The rumors yesterday of a fight near Aldie are fully
confirmed, but as yet no definite information. It is not always pleasant to go
to the War Department to have news verified, even if they have the facts. Often
there is unaccountable, and I think inexcusable, want of correct information at
Army Headquarters; if there is a reverse, or if there is want of
information in relation to rumors that reach us, there is always prevarication
and sometimes a sullen reserve. Generally I have found Stanton affable and communicative
when alone, but not always, especially if there has been disaster or unpleasant
news. Halleck is worse. There has never been intimacy between him and me;
probably there never will be. I have not called over to-day, for those who
have, and are entitled to know what was doing, have been unsuccessful or met
with an unpleasant rebuff.
SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30,
1864, p. 338
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