Lincoln endorses letter of Alexander Williamson: "Submitted to the Sec. of Treasury. Mr. Williamson, writer of the within was our 'Willie's' teacher; and I would be really glad for him to be obliged." Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase, 23 March 1863, CW, 6:144-45.

Lincoln writes to the recently-elected Governor of New York, Horatio Seymour. Lincoln seeks Seymour's support for the war effort, and explains, "In the performance of my duty, the co-operation of your State . . . is needed—in fact, is indispensable. This alone is a sufficient reason why I should wish to be at a good understanding with you." On numerous occasions, Seymour, a Democrat, spoke out against the Lincoln administration's war policies, chief among them the Emancipation Proclamation. Lincoln writes, "As to maintaining the nation's life, and integrity, I assume, and believe, there can not be a difference of purpose between you and me. If we should differ as to the means, it is important that such difference should be as small as possible." Abraham Lincoln to Horatio Seymour, 23 March 1863, CW, 6:145-46; Alexander J. Wall, A Sketch of the Life of Horatio Seymour 1810-1886 (Lancaster, PA: Lancaster Press, 1929), 23-25.