Mr. Field called after breakfast, and proposed to go to War
Department, and we went together. Met Gurowski, who denounced what he called military
usurpation, saying that Franklin's corps, marching out cheered McClellan. Found
Stanton, Pope and Wadsworth uneasy on account of critical condition of affairs.
Spoke to Stanton about Crook, and he promised to give him a Commission. Saw
Halleck and he approved.
Went to President's, and spoke of general Order commending
Pope's Army. He thought it due, and said he would speak to Halleck. Coming home
met McDowell and I. C. H. Smith. Smith came home with me and spoke of battles, —
eulogizing in strong terms both Pope and McDowell. (Referring to my omission to
reply to his letter of a year ago, I explained it as well as I could.) Field
and Barney came, and I sent for Harrington. Had a long talk about Labor
Contract, and dissatisfaction of our friends with Mr. Barney. So far as I could
see the dissatisfaction was unreasonable. I said I could not hold the contract
to be continuing, unless the Attorney-General should reverse his opinion, of
which there was too little probability to warrant postponement of action, and
so virtual continuance, until his review of his decision. Said I would gladly
oblige party friends, but not at the expense of any breach of public duty. Field and Barney left
together, and soon after Harrington.
Received to-day telegram from Paymaster-General of New-York:
“Cannot forward troops for want of means to pay State bounty. Will you exchange
smaller U. S. Notes for 1000s. and 500s., to enable State to do it?” — Answered
“Yes! Be as prompt in sending your troops;” and sent necessary directions to
Mr. Cisco.
In the afternoon, McDowell called to say Good-bye. The Court
of Inquiry demanded by him had been postponed, and he had fifteen days leave of
absence. He went away feeling very sad indeed.
In the night, a large part of the army moved northward,
following the force already sent forward to meet the rebels invading Maryland.
Generals Burnside, Hooker, Sumner and Reno in command (Burnside chief) as
reported.
SOURCE: Annual Report of the American Historical
Association for the Year 1902, Vol. 2, p. 68-9
No comments:
Post a Comment