary OF War in place of General
Cameron. then thought, and still think, was
well acquainted with them General Cameron had
expressed wish to retire and take the mission TO
st. Petersburg some time before he actually with
drew, and believe he was the first to suggest to
MIR. Lincoln the name Of Mr.. Stanton held myself
several conversations on the subject of General
Camerons retirement, his appointment to st. Peters,
burg, and the appointment OF Mr.. Stanton as his
successor; and called on Mr.. Stanton TO ascertain
If he would accept the post o, Secretary Of War
If rendered. Ultimately, when, as | sup
posed, the matter was fully understood, Mr.
Lincoln addressed a note to General Cameron,
rendering the mission to St Petersburg, and signt-
Tying his Willingness to accept his resignation. The
note was brief and seemed curt. But Mr.. Lincoln
on his attention beng drawn TO its terms said that
he intended to make it everyh hing 1t should be, and
another note was substituted, expressing what he
declared to be his real sentiments. This is | be-
lieve, exact a statement its hrevity admits Of
General Cameron's retirement from Mr.. Lincons
Cabinet He was not removed; he resigned because,
he stated at the time, he preferred the mission
the Secretaryshp; and he did recommend the ap-
pOintment of Mr. Stanton as his successor
On one other point wish to correct your informa-
ton, lest not mentioning may seem to have admit
ted Its eXactitude You state that 1.-The Cabinet
(Mr Lncolns) voted six to one in favor or surren-
dering Fort SUMTER" Mr.. Blair being the only dis
sentent. never voted for the surrender of Fort
Sumter. Ny grounds of opposition to It's surrender
were not, perhaps, the same nor so absolute as
those of Mr. Blair but was against it and voted.
was in position to be well Informed, and am
you would not willingly remain n error Before
all things, justce. Yours very truly,
The Hon. j. S. Black. S. p. CHASE