Saw Mr. Wilson yesterday relative to the arrests of, and
proceedings against, fraudulent contractors. Told him he must take charge of
the matter, be mild towards the prisoners, let them be as little interrupted in
their business as possible. He appears sensible, discreet, and judicious, and I
hope will manage nicely and well. I dislike the whole affair and think great
responsibility is improperly on me.
The President sent for Fox and myself on Saturday evening.
Fox, who had been deputed to negotiate matters with Halleck relative to
transfers, was disgusted and a little overreached and had also written as well
as myself to the President. The latter desired to see us both Saturday P.M. and
requested an order might be prepared which we took to him this A.M. It was less
mandatory than I wished, but I know his reluctance to come in conflict with the
Secretary of War, — certainly not in a harsh manner. The order was mild and his
own, and for the Secretary of War to issue to carry it into effect. He wished
me to write an order for the Secretary of War. I could see the President wished
to have before him the practical working. Gave him an order forthwith.
Captain Rolando came to-day, pursuant to orders, relative to
his intercepted letter to Fox and the capture of the William Peel. Thinks the
letter interpolated. I am fearful Seward will, in this case, yield too much to
Lord Lyons.
SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30,
1864, p. 547-8
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