Had a call from
Governor Tod of Ohio, who says he is of Connecticut blood. Governor Tod is a
man of marked character and of more than ordinary ability; has a frank and
honest nature that wins confidence and attaches friends.
General Meade called
at the Executive Mansion whilst the Cabinet was in session. Most of the
members, like myself, had never met him. Blair and he were classmates at West
Point, but they have never met since they graduated until to-day. He has a
sharp visage and a narrow head. Would do better as second in command than as
General-in-Chief. Is doubtless a good officer, but not a great and capable
commander. He gave some details of the battle of Gettysburg clearly and fluently.
Shows intelligence and activity, and on the whole I was as well or better
pleased with him than I expected I should be, for I have had unfavorable
impressions, prejudiced, perhaps, since the escape of Lee. This interview
confirms previous impressions of the calibre and capacity of the man.
Seward leaves to-day
for a rambling excursion with the foreign ministers. Stanton did not come to
the meeting whilst I remained. Chase left early, followed by Mr. Bates and
myself.
SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30,
1864, p. 403-4
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