be sent to Chase requesting him to come at once to the White House.  When Welles returned from his interview with Seward, who readily promised to withdraw his resignation at the President’s request, he found both Chase and Seward waiting for the President.  The latter soon came in, and his first words were to ask Welles if he “had seen the man,” to which Welles answered that he had, and that he assented to what had been asked of him.  The dramatic scene that followed is thus described by Mr. Welles in his Diary:  “The President turned to Chase and said, ’I sent for you, for this matter is giving me great trouble.’  Chase said he had been painfully affected by the meeting last evening, which was a total surprise to him; and, after some not very explicit remarks as to how he was affected, informed the President he had prepared his resignation of the office of Secretary of the Treasury.  ‘Where is it?’ said the President quickly, his eye lighting up in a moment.  ’I brought it with me,’ said Chase, taking the paper from his pocket; ’I wrote it this morning.’  ‘Let me have it,’ said the President, reaching his long arm and fingers toward Chase, who held on, seemingly reluctant to part with the letter, which was sealed, and which he apparently hesitated to surrender.  Something further he wished to say; but the President was eager and did not perceive it, and took and hastily opened the letter.  ‘This,’ said he, looking toward me with a triumphant air, ’cuts the Gordian Knot.  I can now dispose of this subject without difficulty, I see my way clear.’  Chase sat by Stanton, fronting the fire; the President beside the fire, his face toward them, Stanton nearest him.  I was on the sofa, near the east window.  ‘Mr. President,’ said Stanton, with solemnity, ’I informed you day before yesterday that I was ready to tender you my resignation.  I wish you, sir, to consider my resignation at this time in your possession.’  ‘You may go to your department,’ said the President; ‘I don’t want yours.  This,’ holding out Chase’s letter, ’is all I want; this relieves me; my way is clear; the trouble is ended.  I will detain neither of you longer.’  We all rose to leave,” concludes Mr. Welles.  “Chase and myself came downstairs together.  He was moody and taciturn.  Someone stopped him on the lower stairs, and I passed on.”

A few days later, the President requested both Seward and Chase to withdraw their resignations and resume their duties.  This was done, and the trouble was ended for the time.  Both Secretaries had got their lessons, and profited by them.  By the exercise of tact and patience, with firmness and decision when required, the President had let it be known that he was the head and chief of the Administration.