rinting, was
greatly disappointed when I decided to reject all his designs for
stamps, and required him to introduce the likeness of Washington after
Stuart into each stamp. As far as I know, the internal revenue stamps
were never approved or criticized by the critics nor by the public.
After advertisement a contract was made with Messrs. Butler and
Carpenter, of Philadelphia, to furnish the stamps of all sizes, and
to meet the expense of the engraving, at the rate of thirteen cents
per thousand. In the year 1873 I received from Mr. Carpenter an album
which contained proof specimens of every internal revenue adhesive
stamp, public and private, engraved and printed, previous to March,
1873. This volume may contain the only complete collection of stamps
issued from the Internal Revenue Office previous to that year.

When we were about to make appointments of assessors, and of collectors
of internal revenue, Mr. Thurlow Weed called at the office, and said
that if I would allow him to see the New York papers he would give me
his opinion of the qualifications of the candidates, and any facts
within his knowledge. This he did, and with entire fairness, as I
now believe. He distinguished between the Seward men and the opponents
of Seward, treating their merits and weaknesses without prejudice or
feeling. Again, when the collectors' bonds had been filed, he examined
them, and under his advice, the principals, in several cases, were
required to add to the strength of the security. Mr. Chase took no
part in the appointment of collectors and assessors, beyond the
designation of two collectors, one in Ohio, and one in Massachusetts,
with whom he was acquainted. Mr. Lincoln also designated two, one in
Illinois and one in California, and for the same reason. Of these,
three proved unworthy. They may have assumed upon the way of their
appointment, as security against discipline or removal. The rest were
appointed upon written recommendations, and for the most part the
duties were well performed to the end of their terms, and some of them
held their places for more than twenty years. The appointments were
made in August and September when visits to Washington were not
agreeable. In a number of recommendations for a candidate, if he is
not entirely worthy, some of the letters of commendation will indicate
weakness. The whole ground will not be covered, or there will be
qualifications. A candidate so weakened should always