Washington, April
8,1861.
Dear Sir, — I
am as much in the dark as yourself in regard to the actions and designs of the
present administration.
This city has been in a great state of excitement about the
military and naval movements of the last few days, and no one but the officers
of government know their purpose. In this respect they have a great advantage
over the last administration, because the Secessionists have now no
representative in the Cabinet or kitchen. I saw Mr. Holt last evening, and he
is also ignorant of the object of the active preparations going on. He made,
however, this suggestion, that the Confederate Government refuses to allow a
simple evacuation of Fort Sumter, but requires an ignominious surrender. That
the administration will fight before submitting to such a condition. If
this be the reason, I am with the administration on that point. And although
Mr. Holt says he knows nothing about it, the shrewdness of the guess
leads me to think he has received some information. So far as Chase is
concerned, I do not think there has been anything unfair or concealed in his
action. The loan turned oat better than I expected, and had I been Secretary, I
would have taken the whole eight millions on the terms offered, rather than
risk the chances of the times. I have no doubt there has been a settled purpose
to evacuate Sumter, and that the delay has arisen from the terms required by
the Confederates. The country would stand war, rather than see Anderson a
captive, or required to haul down his flag. The administration will also hold
on to Pickens, and aid Houston in Texas.
I do not think peaceful relations will continue much longer;
nor do I think hostilities will be so great an evil as many apprehend. A round
or two often serves to restore harmony; and the vast consumption required by a
state of hostilities will enrich rather than impoverish the North.
The best joke I have known lately is a note from Twiggs to
Holt in respect to the epithets contained in his order of dismissal.
Twiggs don't like them. How would he relish the original order? I have not
heard from Wheatland since you were here. Mrs. Stanton and your juvenile friend
are well. Mrs. S. and L. shall visit New York in a few weeks, unless Ben
McCullough should capture us before long.
The herds of office-seekers still throng the city.
With sincere regards,
I remain, yours truly,
Edwin M. Stanton.
Hon. John A. Dix.
SOURCE: Morgan Dix, Memoirs of John Adams Dix,
Volume 2, p. 4-5
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