Am perplexed about charges and specifications against
Wilkes. His conduct has been bad, — such as will perhaps break him. I think it
might, if pressed to extremes, but I do not wish to be severe. Although
insubordinate, disobedient, selfish, arrogant, and imperious towards inferiors,
and somewhat insolent to all, I hoped to let him off without a trial. But he
would not permit; the more forbearing I was, the more presumptuous and
offensive he became, trampling on regulations and making public issue with the
Department on false assumptions and misrepresentations. The Navy dislike him
and would treat him harshly; I have no malevolence towards him and do not want
him punished to the extent he deserves and is liable, but he cannot be
permitted to go unrebuked.
As I went into the Cabinet-meeting a fair, plump lady
pressed forward and insisted she must see the President, — only for a moment, —
wanted nothing. I made her request known to the President, who directed that
she should be admitted. She said her name was Holmes, that she belonged in
Dubuque, Iowa, was passing East and came from Baltimore expressly to have a
look at President Lincoln. “Well, in the matter of looking at one another,”
said the President, laughing, “I have altogether the advantage.” She wished his
autograph, and was a special admirer and enthusiastic.
SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30,
1864, p. 528
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