Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Diary of Salmon P. Chase: Saturday, July 26, 1862

Sent order to close and encrape the Department in respect to ex-President Van Buren, just deceased.

The President came in, to talk about the controversy between the Postmaster General and 6th. Auditor, in regard to rooms. Agreed to see the Attorney General, for whom I afterwards sent. The Attorney General had not heard of Rabe's removal, of which I spoke to him, and I directed Mr. Harrington to telegraph Rabe that the removal had been made without my knowledge or that of the Attorney General.

Genl. Pope came in about 1 P. M., and went to Photographers with me and Col. Welch. He talked as if McClellan might be returned in command and retrieve himself by advancing on Richmond, which was now quite feasible there being but few troops on the North side of the James. I replied that no such advance would be made; or, if made and successful, would only restore undeserved confidence and prepare future calamities.

Mitchell called. He had seen the President, who had postponed his decision until he could consult Halleck. Mitchell had all his orders ready for rapid movement. Told him his only course was to wait and see.

Talked with Pope about Mitchell, who inclined to think him visionary. Asked him to get acquainted with him which he promised.

Wrote Mrs. E. in reply to letter received from her.

SOURCE: Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1902, Vol. 2, p. 50

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