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[179] political life, one, the overthrow of the slave power, is now happily accomplished, and the other, the denationalization of slavery and the consequent inauguration of an era of constitutional enfranchisement, seems sure to follow; so that I do not feel any longer that I have “a mission,” and therefore allow myself to grow somewhat weary of the harness. But for the present I cannot get unyoked, and must work a while longer.

And I greatly prefer to work in a legislative than in an administrative position. It is more pleasant on many accounts. Still I do not say that I would refuse the post you refer to. Indeed, it would be rather superfluous to decline what has not been offered. Neither do I say I would accept it; but only this: that if the offer were made, without any urgency on the part of my friends, under circumstances otherwise agreeable to me, I should feel bound to consider it honestly and carefully with the help of the best advisers I could consult, and should be governed in my decision, not so much by my personal inclination as by my obligation to the cause and its true and faithful friends.

I thank you for giving my Covington speech a place in the Tribune. It has attracted a good deal of attention, and will, I hope, do some good.

Please give my best regards to Mr. Greeley, who will, I trust, now find appreciation in some measure proportioned to his great services-and to your other co-laborers. How your work shames ours!

Sincerely your friend, S. P. Chase.

As might be readily inferred from what has already been said as to the relations of the Tribune with Seward, still by far the most conspicuous leader of his party in the Senate, Dana had long since come to be regarded by him with favor, if not with actual friendship. Withal, it must be recalled that he had never been a “thick and thin” supporter of Seward. They had met at Albany and elsewhere, and there is abundant evidence that their political,

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