SELECTED LETTERS OF SALMON P. CHASE

NEW ORLEANS, May 24th, 1863.

DEAR SIR: I write in haste as the Steamer is about leaving. A telegram has just been received at Headquarters from Baton Rouge. Banks with his whole army landed above Port Hudson and has joined forces with Augur who commanded at Baton Rouge. Port Hudson is completely invested and will be in our possession within 48 hours.
Grant has had a great battle utterly defeating the enemy and capturing 100 pieces artillery and large number of prisoners. He has surrounded and completely invested Vicksburg, which place will probably be speedily captured. The capture of these two places and consequent re-opening of the River, will render certain the successful termination of the war.
My Bond as Collector of Int. Revenue, is completed and Judge Peabody (as instructed) has transmitted it to-day. There are six sureties—the best men in Louisiana, -and worth jointly more than half a million, though they qualify (jointly) for no more than 100,000. If there are any slight defects they must be overlooked. You have no idea of the great difficulties in giving bonds—the country being so disturbed and business and confidence prostrated. I have now given bonds for $175,000, which speaks well for my standing here. I cannot (and no one can) give a better bond than the one transmitted, and the circumstances considered, it will of course be accepted.
I gave a letter of introduction to Mr. Malhiot, one of the planters' delegation to Washington. All these men should be made friends, for, tho' pro-slavery in opinions, they could do harm, if enemies. When I say friends, I mean your friends, and you can make them so. The members of the delegation are Cottman, Malhiot, Bradish Johnson, and two or three others.

P. S. Please direct that the Bond be at once approved, as a speedy approval will be a relief to me and undoubtedly satisfaction to the sureties.

G. S. D.

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