Sec. Chase hands his resignation to President this morning. Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase, 20 December 1862, CW, 6:11.

Lincoln sends note to Chase: "Please do not go out of town." Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase, 20 December 1862, CW, 6:11.

Sec. Welles calls on Lincoln after breakfast and urges him not to accept Sec. Seward's resignation. Calls again after visit with Seward and reports that Seward has decided to withdraw resignation. Welles, Diary.

President considers accepting resignations of Seward and Chase and notifies them "that the public interest does not admit of it. I therefore have to request that you will resume the duties of your Departments respectively." Washington Chronicle, 23 December 1862; Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward and Salmon P. Chase, 20 December 1862, CW, 6:12-13.

In evening Gen. Burnside arrives from headquarters of Army of Potomac for conference with President. Abraham Lincoln to Ambrose E. Burnside, 19 December 1862, CW, 6:10.