Underlaying the innate frankness, there was a deep shrewdness in
President Lincoln, which fitted him to cope with the most expert
politicians, albeit their vanity would not let them always or promptly
acknowledge it. When Chief Justice Taney died, the President had
already planned to fill up the vacancy and at the same time shelve that
thorn in his side, Salmon P. Chase. But always keeping his own counsel,
he was mute on that head, when an important deputation attended to
recommend Chase. After hearing the address, the President asked for the
engrossed memorial to be left with him.
"I want it, in order, if I appoint Mr. Chase, I may show the friends of
the other persons for whom the office is solicited, by how powerful an
influence and what strong recommendations I was obliged to disregard in
appointing him."
This was heard with great satisfaction, and the committee were about to
depart, thinking their man sure of the mark, when they perceived that
the chief had not finished all he had to say.
"And," he continued, "I want the paper, also, in order that, if I
should appoint any other person, I may show _his_ friends how powerful
an influence and what strong recommendations I was obliged to disregard
in appointing _him_."
The committee departed mystified.
* * * * *