Chase, Salmon P. (Salmon Portland) (1808-1873) to [Josiah G. Holland]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06647 Author/Creator: Chase, Salmon P. (Salmon Portland) (1808-1873) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 February 1865 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 20.6 x 13.4 cm. Order a Copy
Chief Justice Chase, former Secretary of the Treasury under President Lincoln, recalls that Lincoln's first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation to his cabinet on 22 September [1862] was preceded by his reading aloud a chapter from Artemus Ward. Writes that he is inclined to have Lincoln's remarks sent to to the recipient, "Nothing prevents save some doubt whether it can be properly done even in confidence. They do honor to him as a man, a patriot & a statesman - great honor." Letter is only addressed to "dear sir." Recipient inferred.
Holland was the author of The Life of Abraham Lincoln, 1866. Artemus Ward, pseudonym of Charles Farrar Browne, was an American humorist who, in 1858, began a series of "Artemus Ward's Letters." In these letters Brown satirically discusses current events. Ward was one of Lincoln's favorite authors, and before presenting the Emancipation Proclamation to his cabinet, he read out loud a portion of "Outrage in Utiky," where it is said he laughed hysterically. Obviously Lincoln was under great stress and used humor as an outlet.
Complete Transcript:
Washington, Feb 2, 1865.
My dear Sir,
The Chapter of Artemus Ward was read just before the Proclamation on the 22d September. I have just read over my notes of what was said & done at that meeting of the Heads of Departments, and am strongly inclined to have the Presidents remarks copied & sent to you. Nothing prevents save some doubt whether it can be properly done even in confidence. They do honor to him as a man, a patriot & a statesman - great honor.
With very agreeable memories of our brief talk at Col Parsons I remain
Very Truly Yours
S.P. Chase
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