Transcript:
Washington Jan 24, 1861 [i.e. 1862]
Dear Sir
The most welcome congratulations that I have received were from you. You are right in supposing my acceptance of the War office means “thoroughness, earnestness, & no compromise.” Believe me, I shall not do the Lords work deceitfully—and I am Secretary only because I had despaired of seeing it done at all. But I shall need the support of every true man—the sappers and miners about Washington are more dangerous than the Manassas rebels. I rejoiced exceedingly at the Tribunes treatment of my nomination, it gave my heart confidence & strength. Are we never to meet until I send a Provost Marshal after you? I beg you to give my compliments to Mr Greely & believe me to be Truly Yours
Edwin M Stanton
PS
I shall rely upon the earnest men of the day to tell me whatever I ought to know. Many things will escape my observation, many may be far beyond my power but if you see them tell me of them and I will thank you.
Citation: Edwin McMasters Stanton (1814-1869), autograph letter signed to Charles A. Dana. Washington, D.C., 24 Jan. 1861 [i.e., 1862]. AMs 780/11