his relations with Chase, 276;
receives Seward's "Thoughts," 276, 277;
his reply to Seward, 279;
realizes his own responsibility and accepts it, 280, 281;
receives absurd advice, 281, 282;
proclaims blockade of Southern ports, 283;
advised to "close" ports, 284;
sees necessity of admitting war, 285;
decides to act efficiently without regard to Constitution, 285, 286;
instructs Scott to watch Maryland legislature, 286;