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SENATE CHAMBER, January 24, 1861.
MY DEAR ANDREW,--I have a suggestion to make which is in harmony
with one of your recent letters.
Mr. Dix,[133] in his letter of 18th January, on the present
resources of the country, says: “Before closing this
communication, I wish to call your attention to the fact that
there are deposited with twenty of the States, for safe-keeping,
over $28,000,000 _belonging to the United States_, for the
repayment of which the faith of these States is pledged by
written instructions on file in this department.”
Of course this money might be reclaimed; but the Secretary does
not propose to do so. These liabilities may be made a basis of
credit, if the States will volunteer to indorse or guaranty
the Treasury notes of the Government to the extent of their
respective liabilities.
I wish to suggest that our Legislature should at once volunteer
this aid to the General Government. Without some assistance Mr.
Lincoln will find the Treasury empty. Beyond this consideration,
you will appreciate the influence of such an act of loyalty at
this peculiar moment.
Mr. Seward writes to-day to the Governor of New York, and makes
the same suggestion. Other Senators will do the same. General
Wilson unites with me.
Ever yours,