No decisive news from Vicksburg. The public mind is uneasy
at the delay, yet I am glad to see blame attaches to no one because the place
was not taken at once. There have been strange evidences of an unreasonable
people on many occasions during the War. Had Halleck shown half the earnestness
and ability of Farragut, we should have had Vicksburg in our possession a year
ago.
Admiral Foote handed me a letter from Thomas Turner, in
command of the Ironsides off Charleston. Turner anticipates the withdrawal of Du
Pont from the command, and thinks Foote or Dahlgren will succeed him. Is
willing to continue under Foote, but not under D., who is his junior and has
been promoted for his scientific attainments, and not for nautical experience
or ability. These views are natural and proper enough to an old naval and
social companion. But he proceeds to comment on the ironclads; speaks of the “miserable
monitors,” though he admits they are admirably adapted for harbor defense; is
astonished the Department should build so many; says it is to fill the pockets
of the speculators. These are Du Pont's tactics. If true, the Secretary is a
knave, or a blockhead the tool of knaves, and so of others connected with the
Department. But the fact is, Tom Turner is a simple dupe, and merely echoes the
insinuations of another, who moulds him at pleasure and is demoralizing that
entire command.
Had some talk with Admiral Foote respecting Charleston. He
believes the place may be taken, but does not express himself with confidence.
Has great respect for Du Pont, who, I fear, will exercise a bad influence upon
him, should he be given the command. Admiral Gregory is too old and has some
ailments. I have great faith in the old man, but the country would not forgive
me the experiment, were he selected and to fail. There would be bitter
opposition to Dahlgren from some good officers as well as the Tom Turners, were
he given the squadron. Could he and Foote act together, it would be the best
arrangement I could make.
SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30,
1864, p. 314-5
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