SELECTED LETTERS OF SALMON P. CHASE

To George G. Fogg, Esq.

COLUMBUS NOV. 10, [1860]

MY DEAR FRIEND, There is no one whom I would more willingly "entrust with my views and feelings" on any-subject than yourself. No man, in my belief, better deserves the confidence of the, true friends of the cause which has just triumphed so gloriously through the election of Mr. Lincoln.
Your "apprehensions" that I "do not desire the place" you speak of, are well founded. I appreciate beyond my capacity of expression, the sentiments of regard and confidence which Mr. Lincoln has expressed towards me. To manifest, in some measure, that appreciation by an honest, faithful and unselfish support of his administration is among my most cherished wishes. One wish only more occupies my heart - that his administration by its fidelity to the principles of the great and noble party which has elected him may ensure the permanence and permanent ascendancy of the organization and thereby the welfare and happiness of the country.
It would be most agreeable to me to render what help I may to the attainment of these ends in a station absolutely private. My duty to my brother Republicans of Ohio, however, requires me to take the part they have assigned me, and, as one of the Senators from this State to labor for the advancement of the cause they love. I have no political objects or aspirations beyond the simple performance of that duty.
Besides this, I know I have not the sort of ability necessary to fill the position you refer to, as it ought to be filled. The best I could do would be a mere approximation to what I think ought to be done.
My wish, therefore, is to make no change of position; but to give to Mr. Lincoln, in the place my State has directed me to take, whatever aid a true personal friend and faithful supporter of the common cause can give, in carrying on the government.
Such are my views and feelings candidly expressed. I can not, therefore say that I will take an administrative " post if offered under circumstances entirely agreeable." Such an offer would, however, doubtless, impose on me the duty of carefully considering, with the advice of judicious friends the question of duty, and I should not, 1 hope permit any considerations purely personal to prevent me from taking that course which public obligations might seem to require.

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