Anonymous to Abraham Lincoln, January 1, 1861

To His Exellency, President Lincoln,

Permit me to Beseech you as a Christian Ruler to select for your Cabinet

"Able Men such as Fear God, and hate Covetiousness."

I believe you Sir to be a good Honest man. Do not be led astray by corrupt Politicians. Do your duty. fear "God rather than man." Do not be persuaded to give dishonest ungodly Men eny office whatever. I see by Newspaper reports that Simon Cameron is insisting upon an office under your appointment. The office should seek the man, not the man the office. Beware of those who, so presumptuously, push themselves into office. What claim has he to the office pray. why is He so anxious to obtain an office if He has friends. I fear they are not looking to the Honor of their Country in labouring to obtain a post of Honor and Profit for Him.

Again I Beseech you Select Men for the Service of their God and Country. Men of truth Such as fear Love and Serve God and Hate Covetousness.

yours truly

one who desires your Good.