Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, April 1, 1863

Nothing worth writing for a few days. To-day those we left at quarantine came up looking hale and hearty. Most of them have had smallpox or varioloid. The weather is warm and the boys who have been out of camp report alligators are plenty in the swamp back of us, and snakes of many kinds also. I am rambling about camp nowadays, but am not discharged from the hospital yet. General Neal Dow found a place next door to camp to-day where liquor is sold. He took every bottle he could find and smashed them across the porch rail after first locking up the landlord. Camp is being cleared and every precaution taken to keep away yellow fever. There is none of it yet, but it is expected this summer on account of so many soldiers that are new to the climate. Lew Holmes has been worse for some days and we fear we shall lose him yet.

Midnight. I am sitting up to let a tired out nurse get a nap. Holmes died a few minutes ago. He tried to tell me something, but his tongue was so swelled I could not understand what he said. He pulled me clear down to his face and his breath was awful. I pretended to understand, and he settled back as if satisfied and only breathed a few times more. His troubles are over, and those of his old father and mother and his wife and child will begin when the news reaches them. I am glad they did not see the end.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, pp. 94-5

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, April 2, 1863

Company B chipped in for a metallic coffin and Holmes will go home. A hearse from the city has just been here and taken him away. He was one of the best of fellows, and very popular with the men. I wonder now if Kniffin will be tried on us again. There is some reason for it now, but it should go to Riley Burdick, who is next in line.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 95

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, April 3, 1863

Two funerals to-day. We have quite a graveyard started. From all I can hear, by talking with soldiers of other regiments, none of them have been hit as hard as the 128th New York. And it all comes from our being stuffed into the hold of the Arago a month before we sailed. A big responsibility rests somewhere.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 95

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, Saturday, April 4, 1863

Cleaning house day in the hospital. I have been helping so one of the nurses can get off for a walk outside. We found a burying ground where I counted fifty from the 12th Connecticut Volunteers. Nearly all died in August and September last. So we have not had all the sickness and death. I will try and not complain as much as I have. There were only eight from our regiment besides two we have sent home. From there we followed the parapet to the Jackson & Mississippi R. R., which runs not far back from camp. Saw a regiment of negro soldiers, who seemed to feel fine, were having all sorts of games and were in first-rate spirits. Their camp was clean and at the head of each company street were flower beds. Just outside they had planted a garden and onions and other things were growing. The commissioned officers were white. Everything else was black. But for get-up and style they beat any white regiment I have yet seen. It made me ashamed to go home. When I get out of the hospital I mean to try and get the boys to be more like them.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, pp. 95-6

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, Sunday, April 5, 1863

Some time while I was sick Chaplain Parker left us. I hear he had some differences of opinion with the officers, but don't know what. Major Foster was in it in some shape, for his name and the chaplain's are the most common in the yarns that are told about camp. I used to believe all I heard, but I have learned to wait for the truth, and that doesn't always come out. Lieutenant-Colonel Smith is a rough and ready customer and stands in no more awe of the officers than of the men. So long as we behave half way decent he is kindness itself, but disobey orders and he is a raging lion. But he is our best friend, and is the only real soldier in the whole outfit. He is a regular army officer and his chief concern seems to be the welfare of the enlisted men. Now that I am able to be about camp and have no duties to perform, I enjoy seeing the captains and lieutenants put through their paces as well as the rank and file. For meeting to-day Major Foster read a chapter from the Bible, read a hymn and then sang it, after which he pronounced the benediction.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 96

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, April 6, 1863

One of Company A's men died to-day. His name was Burch. A boat-load of negroes landed here to-day and were taken down towards the city, what for I did not learn. Many of the men in camp are having diarrhea, and some have to go to the hospital, where the diet can be regulated. Some corn and contraband goods were seized to-day a short distance up the river. A man has been suspected for a long time and to-day was seized upon with all his goods. We are expecting letters every day now. We watch the papers for the mail steamers, and if we get no letters are much disappointed.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, pp. 96-7

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, April 7, 1863

Two steamers due and yet no letters. Been loafing about camp so long I feel as if I was an unprofitable servant. But as there is nothing doing I am about as profitable as the rest.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 97

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, April 8, 1863

A little excitement to-day. An attempt was made to spike some guns near the negro troops headquarters. A few shots were fired but no one hit, hurt or captured. A letter from my sister, Mrs. Rowley. All well at home. For a change I have a troublesome boil on my leg. The weather is beautiful. Everything is growing—I never saw leaves and flowers come so fast.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 97

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, April 10, 1863

Yesterday I took the place of a nurse who was ailing, and to-day have been with several others to explore the country roundabouts. We came to an orange orchard and found and cut some sprouts for canes. General Dow and his staff were riding past, and seeing us, rode full tilt towards us, as if to run over us. The general was so busy watching us he never saw a ditch, and into it he went. The horse went down and the general went on his head, landing in the tall grass on all fours. He was not hurt, and after his staff had caught up and helped him on his horse, he came up and said, "To what regiment do you men belong?" Being told, he snapped out, "Report to your quarters at once and don't be seen cutting orange trees again." It is said he roams about like this, driving in any he finds outside, and in other ways making himself unpopular with the boys. However, he didn't take our canes and we have some nice ones to show for the trip.

Two letters to-day, and although they were a month old, they were full of news to me.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 97

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, April 11-12, 1863

About camp and hospital yesterday, getting well every minute. Except that I am skin poor and tire out easily, I am well. My little looking-glass first told me what a change my sickness made in my looks, but I can see my old self coming back every day now. A short meeting to-day, the only thing besides my diary to remind me it is Sunday, God's day. He only asks one day in seven, and it seems as if more attention should be paid it.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 98

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, April 13, 1863

Wrote and mailed some letters this morning. Wm. Partington died in this room this morning. He and I came here the same time and lay side by side. I was taken to the big tent and he left here. We were both hard sick and when I came back Bill was in just about the same condition I was. We both got round together and began to go out at the same time. A day or two ago diarrhea hit him and now he is taken and I left. So it goes. We plan for to-morrow and to-morrow we are wrapped in a blanket and out we go.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 98

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, April 14, 1863

A letter from John Van, with one in it from George Willson and one from T. Templeton of the 150th. They are feeling fine and the regiment has little or no sickness to report.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 98

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, April 15, 1863

Reported for duty with the company this morning, but have to report to the doctor every day until I get my discharge from there. Have been appointed commissary sergeant. See to drawing the rations for Company B, and shall look out that they get their share. This relieves me from guard duty and from everything that interferes with my duties as commissary. It relieves me from duty in the ranks, adds another stripe to my arm, and two dollars per month to my pay. I am glad to have something to do. At night a citizen tried to go through camp and when halted by the guards started to run and was shot. What he was, or why he acted as he did I don't know, and he can't tell.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, pp. 98-9

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, Thursday, April 16, 1863

A letter from Walt Loucks asking me to come and see him. Shall surely go if I can get a pass.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 99

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, Friday, April 17, 1863

Went to see Walt. I had a first-rate visit. He is about well. I did little but answer questions about what has been going on since we parted at Camp Chalmette, who is living and who have died and what sort of a place we are in. Found three letters for me when I came back.

