Washington, executive Mansion, April 1, 1861.

All officers of the army and navy to whom this order may be exhibited will aid by every means in their power the expedition under the command of Colonel Harvey Brown, supplying him with men and material, and co-operating with him as he may desire.

Abraham Lincoln.

ORDER TO CAPTAIN SAMUEL MERCER.

(Confidential.)

Washington city, April 1, 1861

Sir:—­Circumstances render it necessary to place in command of your ship (and for a special purpose) an officer who is fully informed and instructed in relation to the wishes of the Government, and you will therefore consider yourself detached.  But in taking this step the Government does not in the least reflect upon your efficiency or patriotism; on the contrary, have the fullest confidence in your ability to perform any duty required of you.  Hoping soon to be able to give you a better command than the one you now enjoy, and trusting that you will have full confidence in the disposition of the Government toward you, I remain, etc.,

Abraham Lincoln.

SECRETARY SEWARD’S BID FOR POWER

MEMORANDUM FROM SECRETARY SEWARD, APRIL 1, 1861

Some thoughts for the President’s Consideration,

First.  We are at the end of a month’s administration, and yet without a policy either domestic or foreign.

Second.  This, however, is not culpable, and it has even been unavoidable.  The presence of the Senate, with the need to meet applications for patronage, have prevented attention to other and more grave matters.

Third.  But further delay to adopt and prosecute our policies for both domestic and foreign affairs would not only bring scandal on the administration, but danger upon the country.

Fourth.  To do this we must dismiss the applicants for office.  But how?  I suggest that we make the local appointments forthwith, leaving foreign or general ones for ulterior and occasional action.

Fifth.  The policy at home.  I am aware that my views are singular, and perhaps not sufficiently explained.  My system is built upon this idea as a ruling one, namely, that we must change the question before the public from one upon slavery, or about slavery, for a question upon union or disunion:  In other words, from what would be regarded as a party question, to one of patriotism or union.

The occupation or evacuation of Fort Sumter, although not in fact a slavery or a party question, is so regarded.  Witness the temper manifested by the Republicans in the free States, and even by the Union men in the South.

I would therefore terminate it as a safe means for changing the issue.  I deem it fortunate that the last administration created the necessity.