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November 2022
The Salmon P. Chase Papers: Journals “I have neglected to write not because I have had nothing to record, but because I thought I could not spare the time required.” The words of Salmon Portland Chase, who—among many public service roles in his life— served as secretary of the treasury in President Abraham Lincoln’s cabinet until late June 1864. In December 1864, Lincoln nominated him as chief justice of the United States Supreme Court. Even though Chase offered the reason mentioned above for a lapse in his writing, he penned a detailed account of life inside the United States Government during the American Civil War. This month’s column will focus on Chase’s journals, a term he preferred over ‘diary,’ and, next month, an overview of the four volumes of his correspondence. Like other published accounts from various members of Lincoln’s cabinet, Chase, an Ohio native, provided detailed views on his efforts to finance the war, opinions on events, individuals, and his quest to become president.
org. In addition, the Library of Congress offers online formats of Chase’s various writings: https://www.loc.gov/collections/ salmon-p-chase-papers/. Finally, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania houses a portion of Chase’s work in its archives. While not digitized, researchers can view their finding aid here: http://www2.hsp.org/collections/ manuscripts/c/Chase0121.html. The journals, organized in chronological order, allow readers to locate specific search topics quickly. A detailed index provides additional assistance. In Chase’s first wartime entry— December 9, 1861—he offered discussions regarding banks and bonds. The following entries give a sampling of his insight. •
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Historian John Niven led the effort of several team members in the transcription, editing, and annotating of the journals. Kent State University Press published volume one in 1993. Reminder: search WorldCat to locate a printed copy in a local library: https://www.worldcat. 26
Friday, Aug. 29, 1862: The Secretary of War [Stanton] called on me in reference to Genl. McClellan. He has long believed, and so have I, that Genl. McClellan ought not to be trusted with the command of any army of the Union; and the events of the last few days have greatly strengthened our judgement. July 1, 1863: This is an anxious day. Meade’s army seems to be drawing right to the rebel positions. Is he not too far to the right? May not Lee turn his left and so get between him and Washington? These are questions much discussed. Gen Halleck and the President both seem uneasy. Every thing in Meades despatches – neither frequent or long however – indicates prudence, courage & activity – I trust all will go well.
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June 24, 1864: Another anxious day. What will be the result of the summer campaign? Can we keep Grant & Sherman so furnished with men & means that they can inflict decisive blows on the rebellion? My part is to supply if possible the means – and where am I to find them. April 14, 1865: [as Chief Justice Chase] My first impulse was to rise immediately & go to the President, whom I could not yet believe to have been fatally wounded; but reflecting that I could not possibly be of any service…I resolved to wait for morning & further intelligence. In a little while the guard came – for it was supposed that I was one of the destined victims – and their heavy tramptramp was heard under my window all night. It was a night of horrors.
Salmon Portland Chase. (Library of Congress LC-DIGcwpb-05620)
Until next month, continued luck in researching the American Civil War! Michael K. Shaffer is a Civil War historian, author, lecturer, and instructor, who remains a member of the Society of Civil War Historians, Historians of the Civil War Western Theater, and the Georgia Association of Historians. Readers may contact him at mkscdr11@gmail.com or request speaking engagements at www.civilwarhistorian. net. Follow Michael on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ michael.k.shaffer, and on Twitter @michaelkshaffer.
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Day by Day through the Civil War in Georgia
Until now, a daily account
(1,630 days) of Georgia’s social, political, economic, and military events during the Civil War did not exist. In Day by Day through the Civil War in Georgia, Michael K. Shaffer strikes a balance between the combatants while remembering the struggles of enslaved persons, folks on the home front, and merchants and clergy attempting to maintain some sense of normalcy. Maps, footnotes, a detailed index, and bibliographical references will aid those wanting more. February 2022 • $37.00, hardback
Michael K. Shaffer is a Civil War historian, instructor, lecturer, newspaper columnist, and author. He is a member of the Society of Civil War Historians, Historians of the Civil War Western Theater, and the Georgia Association of Historians. Contact the author: mkscdr11@gmail.com
www.mupress.org • 866-895-1472 toll-free
November 2022