Monday, February 2, 2015

Diary of Salmon P. Chase: Thursday August 7, 1862

Very little accomplished as yet, though much, I hope, in the train of accomplishment. Engaged nearly all day on selections for recommendations of Collectors and Assessors. Prepared letter to President, containing names etc. etc. of candidates, with my recommendations, for Connecticut; made up in very small part on my own personal knowledge, but mainly on the representations and advice — sometimes agreeing and sometimes not — of the Senators, Representatives, State officers and Secretary Wells.

In the evening, went to War Department, where I saw Curtis' dispatch from Helena, urging the clearing out of the Mississippi before attempting inland operations; and McClellan's announcing advance of the enemy on Malvern Hill, and his purpose to order the retirement of Hooker's Division; and those of various Governors, and announcing progress of volunteering and preparations for drafting — on the whole very encouraging and denoting the greatest possible earnestness and determination among the people.

Home. Taylor, Davis, and Hopper (all blacks) called. —  Wrote my friend E. and sent some pencil scribblings. — Mr. Gest called, but not able to see him.

SOURCE: Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1902, Vol. 2, p. 58

No comments: