An oppressive and anxious feeling in relation to movements
at Charleston. It has been expected an attack would be made the first week in
April. We hear nothing. The Rebel authorities permit their papers to publish
nothing, nor will they allow the flag of truce to bring us their papers. This
intensifies the desire to learn something of proceedings.
I have a telegram from the President this evening at “Headquarters
near Falmouth,” stating that he had a Richmond paper exchanged by the picket or
scouts, and he sends me all it contains relative to operations at Charleston.
Our ironclads have appeared off the bar, and the day of trial approaches.
Great results are-depending on the conflicts which are
taking place in these early April days. I bear up with, I believe, a fair share
of composure. As regards the Navy, we have furnished Du Pont the best material
of men and ships that were ever placed under the command of any officer on this
continent and, as regards officers, unequalled anywhere or at any time. Of
course I have confidence he will be successful, yet so much depends on the
result I am not without apprehensions. Eventuate as it may, the struggle will
probably be severe and bloody. That we shall lose some vessels and some gallant
fellows in getting possession of the Rebel city I have no doubt. As John
Rodgers says, “somebody must be hurt.”
SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30,
1864, p. 263-4
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