Later. Marching orders with two days' cooked rations and 100 rounds of ammunition, blankets and overcoats. I am going, too, unless Dr. Andrus stops me. Must stop and write a letter before taps.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 99

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, Saturday, April 18, 1863

The regiment has gone and I am left. When will I get clear from the hospital? One of the hospital cooks, E. Furguson, died to-day. There are hardly enough men in camp to bury him, only the sick and convalescent being left.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 99

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, Sunday, April 19, 1863

We buried Furguson to-day. The grave was full of water and we had to punch the box down with sticks until the earth held it. Hear nothing from the regiment.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 99

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, April 20, 1863

No real news yet. Lots of rumors though, one of which is that they are all cut up and the rest captured. We don't believe it.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 99

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, April 21, 1863

Drew ten days' rations to-day, so I guess there is some of Company B left and that they will be back to eat it.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 100

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, Wednesday, April 22, 1863

The regiment came back to-day. Have been gone four days. Had some hard marching and lived high on pigs and chickens found by the way. They went up the Pearl River, and captured a small steamer loaded with tar and rosin. They feel fine and to hear them talk one would think this matter of putting down the Rebellion is nothing if only the 128th is given a good whack at it.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 100

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, April 23, 1863

The officers have drawn new tents and the captains have given the cooks their old ones for cook houses. We tore down the old shanty, and put up the new house in short order.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 100

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, April 24, 1863

The morning paper gives a glowing account of the great expedition of the 128th. Speaks well of the behavior of both officers and men and their great respect for private property. But Colonel Cowles has been lecturing them and his account differs from the newspaper reports on nearly all points.

We were paid off to-day and the money flies. We have floors in our tents now. An order has gone forth for camp inspection once each day. The tents, the cook houses and cooking utensils and everything will be inspected, and must be as clean as possible or trouble will come. Taking it all in all we have good times. One of the boys has a fiddle, and some are good singers. We have only enough to do to make us hungry when meal time comes.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 100

Diary of 5th Sergeant Lawrence Van Alstyne, April 30, 1863

Walter Loucks has returned to camp and looks well. He feels some sore from sleeping on a board, after his stay in the hospital, but that will wear off. General Dow has cleared the peddlers out of camp and torn down some shanties near, where pies, etc., were sold. My throat has got sore again and I must get Dr. Andrus to fix it up. We have had marching orders a couple of times, but each time they were countermanded.

SOURCE:  Lawrence Van Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p. 101

Diary of Gideon Welles, Thursday, August 2, 1866

For several days have been so much engaged that I have found no time to open this book and innumerable private letters go unanswered.

An adroit and skillful counterfeit has been perpetrated, and two drafts, one of $50,000 and one of $10,000, have been cashed. There was much heedless and careless management at the Fourth Auditor's office, or there would have been prompt detection, yet they have rushed into the papers and claim that they discovered the forgery. All of which is untrue. We learn to-day that the forger has been arrested. He was married this morning to a lady of fortune, left with his bride for New York and Europe, and was arrested when he reached Philadelphia.

The convention yesterday in Connecticut to elect delegates to Philadelphia passed off well. It was a convention strong in good names.

Violent and revolutionary proceedings have taken place in New Orleans. A fragment of an old convention held in 1864 met for the purpose of overturning the government. Riot and bloodshed were the unavoidable consequences. There are indications that the conspirators were instigated by Radicals from Washington and the North to these disturbances.

I have had two interviews with Governor Pease of Texas. He is earnest and honest, and gives a deplorable account of affairs in that State, where he has just been defeated in a gubernatorial canvass. There is, he says, no toleration of Union men; five sixths of the people are hostile to the Federal Government, and they persecute those who do not agree with them. The only way by which Union men can live there, he says, is under the protection of Union troops, and the Federal Government, he claims, is bound to protect loyal men in person and property.

After listening to his statement and canvassing the subject with him, I inquired whether the remedy he proposed was practicable and consistent with our system of government. If there is danger to person and property in any State, the person aggrieved or in danger must look to the local, municipal, and State authorities for protection. But it is claimed the authorities will not do this and that five sixths of the people approve their course. This is unfortunate and wrong, but under these circumstances and in these times, is it wise for the one sixth to come forward and place themselves in direct antagonism to the five sixths and ask the Federal Government to sustain them by force? Would it not be better to remain passive and quietly and patiently strive to modify public opinion, and get it right gradually? This Government is not one of form; it cannot attempt to control the elections in the States, and that by military force, without overthrowing free government, — destroying free elections. Are you not, then, asking too much, and unawares taking steps to subvert, or change our whole system?

This was the tenor of our conversation and my remarks. Governor Pease was, I thought, affected by them. His good sense made him appreciate the case, though he said that if this was the policy he should be compelled to leave Texas and so would every Union man. This, I told him, did not follow. Yet free speech would, perhaps, be necessarily restrained.

The condition of things is bad, but it is attributable in a degree to the nature of our institutions. Our people will go violently into the elections. The few outspoken Union men, numerically weak, insist that they must be the controlling power in the Rebel States, although in a minority, and they expect to secure this by military instrumentality exercised by the Federal Government, which is to put down the majority by the bayonet.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, pp. 567-9

Diary of Gideon Welles, Friday, August 3, 1866

I had a letter last evening from Secretary McCulloch, inclosing copy of one addressed to the President, requesting that Commodore S. P. Lee might be put on the Lighthouse Board in place of Admiral Davis, who had consented to retire. The intrigue and the impudence of the thing annoyed me excessively. McCulloch is guiltless of intentional wrong, but is, unaware, the instrument of Lee, who has moved his father-in-law, Blair, in the matter. I wrote a strong remonstrance to the President and also to McCulloch against this mischievous and demoralizing scheme. The President and McCulloch both spoke to me on the subject to-day, neither having received my letter. The President wished me to dispose of Lee as I pleased. Said he was a great annoyance to him. McCulloch said he cared nothing about Lee, but was willing to oblige Mr. Blair.

Stanton read telegrams in Cabinet from General Sheridan concerning New Orleans disturbances. Stanton manifested marked sympathy with the rioters, and the President and others observed it. There is little doubt that the New Orleans riots had their origin with the Radical Members of Congress in Washington. It is part of a deliberate conspiracy and was to be the commencement of a series of bloody affrays through the States lately in rebellion. Boutwell and others have stated sufficient to show their participation in this matter. There is a determination to involve the country in civil war, if necessary, to secure negro suffrage in the States and Radical ascendancy in the General Government. Stanton, in great excitement, repeatedly spoke of the Attorney-General of Louisiana and the Mayor of New Orleans as pardoned Rebels who had instigated the murder of the people in the streets of the city, [said] that they were guilty of this terrible bloodshedding.

Sheridan's dispatches are somewhat conflicting. Although a brave and excellent officer, Sheridan lacks judgment and administrative ability. He is impulsive, but his intentions are honest and his first telegram was an honest impulse. It struck me that he was tutored as regards the others, either from Washington or by some one at New Orleans duly advised.

Stanton is evidently in deep sympathy and concert with the Radicals in this matter, though he studied to conceal it. In striving to influence the President and prejudice him against the authorities of New Orleans, he betrayed his feelings.

There has been a story circulating in the newspapers that a naval vessel had captured a slave-trader with a cargo of negroes on board, which were being transported from the South to Cuba. It was a manufactured rumor which came from the Radical Freedmen's Bureau agents or tools. Seward alluded to some information from Cuba to the effect that they wanted none of our negroes on the island, and in conversation growing out of his allusion, I mentioned the fabrication of a rumor of a captured slaver. I saw at once that Stanton was disturbed. I mentioned that I two or three months since instituted inquiries on information communicated by the War Department, which I found to be totally groundless. Stanton rose at once on his feet and said the information came from General Foster. I answered, yes; it was a rumor of negroes kidnapped at Indian River, but our inquiries had satisfied us that the rumors were without foundation.

Stanton is, in matters of this description, a Radical sensationalist, ready to believe anything bad of those to whom he is opposed; and is himself complicated with, if not a prime mover in, the New Orleans difficulties and these mischievous rumors.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, pp. 569-71

Diary of Gideon Welles, Saturday, August 4, 1866

The Philadelphia movement is gaining strength, but at the same time encountering tremendous and violent opposition from the Radicals. I trust and think it will be successful, but the convention will be composed of various elements, some of them antagonistic heretofore, and the error is in not having distinctive principles on which these prevailing opposing elements can centre. The time has arrived when our countrymen must sacrifice personal and mere organized party hostility for the general welfare. Either the Radicals or the Government are to be overthrown. The two are in conflict.

I have confidence that all will come out right, for I rely on an overruling Providence and the good sense and intelligence of the people. Hatred, deadly animosity towards the whole South, a determination to deny them their Constitutional rights, and to oppress and govern them, not allow them to govern themselves, are the features of Radicalism. It is an unsavory, intolerant, and persecuting spirit, disgraceful to the country and age. Defeat in the elections will temper and subdue its ferocity, while success at the polls will kindle it to flames, which will consume every sentiment of tolerance, justice, and Constitutional freedom.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 571

Diary of Gideon Welles, Monday, August 6, 1866

Am beset by disappointed naval officers who think they have not had due promotion. This may be the case with some, but the more I examine the whole ground the better satisfied I am with the action taken. One of the most afflicted is Commodore Hitchcock, an old schoolboy friend, a good officer in peaceable times and an exemplary man in every respect, who has well performed ordnance duty, but who has no war record, no ambition but to live at ease and in style, proud and gentlemanly. He has taken such excellent care of himself during the War—done so little in the heroic line—that he is dissatisfied with the result when heroes are to be rewarded.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, pp. 571-2

Diary of Gideon Welles, Tuesday, August 7, 1866

The President submitted two long telegrams, one from himself to General Sheridan inquiring as to the difficulties at New Orleans and Sheridan's reply, which was no answer.

Seward and Stanbery had much to say. The latter was very earnest to have the President send immediately to Sheridan, telling him the police must be dismissed. There was, he said, great excitement in the country and the President must at once respond.

I inquired to what he was to respond. On Friday he had directed Sheridan to keep the peace and pursue his investigations. Since that inquiries had been made which had procured a feeble and confused response, concluding with a request or suggestion that the Governor of the State and the Mayor of New Orleans be displaced. Sheridan might be told that the President had no authority to displace these officers; but I expressed a hope that he would not at this distance undertake to give detailed instructions to his generals or agents.

I asked who General Baird was that he should be charged with this responsibility, and how it came about that such a man as was now described happened to be at such a place at this juncture. As for Sheridan, I considered him an honest, bold, impulsive officer, without much knowledge of civil government or administrative ability, who obeyed orders, but I apprehended him badly prompted after his first telegram, and regretted that we had not men of different calibre there at this time.

Seward said my estimate of Sheridan he thought correct. As for Baird, he knew nothing of him. The President expressed dissatisfaction with what he heard of Baird. Stanton kept silent.

Stanbery was persistent that the President should instruct Sheridan in regard to the police of the city.

Stanton said application had been made to him for bunting for the building at Philadelphia where the convention was to meet, but he had none for them, and said, with a sneer, he would turn them over to the Navy. I told him that my bunting had always been promptly shown and it would be well were he now to let us have a sight of his.

Stanton, who has skulked, was taken aback, colored, and remarked he had no bunting for them. "Oh," said I, "show your flag."

"You mean the convention," said he. "I am against it." "I am sorry to hear, but glad to know, your opinion," said I.

"Yes, I am opposed to the convention," he continued. "I didn't know it. You did not answer the inquiry like the rest of us."

"No," said he; "I did not choose to have Doolittle or any other little fellow draw an answer from me."

The conversation amused the others, as it did me. Seward looked troubled. Whether he knew Stanton's position, I am in doubt. It is, I am satisfied, very recent that he has concluded to avow himself, although I have never doubted that he was as much opposed as any Radical to the Union movement. I think he would rather have the Government overthrown than that the real Unionists should come in power. He seems to have personal apprehensions.

I called on the President this evening to advise caution in his communications with New Orleans. Expressed my regret that he had not better officers for the business required at this time in that quarter. He concurred with me and said Baird, so far as he could learn, had caused the trouble or might have prevented it.

"Who," inquired I, "placed Baird there? Was it not part of the Radical scheme to bring this difficulty upon us? It certainly is unfortunate that we have these men there." He said he believed Baird was attached to the Freedmen's Bureau. I said this might have been ordered otherwise and should have been; that the Administration could not get along intelligently and well without faithful and reliable agents. I inquired if he noticed the remarks of Stanton to-day respecting the convention, "though probably you knew his opinions previously." The President said he had not known them before, that it was the first intimation he had received, and he noticed the remark. "This is wrong," said I; "we cannot get along in this way." "No," replied he, "it will be pretty difficult."

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, pp. 572-4

Diary of Gideon Welles, Wednesday, August 8, 1866

Judge Blair gave me yesterday a carefully prepared paper intended for the Philadelphia Convention. It had twelve specifications, — declarations and denials, affirmations and disavowals. Blair is delighted with them and says the President is also. I told him there would not be unanimity on one or two of the propositions and suggested emendations or modifications of two or three others. To some of them he assented; but I saw he was very much in love with the paper, which he informed me was prepared by William B. Reed. But no one, save the President, him, the author, and myself, knew the fact of authorship.

I remarked that there would doubtless be other strong and able papers submitted, that my own views were for a few points timely expressed. I thought all could unite against changes of the Constitution with only a broken Congress, and States excluded. In so large a body as there is likely to assemble at Philadelphia there would be conflicting opinions on any proposition which might be submitted.

Blair leaves to-morrow for Philadelphia. Browning says he shall and likely Randall will go also. I would rather the members of the Cabinet remained away.

The President is deeply interested, yet retains Stanton, who is not only opposed, but is covertly in accord with the Radicals.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, pp. 574-5

Diary of Gideon Welles, Thursday, August 9, 1866

A strange dispatch was read to-day from Commodore Winslow, written at Pensacola, exhibiting intense partisan bitterness in the New Orleans disturbances, and reproving Lieutenant-Commander McCann of the Tallapoosa, who was at New Orleans and behaved very discreetly. I am almost induced to believe that Winslow is demented.

Ordered a board for examining volunteer officers, S. P. Lee, President. It will be less acceptable to him than some other position more permanent here in Washington, but he cannot always select the best places.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 575

Diary of Gideon Welles, Friday, August 10, 1866

Seward was not at Cabinet, having had a sudden call to Auburn. It was a dodge to avoid an open committal with the Philadelphia Convention. Attorney-General Stanbery had charge of his portfolio, Assistant Secretary Fred Seward being also absent. There was a little meaning in this. Whether Stanton was a party to it in order to avoid being in any way committed, or is slighted, I know not. If the last, I think it was unintentional, but Seward is paying hard court to Stanbery. I perceive it every day.

A dispatch from Vice-Consul-General Savage at Cuba in relation to the steamers Harriet Lane and Pelican was read, with Seward's reply. I thought Seward conceded too much and so stated. The threat from some person who is in charge, that he would sell them if not paid his charges, is simply ridiculous. Any proper charges the Government would pay ere this, as on any other government vessel, but the idea of an individual selling a public ship is absurd. Still Seward concedes it.

Queen Emma of the Sandwich Islands is to visit Washington as the guest of the Government on invitation of Secretary Seward, who is conveniently absent. As Stanbery is delegated by Seward in other matters, Stanton thought he should do the honors to the young dowager.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, pp. 575-6

Diary of Gideon Welles, Saturday, August 11, 1866

Read Commodore Winslow's letter and correspondence relative to New Orleans riot and my reply to the President, who was pleased and approved of my course.

Read Admiral Farragut's acknowledgment and thanks to the President for his commission; also Farragut's letter accepting the invitation to be of the party to Chicago.

Many delegates from the South to the Philadelphia Convention are in the city on their way thither. Generally they seem in good spirits and cheered with the prospect of a restored Union. So far as I have conversed with them they are of right tone and temper.

I remarked to the President that a large portion of the people North and South had no correct idea of the condition of men and things. The claim of the Union men in the Rebel States, that they alone must hold office and govern, while the great mass of the people were to be excluded, proscribed, and eventually disfranchised, was preposterous. The majority must govern or elections be abandoned. In looking to the Central Government to keep the minority in power by force, the Unionists were committing a serious error. The condition of things is anomalous and must be treated with great circumspection and wisdom. The President agreed and fully responded.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 576

Diary of Gideon Welles, Monday, August 13, 1866

Secretary McCulloch arrived this A.M. Met him at the President's. His trip has been of benefit to him. McCulloch has grown upon me since he entered the Cabinet. Perhaps I have not been as observant and critical as I should have been had we differed, but from the beginning our views have coincided, and I have considered him, though not trained in public office or an experienced politician, as the most reliable and sensible man in the Cabinet.

Dennison has written a strange letter and made a speech of like character. I am disappointed in him, for he is exceedingly unjust and unfair towards the President. It is a bid, but he will be disappointed.

Dennison is very ambitious, and has a wife more ambitious than himself. Of the two, she is smarter, but D. is gentlemanly, kind, affable, has great suavity of manners. He will never obtain a higher position than the one he has recently resigned. It is said he wishes to secure the seat in the Senate held by Wade; but that can hardly be brought about, though strange results sometimes take place in these selections.

The letter and speech which now appear are mere party drivel, without statesmanship or enlarged and comprehensive views. Such stuff can convert no one, and retain no one. I am sorry to witness this exhibition, for Dennison aside from factions, is not destitute of merit, has some pleasant social qualities, and our families have been intimate. He is evidently expecting to make an impression in party harangues, but will scarcely succeed.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, pp. 576-7

Diary of Gideon Welles, Tuesday, August 14, 1866

Seward has run off to Auburn and left Stanbery to attend upon the Hawaiian dowager, Queen Emma. He finds it awkward and embarrassing, but does very well. The President expressed a wish that the Cabinet, and such of their families as could, might be at the reception this evening. McCulloch and myself were the only ones present except Stanbery, who escorted her. She is a good-looking, well-developed woman of about thirty, with a complexion a shade darker perhaps than a brunette, a full, round eye, a good form, of graceful deportment, etc.

We hear that the convention at Philadelphia is full and harmonious and all is progressing satisfactorily. The effect must be salutary on the whole country and will, I trust, contribute to overcome that intense sectional hate and party rancor which it is the aim and purpose of the Radicals to inculcate towards the South. These Radical leaders, and to a great extent their followers, are vindictive and have apparently no wish or intention to reëstablish the Union or recognize the political equality of the States.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, pp. 577-8

Diary of Gideon Welles, Wednesday, August 15, 1866

There are comparatively few persons here in attendance on the President or Departments. The Philadelphia Convention has drawn off most of them for the time, but only to come back in crowds when the convention adjourns.

Informed the President that I proposed to detail Rear Admiral Stribling for lighthouse duty. He said he had no objections. Should be glad to have Lee disposed of. Told him I had made him president of the board to examine volunteer officers under the late Act of Congress.

The Lees and old Mr. Blair are behaving badly. I do not blame Mr. B. so much, for he is old and affectionate, yet he should have some consideration for others. It would, and ought to, injure him, his children, Lee, and myself, were I to assign Lee to the Lighthouse Board here in Washington. After having the best post during the War, with high pecuniary reward and very little danger, he should not now, with his ample fortune, derived from that post, think to sit down for the remainder of his days in the easy post of lighthouse duty on full pay. But he is very mercenary.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 578

Diary of Edward Bates, Saturday, July 2, 1859

A very hot day. At night the greatest rain storm of the season — Note — our house is badly infested with Fleas[.]

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, Annual Report of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930, Vol. 4, The Diary Of Edward Bates, p. 29

Diary of Edward Bates, July 4, 1859

A very bright day — cool and breesy. Dr. J. W. Wilson and family her[e], and some young friends [.]

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, Annual Report of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930, Vol. 4, The Diary Of Edward Bates, p. 29

Diary of Edward Bates, July 5, 1859

. . . For some days past, my sister¹⁸ has been in a very precarious condition — not sick with any painful disease, but being frequently taken with a difficulty of breathing, as if the lungs were too weak to clear the throat. I think it is but the weakness of old age, the natural decay of the organs. I should not wonder at her going off any hour.

As to me, I feel, tho' in perfect bodily health, an indolence and indecision not common with me. The cause, I fear, is the mixing up of my name in Politics. I am suffering a serious injury, professionally and perhaps, socially, by the many suggestions, in various parts of the country, to take me up as the Opposition candidate for the Presidency. The idea is presented in so many ways and sometimes in a shape so plausible, as to force itself upon my attention and withdraw my thoughts from other topics more practical and more necessary to my interests. A large section of the Republican party, who think that Mr. Seward's nomination would ensure defeat, are anxious to take me up, thinking that I could carry the Whigs and Americans generally, and thus ensure the Northern States and have a strong party in the border slave states, consisting of Whigs and Americans. I must try to resist the temptation, and not allow my thoughts to be drawn off from the common channels of business and domestic cares. Ambition is a passion, at once strong and insidious, and is very apt to cheet [sic] a man out of his happiness and his true respectability of character.

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¹⁸ Sarah Bates. Supra, May 8, 1859, note 47.

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, Annual Report of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930, Vol. 4, The Diary Of Edward Bates, pp. 29-30

Diary of Edward Bates, Saturday, July 9, 1859

Sat (the 2d. time) to Mr. Cogswell¹⁹ the painter, for a portrait. Mr. C.[ogswell] seems to be an excellent artist : His picture of Joseph Charless²⁰ is to the life.

Mr. Woodson's²¹ daughters, Jennie and Nelly are here also Sally, Julian's wife —

This year, I have attended less than usual to the cultivation of the lot — The grapes have been a good deal neglected, not trained and pruned rightly. A great deal of the fruit has been destroyed by the rot, still, there is enough remaining for an ample family supply. Our supply of berries — goose — rasp and straw was scanty — Blackberries promising, not yet ripe.

I have a curiosity, in the shape of a Japan potato. A small piece was planted in April 1858, and grew feebly that year : Left in the ground last winter, It is now growing boldly, the vines (spiral like the hop,[)] runs [sic] on tall poles, and now I think, if stretched out straight, would be 20 feet long. It has a multitude of blooms, or rather buds, not expanded, on the upper part of the vine, and, on the lower part, at the foot stalk of the leaves, little round tubors [sic] or potato[e]s, now about the size of duck slot [sic]. . . .

I think the vine is as handsome as the Madeira vine, but not so odorous. The potato[e]s in the ground I cannot judge of till next fall.

_______________

¹⁹ William Cogswell of New York lived and painted, at various times, in New York City. Philadelphia, Chicago, St. Louis, and California. He did a Lincoln portrait and also the "President Grant and Family " of the National Gallery in Washington, and the portraits of Grant and of Chase in the Capitol.

²⁰ Supra, June 4, 1859, note 75.

²¹ A cousin of Mr. Bates whose mother was a Woodson. The Woodsons lived on Dardenne Prairie (infra, July 30. 1859, note 61).

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, Annual Report of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930, Vol. 4, The Diary Of Edward Bates, p. 30

Diary of Edward Bates, July 14, 1859

Full moon last night — Good hope of rain for two days past — The Rain-Crows (or Cookoos) are croaking loudly this morning.

Jennie and Nelly Woodson still here — Kate Wilson came home with them last night [.]

We have workmen making sundry repairs about the house and outhouse— My contract is with George Full (a jobber) apparently a very respectable Englishman — a friend of Robt. Baker.

Note. Pd. Mr. Full, yesterday, $100, on a/c[.]

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, Annual Report of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930, Vol. 4, The Diary Of Edward Bates, p. 30

Diary of Edward Bates, July 15, 1859

To day I paid Dr. [           ] Billingslea $5. for his medical attendance upon Lear (my mother's freed woman). He presented a bill stating Lear as my servant. I refused to pay the bill as a debt due by me, or to make myself, in any way liable for such claims, as there are now near 40 free negro[e]s emancipated by my mother and sister, but handed him $5. in acknowledgment of his kindness to Lear.

The National Intelligencer of July 12, contains various articles worth memory [.]

1. Botts'²² letter about the liability of naturalized citizens to compulsory military service — in condemnation of Sec.[retar]y. Cass' doctrine [.]

2 The "Mexican Question"²³ by Geo[rge] L. Stevens[.]

3. "MOBILRZATION"²⁴ — as applied to the Prussian Army. Explanation of the term — taken from a French Military Journal[.] <The term I think is also used in France, and, in its generic sense, means only — the common meaning of the word — the putting of troops in condition to move or march — E. B.> "In Prussia, says the Journal, the obligation of military service is incumbent on all." . . .

"The military system of Prussia rests upon an organization which divides the forces of that monarchy into two distinct armies: the one the army of the line, or regular troops: the other the army of the reserve, or the militia, who are called the landwehr, and which consists of the same men who, having passed through the army of the line, are subject to landwehr duty, from their 26th. [25th.] to their 32d. year[.]

Besides the landwehr, which is divided into [a] first and [a] second levy, there is also the Landsturm or general levy, which comprises men between the ages of 40 and 50 years."

4th. A curious snake story, which seems well: avouched — A man was bitten by a rattlesnake, spots appeared on him like the spots on the snake, and when he died (which was in a few hours) there was found on his person, an exact likeness of the snake — true as a degeurrotipe [daguerreotype] — extending from the wound, on the hand, up to the shoulder, and down the body, to the groin.²⁵

[Marginal] Note. Nov 20. 1859. A case fully as remarkable [sic][.]

A child of Dr. Nott of S. Carolina was killed by lightning last summer. A tree in the yard was struck at the same time, and upon the body of the child was found a miniature degurretipe [daguerreotype] picture of the tree, beautifully exact.

_______________

²² John M. Botts of Virginia: Whig congressman, 1839-1843, 1847-1849; defeated Know-Nothing candidate for Congress in 1854; opponent of the "gag law" of 1836, of the annexation of Texas and the Mexican War, and of secession. On Virginia's withdrawal from the Union, he withdrew from public life, was imprisoned by the Confederacy but finally paroled, and later became a leading Conservative supporter of Johnsonian restoration policies.

²³ This appeared in the issue of July 11, not in that of July 12.

²⁴ This, too, appeared in the issue of July 11. And Mr. Bates has not quoted from it accurately.

²⁵ This, too, appeared in the issue of July 11, rather than that of July 12.

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, Annual Report of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930, Vol. 4, The Diary Of Edward Bates, pp. 30-2

Diary of Edward Bates, July 16, 1859

Paid George Full $217.20 for divers repairs about the House and outhouse —

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, Annual Report of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930, Vol. 4, The Diary Of Edward Bates, p. 32

Diary of Edward Bates, Sunday, July 17, 1859

Went to church and heard Mr. Davis preach quite a fluent and flow[e]ry discourse, on the parable of Dives and Lazarus[.]

Mr. Davis is a young man (of poor, respectable Welsh parents here in St Louis) Educated for the ministry, chiefly by contributions of the churches here. At the instance of our Pastor, Mr. Anderson,²⁶ just before his recent departure for Europe, the session of our church (in my absence) invited Mr. Davis to take Mr. A.[nderson]'s place and occupy our pulpit during his absence. Last Sabbath Mr. Cox²⁷ preached and administered the Lord's supper, while Mr. Davis only gave out a hymn.

Now, it is ascertained that Mr. Davis is not licenced to preach the Gospel, and therefore, notwithstanding the invitation, has no more authority in the pulpit than any other layman.

I have spoken to Mr. Bishop²⁹ about it, who seems to concur with me in the opinion that the proceeding is irregular and against the discipline of the church — He says that at the time the Session passed the invitation, they thought that Mr. D.[avis] was a licentiate. But I do not know that Mr. Bishop concurs with me in believing that the precedent thus set is dangerous. It is dangerous in many ways, and among others, in lowering the official standard of our ministers. Whoever begins by disregarding or dispensing with the known law, for convenience' sake or in respect of persons, will be easily tempted, for the same reasons, to make new law, equally without authority. I fear the consequences.

[Marginal Note.] Saturday, July 23d. I mentioned the subject to Revd. Mr. Brook[e]s,³⁰ of 2d. church, who admits that the proceeding is irregular and without law — but seemed to think that, under the circumstances, and Mr. D. [avis'] being a very clever young man, no harm would come of it &c[.]

I answered that it was dangerous to depart from the known laws of the church — When we begin to depart, there is no rule for stopping the departure. You dispense with one law to day; I with another tomorrow. And both of us, having assumed the dispensing power, will soon assume the power to make new law, to suit our convenience.

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²⁶ Samuel A. P. Anderson, Virginia-bred Presbyterian clergyman, pastor since 1851 of the Central Presbyterian Church.

²⁷ Probably Samuel H. Cox, Presbyterian clergyman; at this time, president of Ingham University for women, at Le Roy, N. Y.

²⁸ See infra, July 25, 1859. [Blog Editor’s Note: there is no anchor for this foot note in the text.]

²⁹ Daniel H. Bishop. See loc. cit.

³⁰ James H. Brookes, eloquent "premillenialist" minister of the Second Presbyterian Church, 1858-1865(?), and of the Compton Avenue Church, 1865-1897, editor of the St. Louis (Presbyterian) Truth, and author of several religious books.

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, Annual Report of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930, Vol. 4, The Diary Of Edward Bates, pp. 32-3

Diary of Edward Bates, Monday, July 18, 1859

Attended the funeral of James. H. Bacon (who died suddenly Saturday night) at the Union Presbyterian church. My wife, and daughter Matilda attended the body to Bellefontaine Cemetery, but I did not, having business at the Office.

. . .

Several persons lately have died of sun stroke [.]

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, Annual Report of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930, Vol. 4, The Diary Of Edward Bates, p. 33

Diary of Edward Bates, Tuesday, July 19, 1859

Attended the funeral of Mrs. Asa Wilgus from Christ's Church to Bellefontaine Cemetery.

Very hot and dusty, but a brisk breese.

See hack 6. pages. — This evening I recd, the National Intelligencer of the 16th. July, which contains a long extract from a recent letter of Mr. Cass,³¹ Secy, of State, to our Minister at Berlin,³² about the liability of naturalized citizens to compulsory service in the army of their native country, if they go back voluntarily.

In this letter Mr. Cass abandons the ground taken in his letters to LeCle[r]c³³ (a frenchman at Memphis) and Hoffer³⁴ (a German at Cinc[inna]ti.). He now holds the equality in this respect, of native and naturalised Citizens; but does it in a confused and clumsy way, as if the change in his opinion had been wrought rather by fear of the consequences, than conviction of the right.

I was grieved to see the Nat:[ional] Intel:[ligencer] support Mr. Cass' first view, and now in its comments³⁵ on his last letter (which is open to the sharpest criticism) refusing to turn with Mr. C[ass].

I have prepared a long letter (Private) to Mr. Jas. C. Welling,³⁶ assistant editor of the Nat:[ional] Intel[ligence]r., giving my views on the subject and placing the question, I think, on impregnable grounds.

Note³⁷ — Mr. Welling answered me in a very friendly letter of 5 sheets — making a very good argument, I think against our naturalization laws, but (these laws being in force) no argument at all against our duty to protect the citizanes [sic] we have made.

I have replied in the most friendly spirit, but, I think, clinching the argument on my side[.]

["KENTUCKY TO BE STRUCK FROM THE ROLL OF SOUTHERN STATES. — The Charleston Mercury says that 'if the recent meetings for the reception of Senator CRITTENDEN in Kentucky, are a reflex of the feelings and opinions of the people of that State, she may as well be stricken from the roll of Southern States.'

 

"Very well; let Kentucky be stricken from the roll of the Southern States, and let the rest of the slaveholding States that will not learn political lessons from the South Carolina Gamaliels, be stricken out too. But how much of the South will then be left?"]

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³¹ Supra, June 8, 1859, note 83.

³² These instructions to the American Minister to Prussia Joseph A. Wright, July 8, 1859, may be found in the archives of the State Department.

³³ See supra, June 8, 1859.

³⁴ Secretary of State Cass to Mr. Hoffer of Cincinnati, June 14, 1859, in the archives of the State Department.

³⁵ July 16, 1859.

³⁶ Supra, June 20, 1859, note 3.

³⁷ Inserted later.

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, Annual Report of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930, Vol. 4, The Diary Of Edward Bates, pp. 33-4

Diary of Edward Bates, Saturday, July 23, 1859

Revd. Mr. Nicholson (Methodist) now of Hamilton. 0.[hio] late of Baltimore, came to my office, introduced by Mr. Keith, to talk about the Am[erica]n. Colonization Society, of which he is Gen[era]1. Agent.

He wants to get up a meeting, in hopes to revive a spirit in favor of the Society, now grown languid, almost to atrophy.

Late in the evening — too late for business, being detained at my office professionally — Attended a meeting of the Trustees of the City University, to meet Revd. Dr. Wines,³⁸ but did not see the Dr. as he had left before my arrival. It seems that a com [mitt] ee. had been appointed — Judge H. R. Gamble³⁹ and Revd. Dr. McPheeters⁴⁰ — to try to procure a President for the C.[ity] University]. They, it seems, had spoken to Dr. Wines and got him to come out and examine for himself.

I asked what was the present condition of the Institution — Mr. Gill said "We are out of debt[.]" — I suppose there is no endowment, and no income. Someone — perhaps Dr. W. M. McPheeters⁴¹ — said it was the intention to open a subscription in all the Churches in the City concerned in the enterprise — Old School Presbyterian — with a view to get $2000 from each church, as a temporary endowment, so as to induce Dr. Wines to assume the control, and build up the University by his personal efforts.

The house itself (NE corner Pine and 16th.) is large and well built, but has no ground attached, only a little paved back yard. An excellent house for a preparatory Grammar School. But as the beginning of an University, a mere futility.

I have had no great hopes of the Institution ever since the managers determined to stick it down on a little lot in the thick of the City, to enable 'the boys' to walk conveniently from their fathers' houses to school! I told them, in public meeting, some two or three years ago, that by those means, they might possibly succeed in making a pretty good preparatory school for young boys (which was not the thing we proposed to make) but a first class University (which we did design to make) never.

The $1000 which I subscribed and paid towards the University, is the only voluntary contribution which I ever begrudged, and that only because it seems to me perverted from its object.

I dont [sic] expect to subscribe any more.

_______________

³⁸ See infra, July 25, 1859.

³⁹ Hamilton R. Gamble, of Missouri: old-time Whig; brother-in-law of Mrs. Bates; one-time law partner of Mr. Bates; judge of the Missouri Supreme Court. 1850-1854; author of a dissenting opinion in the Dred Scott case in the state court; a strong advocate of the Union in Missouri at the outbreak of the Civil War; Conservative Unionist war governor of Missouri from June, 1861, until his death in January, 1864.

⁴⁰ Supra, April 24, 1859, note 24.

⁴¹ A prominent St. Louis physician, at this time surgeon of the U. S. Marine Hospital and an editor of the St. Louis Medical and Surgical Journal. North-Carolina-bred, he joined the Confederate Army as a surgeon when the Civil War came.

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, Annual Report of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930, Vol. 4, The Diary Of Edward Bates, pp. 34-5

Diary of Edward Bates, Monday, July 25, 1859

By invitation supped at Mr. Bishop's⁴² in company with Revd. Dr. Wines⁴³ (a professor in Washington College Pa.) who visits St Louis preparatory to the organization of the City University (old school Presbyterian) it being intended to offer him the presidency. I like his appearance very well. He seems to be a plain, solid man, and he has a high reputation for learning.

There were present also Revd. Dr. McPheeters⁴⁴ — and Mr. Bishop's two neighbors [sic], Mr. Brown and Dr. Johnson — I never saw Dr. J[ohnson] before, tho' he tells me he has lived in the City 8 years — Also Mr. Davis, the young gentleman who preaches in our pulpit, though not licenced to preach.⁴⁵ Before, he came in, we — Drs. Wines and McPheeters, Mr. Bishop and I — were conversing on the subject, and all of us agreed that it was entirely irregular and against the laws of the church. Mr. Bishop said that the session invited Mr. Davis entirely at the instance of Dr. Anderson, and that that [sic] the Session presumed of course, that Mr. D.[avis] was licenced.

After Mr. D.[avis] came, the topic was renewed, and he, at first, seemed very confident that it was right — we, some of us, said it was irregular &c — He asked emphatically, who was to blame — I answered, the Session, for inviting a man to preach in our pulpit without knowing that he was licenced (I did not say, as perhaps I ought, you, for accepting the invitation and assuming the place of our pastor, knowing that you were not authorised to preach, by any church judicature[.])[.] He asked, are they to be blamed for their ignorance? I answered, yes certainly — when knowledge is a duty, ignorance is a crime — He acquiesced in that and remained silent — I added only, I am afraid that the great personal merits of Mr. Davis will make us submit to a great breach of our law.

After supper, a meeting of the trustees of the City University. There was no preparation. Nobody was prepared with a plan. Every thing was at odd ends, and no unity of opinion and views. There was a "free conversation" with Dr. Wines, and a great many suggestions, but no direct proposition. After a while, a resolution was passed offering the presidency to Dr. Wines, at a salary of $3000 — and then I left — Dick driving me thro' the dark, home by 11. p. m[.]

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⁴² See supra, July 17, 1859.

⁴³ Enoch C. Wines : for many years a teacher; then a Presbyterian minister; professor of ancient languages at Washington College, Pennsylvania. When the City University failed and was abandoned in 1861, he accepted the secretaryship of the New York Prison Association and became a penologist of note.

⁴⁴ Supra, April 24, 1859, note 24.

⁴⁵ See supra, July 17, 1859.

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, Annual Report of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930, Vol. 4, The Diary Of Edward Bates, pp. 35-6

Diary of Edward Bates, Tuesday, July 26, 1859

. . . Mr. Bullard of Boston, brother of the late Revd. Dr. Bullard,⁴⁶ introduced by Dr. Jno. B. Johnson.⁴⁷

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⁴⁶ Artemas Bullard, agent of the Massachusetts Sunday-School Union, 1828-1834; Mississippi Valley agent of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, 1834— 1838; minister of the First Presbyterian Church in St. Louis from 1838 until killed in a railroad accident in 1855.

⁴⁷ A Massachusetts-trained physician of St. Louis, professor in the St. Louis Medical College (Washington University), a founder (1847) and vice-president (1850) of the National Medical Association.

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, Annual Report of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930, Vol. 4, The Diary Of Edward Bates, p. 36

Diary of Edward Bates, July 27, 1859

A bright day, pleasantly cool — On going in to the office [I] found on my desk, the card of Wm. G Bates⁴⁸ of Massts. — He called to see me (with Capt: Bissell) telling Dick that he was a couzen [sic] of my old friend I. C. Bates⁴⁹ of Northampton, and that he wished to see me, partly on that account, and partly for my politics [.]

. . .

Colfax. Recd, a letter today, from Mr. Colfax⁵⁰ who expresses himself much pleased with my long letter, amended in its phraseology in some particulars, as suggested by him; and he asks leave to shew the letter to Mr. C. A Dana ⁵¹ of the Tribune. Of course, I have no objection; my letter, tho' not written for publication, is not secret.

He also encloses, for my inspection, a letter from Mr. Dana to him, by which I find that D.[ana] prefers Chase⁵² to Seward — (but does not want either) as a candidate for the Presidency — and enquires, with apparent interest, about the present condition of "the Bates movement." Dana says — "If B.[ates] can be put forward as a representative of the emancipation cause in Missouri he will be the strongest candidate we can have. With any other man we shall have the Fillmore split over again [.] "

<Note this letter from D.[ana] to C.[olfax] is dated July 10[.] > About the same time Colfax wrote to Gibson,⁵³ and sent him, among other things, a letter from Mr. Bowles,⁵⁴ editor of the Springfield Republican (Massts.) to him, C[olfax]. [          ] Bowles, I believe, is in full concert with the Tribune of N. York, and Colfax, Defrese ⁵⁵ and other party leaders in the North West, to bring me out as the candidate of the Republicans. They are all afraid of Seward — they have personal objections doubtless, but their main ground is their full conviction that with Mr. S.[eward] for their candidate defeat, is inevitable.⁵⁶ And they seem to think, that if S.[eward] is not nominated, his friends will take care that neither Bankes⁵⁷ nor Chase, nor any other Republican shall be. In that event, they think me the most available candidate — the only man in fact, who, getting the Republican vote, can also secure the general support of the Americans and Whigs. Some of them tell me that Mr. Weed⁵⁸ (who is understood to be Mr. Seward's " master of the horse " in N. Y.) goes for me, second.

Mr. Bowles says in his letter, that my N.[ew] Y.[ork] letter⁵⁹ "ought not to have been written." As a measure of policy, I differ from him widely.

1. It is satisfactory to the real economists every where[.]

2. It pleases the manufacturers, who need protection, especially in Pa.

3. It is agreeable to all the old whigs.

4. It is not offensive to the Americans at the South, very pleasing to those of the North.

5. It is rank poison to the proslavists of the South, and by resisting their propagandism — and hence, conciliatory to all their enemies.

6. The objection of Mr. Bowles, and other leading Republicans to my denunciation of slavery agitation, is, in my judgment, a positive advantage.

1. It keeps me separated from the Republican party, and yet not so far removed as to prevent their support: 2d. It allays the prejudices of Whigs and Americans farther south, who might not be willing to support any man who was fully identified with the Republican party. 3. It gives to the whole letter an air of courage and sincerity which may tend to beget a general feeling favorable to the writer, and especially among the multitude who are now disgusted with the frauds and mismanagement of all the parties [.]

["The Presidency in I860."⁶⁰

 

"In this week's issue we run up the name of Hon. Edward Bates, of Missouri, for President in 1860; subject to the decision of the Union Convention.

 

"It is useless for us to eulogise Edward Bates ; he is too well and favorably known to the whole nation, for us to attempt to add anything to the lustre of his character. He is the man to lead on to victory the columns of the mighty 'Union Party,' that is daily gathering strength all over the country. With him at our head, we can break up, and disband the two pernicious and sectional parties, the Democratic and the Republican, whose strife and wrangling over mere abstractions, have brought us several times upon the very verge of civil war.

 

"Edward Bates, is an eminently conservative man, and if elevated to the high position of Chief Magistrate of the Nation, will administer the government upon those truly national principles which actuated the earlier Presidents.

 

"Should Edward Bates be nominated, we feel assured that the Union men of Missouri will exert themselves to secure his election, as patriots should do when their country is in danger."]

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⁴⁸ A lawyer of Westfield, Massachusetts; Whig state senator, 1841; member of Governor Briggs's Council, 1844-1845.

⁴⁹ Isaac C. Bates: anti-Jackson Democratic congressman, 1827-1835 ; Whig U. S. senator from Massachusetts from 1841 until his death in 1845.

⁵⁰ Supra, April 27, 1S59, note 28.

⁵¹ Charles A. Dana: assistant to Greeley on the New York Tribune, 1847-1862; special commissioner of the War Department, 1862-1863; assistant secretary of War, 1863-1865; later, editor of the New York Sun. He was an ardent war-time supporter of Lincoln, then a bitter enemy of Johnsonian restoration, but finally a Liberal Republican seeking reform of Grantisms. In 1859 he was still in complete sympathy with Greeley.

⁵² Infra, March 5, 1861, note 27. Chase, a perennial aspirant to the Presidency was really in 1859 a leading candidate for the Republican nomination, but lost it. partly because his own state was not united in his support and partly because he. like Seward, was too extreme on slavery to win moderate votes.

⁵³ Supra, April 27, 1859, note 27.

⁵⁴ Samuel Bowles — anti-slavery leader, strong supporter of Lincoln against the Radical Republicans, advocate of moderation toward the South — made his Springfield Republican one of the most powerful influences in the North.

⁵⁵ John D. Defrees of Indiana: lawyer and state legislator ; first chairman of the Indiana Republican State Committee, 1856-1860 ; editor of the Indianapolis State Journal. He must, in the end, have supported Lincoln's candidacy, for Lincoln appointed him government printer in 1861.

⁵⁶ See supra, April 27, 1859, note 30.

⁵⁷ Nathaniel P. Banks of Massachusetts: Democratic congressman, 1853-1855; American Party congressman and speaker of the House, 1855-1857; Republican congressman, 1857, 1865-1873, 1875-1879, 1889-1891 ; governor of Massachusetts, 1858-1861 ; president of the Illinois Central Railroad, 1861; major-general of volunteers, who served in Maryland, in the Shenandoah, at Vicksburg, in Louisiana, and in Texas, 1861-1865. As a former Know-Nothing, he was more "available " in 1860 than Seward whom the Know-Nothings hated.

⁵⁸ Thurlow Weed: editor of the Albany Evening Journal; for years the most powerful political figure in New York politics; one of the early managers of the National Republican Party. At this time he was managing Seward's campaign for the Republican nomination.

⁵⁹ See supra, 1-9.

⁶⁰ A clipping from the Louisiana (Missouri) Journal of July 25, 1859.

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, Annual Report of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930, Vol. 4, The Diary Of Edward Bates, pp. 36-8

Diary of Edward Bates, Saturday, July 30, 1859

Coalter and Woodson came home today, after a visit of several weeks to Dardenne prairie.⁶¹ They came down in Barton's little wagon, bringing Onward⁶² with them, and have promised to take him home in a few days. Caroline⁶³ sent us a number of good things for the table — Bacon, Lard, Meat[.]

Mr. Welling⁶⁴ This evening I recd, a long letter from J. C. Welling (actual editor of the Nat:[ional] Intel [ligence]r.) in answer to mine to him, on the, now, much mooted question of the status of our naturalized citizens, and their liability to compulsory military service, if, for any reason, they return voluntarily to their native country. He had taken ground with Secy. Cass' first letters,⁶⁵ and asserts, — and goes far to prove, by the letters of Sec.y.s Marcy⁶⁶ and Webster⁶⁷ — that the liability continues. I the contrary. But we concur entirely, in contempt for Mr. Cass, on account of his sudden change (with the whole Adm[inistratio]n.) through fear of popular opinion.

Cass. Poor Cass! He clings to office with the tenacity of a drowning man, and under the most humiliating circumstances. His character as a Statesman, as a Publicist, as a constitutional lawyer, dont [sic] weigh a feather in the scale against the honors and emoluments of Office: His personal consistency and self-respect are sacrificed without a scruple, to get or to retain a place, under any President, upon any doctrines, and with any associates in power.

[A clipping from the Missouri Republican of July 30, 1859, quoting from the New York Express the facts that in Georgia all Whigs had received five out of six of the Democratic nominations for Congress.']

Whigs lead the Democrats.

_______________

⁶¹ A prairie in St. Charles County about thirty miles northwest of St. Louis on which the village of Dardenne grew up. Here lived Mr. Bates's eldest son. Barton, and also the Woodsons — his cousins — and many of his oldest friends. He himself, had lived on a farm on the prairie from 1828 until 1842.

⁶² Mr. Bates's eldest grandchild. Barton's son. See supra, "Introduction."

⁶³ Mrs. Barton Bates.

⁶⁴ Supra, June 20, 1859, note 3.

⁶⁵ Supra, June 8, 1859.

⁶⁸ William L. Marcy of New York, Democratic secretary of State under President Pierce, 1853-1857. For Marcy's views on naturalization see Secretary of State Marcy to Mr. Daniel in Italy, Nov. 10, 1855, and Marcy to Mr. Florence, Feb. 17, 1857, in the State Department archives. See also Francis Wharton, A Digest of the International Law of the United States, II, 386.

⁶⁷ No outstanding cases arose under Daniel Webster's secretaryship of State, 1850-1852.

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, Annual Report of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930, Vol. 4, The Diary Of Edward Bates, pp. 38-9

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Friday, February 1, 1861

Fine cool morning, M: 24 — warmer and misty the latter part of day. Got measured for new black coat. Paid some Bills & small note at Bank. Willie has been quite ill. I came home from the office at 1'o'ck. He is much better tonight. The day has passed off much as yesterday. Two more companys of U.S. Soldiers came today. One is quartered on E St. near pa^t & post offices. The other in west part of the City. There are many “Secessionists” or Disunionists among the Citizens here. It is my opinion that the District Militia would prove, in case of need, a poor support for the Gov^t to rely upon. Have spent the evening at home with the boys in various amusements.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C., image 14.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Saturday, February 2, 1861

Foggy and misty day with water driping from roofs all the time. A Salute of 34 guns was fired today at noon at the Armory on account of the Admission of Kansas into the Union. Many of the Citizens who did not know the cause of the firing were much alarmed thinking that the “fighting” had commenced. No particular news today. More talk now of an attack upon Forts Sumpter & Pickens now held by U.S. troops. In Congress the Republicans are giving ground for the sake of peace. The Peace Convention invited by Virginia meets Monday the 4^th. Did not go down to the Av^e tonight.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C., image 14.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Sunday, February 3, 1861

A little frozen this morning, but warm the rest of the day with plenty of mud. Wife and boys went to church. I did not go out till evening. Was in at “Willards” Hotel. Quite full of eastern and northern men. Was introduced to ex Gov Gardner of Mass. Very young man for an ex Governor. The “Peace Congress” meets tomorrow. Most of the Delegates are here. It is said that Virginia will demand as a preliminary that the U.S. troops now in this City be immediately withdrawn and that no State that “Secedes” shall be coerced. If such be the case it will make trouble & Virginia herself will be ignored altho she first called for the convention. It cannot mean Peace.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C., image 15.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Monday, February 4, 1861

The Peace Convention met today but all the Delegates had not arrived and but little was done. The ground was covered with snow again this morning, but nearly melted off during the day. Schuyler Colfax M.C. was at my table in the office attending to a “case.” At Willards tonight I met J F Starbuck of Watertown NY and his new wife. Spent an hour in their room in the Hotel. He was Clerk in the Constitutional Conv'ⁿ NY,1846. Willards Hotel is now about full and the Av'e is much crowded during the day. The Election for Delegates to State Convention takes place in Virginia today.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C., image 15.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Tuesday, February 5, 1861

The Unionists carried the State Virginia yesterday by a large majority and everyone has felt better today. I think the Secession Movement has reached its climax and a re-action will now take place, but perhaps the wish is Father to the thought. The Chief Engineer of U.S. Navy was with me an hour or two today in the office, had long conversation upon Steam and Steam Engines. He is a knowing man. Bot H N J^r suit of clothes tonight. Was in at Willards and saw numerous friends and almost innumerable strangers. Weather pleasant.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C., image 15.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Wednesday, February 6, 1861

A pleasant day overhead but muddy under foot. W^m H [Burridge or Burniage?] of Cleveland Ohio dined with us today, Cha^s also. Public affairs look brighter than they did before the Virginia Election. The Peace convention now in Session here sit with closed doors, but as far as known everything with regard to it looks favorable to an adjustment. Had letter today from Brother C R. He will start for Washington 1^st day of March. Did not go down to the Ave'^e tonight. Willie was learning from me how to write his name and to add up figures. The other boys, Halsey & H N, are drawing.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C., image 16.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Thursday, February 7, 1861

The morning was bright with a fine and cool atmosphere, just freezing, but tonight the wind blows almost a hurricane. I like almost any kind of weather better than a cold wind, consequently I have not gone out tonight. Nothing of importance has occured today. More U S troops have arrived and the idea of taking Washington will I think be abandoned by all who have been so disposed heretofore. Had letters today from Julia and from [S A Dewey or Ducey?]. Sent off ten copies of Agricultural Report of P^t office to friends in different States north. Rejected a case which Hon Schuyler Colfax M.C. has in charge. The “Peace Convention” promises good results.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C., image 16.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Friday, February 8, 1861

Mercury down to 8 this morning, the coldest so far. It is 18 tonight, but no snow on the ground. The wind last night was terrific. It did much damage. Quite a fire occured on 7^th St. (Incendiary). Went down to the Av^e, bot Paleys Philosophy for twenty five cts, the New York papers. Heard no particular news and came home, found our next door neighbor Mr Bartlett, he staid an hour or two. He is in the State Dep^t and a Virginian. Col. Hayne of S.C. (Comm^r) has got his reply from the Gov^t to his demand for surrender of F^t Sumpter. An attack on it is now Expected.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C., image 16.