Caleb
Smith was
born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1808.
He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1828. Smith worked as
a lawyer in Connersville, Indiana and also became involved in local
politics. He joined the Whig Party and was
elected to the House of Representatives.
Smith moved to Indianapolis where he was active in railroad management.
He joined the Republican Party and
in 1860 supported the nomination of Abraham
Lincoln.
When he was elected president Lincoln considered appointing the radical
Schuyler Colfax as his Secretary of the
Interior. However, he eventually selected the more conservative Smith.
Lincoln told Colfax that he was a young man with a promising career
in front of him, whereas the age of Smith meant it was "now or
never".
Smith advised Abraham Lincoln against
attempting to relieve Fort Sumter believing
it was important to do everything possible to avoid war with the Confederacy.
Once the American Civil War started
he was the main supporter of a negotiated peace. Smith was also the
Cabinet's leading opponent of the recruitment of black
regiments.
Unhappy with Lincoln's increasing radicalism, Smith resigned from
office in December, 1863. Abraham Lincoln
appointed him Judge of the Indiana District but he died a few months
later.
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