CHAPTER VIII

CABINET-MAKING--THE DEATH OF DOUGLAS

Trumbull's interview with William Cullen Bryant, and others, who oppose William H. Seward as a member of Lincoln's Cabinet--They consider Seward's coterie in New York corrupt and dangerous--Trumbull communicates the objections to Lincoln--Lincoln thinks that the forces which backed Seward at the Chicago Convention must not be snubbed--He has already offered a place to Seward--The question of Cameron more difficult--David Davis's bargain with friends of Cameron and of Caleb Smith--Cameron tries to procure an invitation to Springfield, but Lincoln refuses--Leonard Swett gives invitation without Lincoln's authority--Cameron visits Springfield and secures promise of Cabinet position from Lincoln--A. K. McClure protests against Cameron's appointment and Lincoln requests Cameron to decline--Cameron does not decline--Trumbull advises Lincoln not to appoint Cameron--Lincoln's Illinois friends protest against Cameron--Trumbull urges appointment of Judd--Seward and Weed support Cameron, who is finally appointed Secretary of War--Trumbull, reëlected as Senator, becomes Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary--The last great service of Senator Douglas to his country--His death and Trumbull's tribute to his memory 139