Letter from W.H. Herndon (Springfield, Ill.) to Joseph Medill, 1861-01-27

File — Box: 1B, Folder: B96

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

This collection consists chiefly of letters to Joseph Medill. It also includes a few of his own early writings, letters from Joseph Medill, and documents related to Joseph and Katharine Medill. These papers, along with those in collections III-9, IV-4, and VI-5, contain valuable source material for researchers interested in the genealogy of the Medill, Patterson and McCormick families, Chicago Tribune and Tribune Company history, Chicago history, the origins and early days of the Republican Party, 19th century political figures (both national and local) who corresponded with Joseph Medill, and other related subjects.

The collection includes a copy of James O'Donnell Bennett's analysis of the collection.

Dates

1861-01-27

Creator

From the Collection: Medill, Joseph, 1823-1899 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Box 336 of this collection is stored off-site and requires two business days advance notice for retrieval. Please contact the McCormick Library at specialcollections@northwestern.edu or 847-491-3635 for more information or to schedule an appointment to view the collection. There are no restrictions on the use of these materials for research. All patrons must comply with federal copyright regulations.

Extent

From the Collection: 5 Boxes

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

General

Includes envelope

Text includes the following: "Before it [Medill's letter of the 21st] reached me I & Mr. Lincoln had a conversation about you and your case & it is during that talk I showed him your letter. That letter was right and you need not regret it. I am glad it came, and that Lincoln saw it ... I likewise talked to Mr. Lincoln about [Salmon P.] Chase ... I can say this much - Gov. Chase was not tendered any office in Lincoln's cabinet. ... The Treasury department office is at his command. ...Cameron is bound to take a seat in Lincoln's cabinet. ... Lincoln himself has no idea of policy - the quick sagacious choice of the right path that leads to power - glory - fame. When that choice is to be made out of then thousand little - apparently trivial - facts. He loves Justice - Right - Liberty and here [?] is full of power. I will see Mr. Lincoln on Monday and have another conversation with him in reference to you and the P.O. in Chicago ..."