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Source: American Memory Library of Congress
Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress. Transcribed and
Annotated by the Lincoln Studies Center, Knox College. Galesburg,
Illinois.
From William H. Seward to Abraham Lincoln, April 1, 1861
Some thoughts for the President's consideration
April 1. 1861.
1st. We are at the end of a month's administration and yet without a
policy either domestic or foreign.
2d This, however, is not culpable, and it has even been unavoidable.
The presence of the Senate, with the need to meet applications for
patronage have prevented attention to other and more grave matters.
3d. But further delay to adopt and prosecute our policies for both
domestic and foreign affairs would not only bring scandal on the
Administration, but danger upon the country.
4th. To do this we must dismiss the applicants for office. But how? I
suggest that we make the local appointments forthwith, leaving foreign or
general ones for ulterior and occasional action.
5th. The policy -- at home. I am aware that my views are singular and
perhaps not sufficiently explained. My system is built on this idea
as a ruling one, namely that we must
Change the question before the Public from one upon Slavery, or
about slavery
for a question upon
Union or Disunion.
In other words, from what would be regarded as a Party question to one
of Patriotism or Union
The occupation or evacuation of Fort Sumter, although not in fact a
slavery, or a party question is so regarded. Witness, the temper
manifested by the Republicans in the Free States, and even by Union men in
the South.
I would therefore terminate it as a safe means for changing the issue.
I deem it fortunate that the last Administration created the necessity.
For the rest, I would simultaneously defend and reinforce all the Forts
in the Gulf, and have the Navy recalled from foreign stations to be
prepared for a blockade. Put the Island of Key West under Martial Law
This will raise distinctly the question of Union or Disunion.
I would maintain every fort and possession in the South.
For Foreign Nations.
I would demand explanation from Spain and France, categorically,
at once.
I would seek explanations from Great Britain and Russia, and send
agents into Canada, Mexico and Central America, to rouse a
vigorous continental spirit of independence on this continent
against European intervention.
And if satisfactory explanations are not received from Spain and
France,
Would convene Congress and declare war against them
if their
answers are unsatisfactory.
But whatever policy we adopt, there must be an energetic prosecution of
it.
For this purpose, it must be somebody's business to pursue and direct
it incessantly.
Either the President must do it himself and be all the while active in
it, or
Devolve it on some member of his Cabinet.
Once adopted, debates on it must end, and all agree and abide.
It is not in my especial province
But I neither seek to evade nor assume responsibility1
[Note
1 Lincoln's April 1 reply to Seward is in this
collection.]
