Person Information

Biography

Fields was formally nominated by Chase to be assistant treasurer of New York in June 1864. Field was a Democratic journalist with ties to New York society. He previously served as third assistant secretary of the treasury, appointed by Chase as a "thank you" for all the avenues Field had provided to Chase for access into New York society. Prior to his appointmentship as third assistant secretary, Field had little financial or political background. According to one observer, Field exhibited abilities of a "literary rather than an executive character." The debacle over Fields nomination to assistant treasurer led to Chase's resignation and Lincoln's acceptance of it. 

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Biography and Citation Information:
Biography: 
Fields was formally nominated by Chase to be assistant treasurer of New York in June 1864. Field was a Democratic journalist with ties to New York society. He previously served as third assistant secretary of the treasury, appointed by Chase as a "thank you" for all the avenues Field had provided to Chase for access into New York society. Prior to his appointmentship as third assistant secretary, Field had little financial or political background. According to one observer, Field exhibited abilities of a "literary rather than an executive character." The debacle over Fields nomination to assistant treasurer led to Chase's resignation and Lincoln's acceptance of it.
Citation Type: 
Book or Book Chapter
Book or Monograph Title: 
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
Author(s) or Editor(s): 
Doris Kearns Goodwin
Year: 
2005
Start Page: 
630
End Page: 
633
Citation for Birth Info:
Citation for Death Info: