Abraham Lincoln — The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln-VOL. VI Chap. 1.253

To Secretaries Seward And Chase. Executive Mansion, Washington, December 20, 1862. HON. WILLIAM H. SEWARD AND HON. SALMON P. CHASE. GENTLEMEN:—You have respectively tendered me your resignations as Secretary of State and Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. I am apprised of the circumstances which may render this course personally desirable to each of you; but after most anxious consideration my deliberate judgment is that the public interest does not admit of it. I therefore have to request that you will resume the duties of your departments respectively. Your obedient servant, A. LINCOLN.