regarded by many historians as the greatest president ever to
             stand at America's helm. This reputation is extremely well
             deserved, as Lincoln was able to preserve the Union and
             gain victory in the civil war, despite his fighting an uphill
             battle against his own presidential cabinet. Had he not been
             struggling against this divided government, President Lincoln
             could have achieved victory with extreme efficiency and a
             minimum of wanton bloodshed (Angle 659). After Lincoln
             was inaugurated on March 4, 1861, he was forced to battle
             a split cabinet because of campaign promises made to
             various Republican factions, which made it almost
             mandatory for certain individuals to be appointed to cabinet
             posts. He ruled his cabinet with an iron hand, and often
             acted without cabinet consent or advice. Although his
             opponents called his method of rule "dictatorial" and
             "unconstitutional," it was the only effective way to get
             anything done (Simmons 142). In the beginning, Lincoln's
             secretary of state, William H. Seward, clearly considered
             himself the President's superior, and blandly offered to
             assume the executive responsibility. He entered the cabinet
             with the thought of becoming the power behind the 2
             Presidential chair and openly opposed Lincoln's control of
             the Union. This made Lincoln's position as Chief of State
             exceedingly difficult and hindered his communication and
             control of the military. As time passed, however, Seward
             recognized Lincoln's capabilities and gave him complete
             loyalty (Simmons 174). This could not be said of Salmon P.
             Chase, Lincoln's first secretary of the treasury. Blinded by an
             inflated ego, Chase pursued his own presidential aspirations.
             He was in constant conflict with Seward, and in general
             opposition to Lincoln, particularly over the issue of slavery.
             Chase has been described as "jealous of the President," and
             "overly ambitious." Lincoln's personal secre
             ...