Joseph Medill to Charles H. Ray and John Locke Scripps, January 6, 1861

Source citation
Joseph Medill to Charles H. Ray and John Locke Scripps, Washington, DC, January 6, 1861, Charles H. Ray Papers, Huntington Library, Pasadena, CA.
Type
Letter
Date Certainty
Exact
Transcriber
Matthew Pinsker, Dickinson College
Transcription date
The following text is presented here in complete form, as it originally appeared in print. Spelling and typographical errors have been preserved as in the original.

Private

Washington Jan 6, 61

Ray & Scripps

Gents,

If you think the enclosed worthy of the paper insert it. I think it contains some good points and at least one eloquent passage. It will give a fair idea of the city [illegible].

If the reports from Springfield are true, there will not be one original Lincoln man in the Cabinet. It will be all made up from among his competitors and enemies. Mr. Cameron. Seward. Weed. Geo Law. Caleb B. Smith. Dr. Leib. Wilson. John Wentworth tribe of thieves, jobbers, robbers & speculators will control “honest Abe” body, soul and boots. If these should be selected and accept there would be one honest capable man. But how long would he stay in such company?

It looks to me, as though our cake was dough –and that we shall have to stand back like a [charity boy?] at a feast. “Put not your trust in princes.” There is purer air out of doors then is to be found inside any King’s palace. Thank heaven we own and control the Tribune. We made Abe and by G-- we can unmake him if he “Forney-izes” us. Excuse my undue emphasis. Boy in class, “What is the definition of gratitude? Boy: “Gratitude is a lived sentiment of thankfulness for favors expected.” “Right. Go up head.” Application. Honest Abe.

Yours & c.

J.M.

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