Hawkins Taylor of Iowa tells Lincoln that he and party are in debt to Cameron for success in Pennsylvania. Taylor to Cameron, 12 January 1861, Simon Cameron Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Informed of rumor that Buchanan has instructed Major Anderson to surrender Fort Sumter if attacked, Lincoln exclaims, "If that is true they ought to hang him!" He adds that he has just written to Washburne "to tell General Scott confidentially that I wished him to be prepared, immediately after my inauguration, to make arrangements at once to hold the forts, or, if they had been taken, to take them back again." ISLA—Nicolay Memo., Ms.

Lincoln writes Major David Hunter that he thinks forts must be retaken, if they fall. Lincoln acknowledges letter from Peter H. Silvester of Coxsackie, N.Y., former colleague in Congress, but has time to write no more than that, and: "If Mr. B. surrenders the forts, I think they must be retaken." He replies to letter from Alexander H. Stephens of Georgia, another former congressional colleague, assuring him that South will not be harmed by Republican rule. Abraham Lincoln to David Hunter, 22 December 1860, CW, 4:159; Abraham Lincoln to Peter H. Silvester, 22 December 1860, CW, 4:160; Abraham Lincoln to Alexander H. Stephens, 22 December 1860, CW, 4:160-61.

Two notables arrive in Springfield, Lincoln's old friend E. D. Baker and David Wilmot of Pennsylvania. Lincoln calls on Wilmot at his hotel and spends most of day. N.Y. Tribune, 25 December 1860.

Lincoln writes to Trumbull. Lincoln has heard that South Carolina forts are to be surrendered. If true, he intends to announce publicly that they are to be retaken, to give Union men "a rallying cry." He thanks Isaac N. Morris, Quincy, for introducing Union resolution in Congress, and asks Hamlin to find New Englander of Democratic antecedents for cabinet. "Or shall I decide for myself?" Abraham Lincoln to Lyman Trumbull, 24 December 1860, CW, 4:162; Abraham Lincoln to Isaac N. Morris, 24 December 1860, CW, 4:161; Abraham Lincoln to Hannibal Hamlin, 24 December 1860, CW, 4:161.

Lincoln buys yard goods for his wife, and 11 handkerchiefs for Christmas presents. Pratt, Personal Finances, 150.

Lincoln deposits $400 in his bank account. Marine Bank Ledger.

"That popular mania—the collection of autographs of distinguished men," "Herald" correspondent writes, "—has proved of late a source of considerable annoyance to Mr. Lincoln also, and hardly a mail reaches here without bringing him numerous requests." N.Y. Herald, 5 January 1861.

Lincoln begins daily morning sittings for Thomas D. Jones, Cincinnati sculptor, at improvised studio at St. Nicholas Hotel. This hour enables Lincoln to escape visitors, relax, and think. Among the matters on his mind is struggle for and against Cameron. Lincoln writes memorandum of charges that Cameron bought his election to Senate in 1857, listing witnesses for and against him. He concludes that weight of evidence is for Cameron. Thomas D. Jones, Memories of Lincoln (New York: Press of the Pioneers, 1934), 5-8; Memorandum on the Charges against Simon Cameron, [c. 31 December 1860], CW, 4:165-67.

Lincoln writes Trumbull: "Gen. Duff Green is out here endeavoring to draw a letter out of me. I have written one, which herewith I inclose to you, and which I believe could not be used to our disadvantage. Still, if, on consultation with our discreet friends, you conclude that it may do us harm, do not deliver it." [Enclosure, which states that Lincoln would not oppose constitutional amendment, and that he would uphold right of each state to control its domestic institutions, is not delivered.] Abraham Lincoln to Duff Green, 28 December 1860, CW, 4:162-63.

Lincoln is convinced that Gulf states will secede, and is watching border states "with daily increasing interest." N.Y. Herald, 3 January 1861.

Lincoln and Nicolay move out of governor's office at state house. Lincoln plans to spend most of his time at home, and Nicolay takes room in Johnson's Building, across from Chenery House. Lincoln expects to come in occasionally. ISLA—Nicolay Memo.

Lincoln replies to William Cullen Bryant, who warned him about compromises of "well-known politician." Lincoln says he did not press any compromise. "As to the matter of the cabinet, . . . I shall have a great deal of trouble, do the best I can." He writes Seward his reaction to four names Seward proposed for cabinet. Lincoln also answers letter from James Watson Webb, New York editor Forts must be held or retaken. Abraham Lincoln to William C. Bryant, 29 December 1860, CW, 4:163-64; Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward, 29 December 1860, CW, 4:164; Abraham Lincoln to James W. Webb, 29 December 1860, CW, 4:164-65.

Simon Cameron, cabinet candidate from Pennsylvania, arrives in Springfield. He proceeds to Lincoln's residence, where he is received with Lincoln's "customary artless Western heartiness." N.Y. Herald, 7 January 1860.

Later they talk at Cameron's hotel, and are accidentally joined by Edward Bates. Bates, Diary.

Cameron's visit brings results, for Lincoln writes: "I think fit to notify you now, that by your permission, I shall, at the proper time, nominate you to the U.S. Senate, for confirmation as Secretary of the Treasury, or as Secretary of War—which of the two, I have not yet definitely decided." Lincoln also writes note to Chase of Ohio, asking him to come to Springfield at once. Abraham Lincoln to Simon Cameron, 31 December 1860, CW, 4:168; Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase, 31 December 1860, CW, 4:168.