SELECTED LETTERS OF SALMON P. CHASE

 To E. S. Hamlin, Columbus, Ohio.

CINCINNATI, Feb. 27, 1849.

MY DEAR HAMLIN; I rec'd your letter on Saturday and meant to answer it that day but was prevented.
I do not fear the war. I hope however for the sake of cause and for their own sakes, that the Whig Freesoilers will avoid it. Least of all should I wish to see Riddle engage in it. His is too generous a nature and too noble a mind to be made to do the work of Chaffee and such.
As to the paper. I have a despatch for Garrard asking, if he sells to Giddings for $700, if I will endorse 1/3 30 days, 1/3 6 mos & 1/3 12 mos. It seems to me that it would be better to raise the money in the way you suggested — say $500 to be paid Garrard & $500 yourself & secured to me 500 on office & 500 on the Books. But I am willing to do what is asked, provided the same security be given for the 700 as was proposed for the 500 to Stanley Matthews in my behalf. I wish to have my name connected with any security on paper for obvious reasons.
I will write to Matthews more fully but perhaps may not find time to write today. I shall have to make him my business substitute.
As to yourself I greatly desire that you should remain in Columbus: but I cannot stand sponsor for $1000 a year. If I became sponsor for it I must pay it myself, and that I am utterly unable to do in addition to the other claims I must necessarily meet. I am willing to be a liberal contributor to a fund for the object, but not to stand surety that the fund shall be made up. It seems to me that it would be quite safe for you to remain as Editor, taking the position of President of the Board of P. W., trusting to a fund & the paper, but if you should think otherwise, I would advise you to take the Superintendency of Schools, and let some other person take the Paper; though if, in your place, I should prefer to be at the head of the Paper and in the other office.
I am glad that the printing which Phillips contracted for is to be given to him. It would be a hardship, and a moral though probably not a legal wrong were it otherwise. If this whole printing business could now be compromised in the Senate & House & joint Houses it would be an excellent thing.
You must not hesitate about telling Mr. Brave plainly your terms. The Ferry Company can well afford to pay liberally, and if you act for them & the bill is defeated $500 is moderate - too moderate I think. Write me at Washington.

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