Wilson returned from New York on Saturday. Called to-day and
made report in case of the contractors. Says the evidence is strong and
conclusive against them; will be ready with charges and specifications in about
a week. I told him it was my wish there should be a speedy trial; I also
desired that the wives and counsel of the prisoners might visit them. Whiting,
Solicitor of the War Department, called. My letter to the Secretary of War,
requesting him to direct Whiting to give this Department his assistance and
advice in criminal transactions was objectionable. The Secretary could not direct
him, and he would not communicate with the Secretary because the word “direct”
was in the note. Told him the mere misuse of a word should not be permitted to
embarrass a public measure. That I was willing to substitute another word. He
said he would prepare something to meet the case. Tells me that Seward refers
questions to him, some affecting Navy captures. This is an eye-opener. The two
are cunning, but they expose each other.
Tom1 has gone with Admiral Dahlgren to Fortress
Monroe after the body of his son Ulric, expected from Richmond.
_______________
1 Thomas G. Welles, son of the Secretary.
SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30,
1864, p. 544
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