g Chase's appointment
as Chief Justice. Considerable pressure was brought to bear in
behalf of Chase. The President would give no intimation as to what
he intended to do, although I myself believe that he all the time
intended appointing him to the vacant position, and that the so-
called pressure on the part of Sumner and other radicals had little,
if any, influence with him.

During this period, after the death of Chief Justice Taney, Chase
was not at all averse to writing the President the most friendly
letters. One day his secretary brought him a letter from Mr. Chase.
The President asked, "What is it about?" "Simply a kind and friendly
letter," the secretary answered. Mr. Lincoln, without reading it,
replied with his shrewd smile: "File it with his other recommendations."

Chase was finally appointed Chief Justice of the United States.
After his conduct as a member of the cabinet, I do not believe we
have ever had another President, except Lincoln, magnanimous enough
to have made that appointment under similar circumstances. Lincoln
entertained a very exalted opinion of Chase's ability as a lawyer
and a man. He believed that he possessed the qualifications of a
great Chief Justice, and the appointment was made entirely free
from any personal feelings or prejudices.

I happened to be alone in Mr. Nicolay's room in the White House
when Mr. Chase called to thank the President for his nomination.
He came into Mr. Nicolay's room first, and inquired of me if the
President was in. I told him I did not know, but his room was next
to the one we were in, and he might ascertain for himself. Knowing
of Chase's disparaging remarks concerning Mr. Lincoln, and of his
disloyalty as a member of his cabinet, I was very curious to hear
what he would have to say to the President. He left the door ajar,
and I overheard the conversation. Mr. Chase proceeded to thank
the President for his nomination. Mr. Lincoln's reply was brief,
merely that he hoped Mr. Chase would get along well and would do
his duty. Very few words passed between them, and the interview
closed.

Montgomery Blair was Postmaster-General in President Lincoln's
cabinet. He was appointed from the District of Columbia. He was
a man of considerable ability, and was thoroughly loyal to the
President. Montgomery Blair became exceedingly unpopular among
certain classes, not only on his own account, but because of his
brother Frank, whose home was in Miss