Letter from Lincoln to Lyman Trumbull, January 7, 1861
- Show Transcript
- Chicago History Museum, ICHi-52411 (page 1 recto)
Cabinet Appointments
While in Springfield, Lincoln assembled his cabinet. In a “Very Confidential” letter to Senator Lyman Trumbull of Illinois, dated January 7, 1861, Lincoln makes it clear that he will appoint Salmon P. Chase as secretary of the treasury, and Simon Cameron as secretary of war, despite Congressional opposition stemming from his reputation for corruption.