I sent Mr. Eames to New York last evening to consult with
Mr. Wilson in the New York and Boston cases, giving my views in each. Henderson
will struggle hard to get clear, and no effort must be spared to elicit the
truth. Scofield’s case must be straightened, or rather court must be
straightened in his case. In the case of the Smiths at Boston, I fear there has
been unnecessary harshness. Olcott has made an ostentatious display of
authority and been, I apprehend, tyrannical and oppressive. He is a harsh, rough
instrument, and I shall be glad when he shall have done service with me. Yet in
saying this I admit from what I have seen he has some good qualities as a
detective. I have seen nothing to doubt his honesty; he is industrious and
indefatigable, but vain, reckless, regardless of private rights, and all his
qualities have been exercised in the case of the Smiths, who are shrewd,
piously honest, self-righteous, and wary as well as sharp. It will not surprise
me if they prove an overmatch for him and the lawyers.
I have a very earnest letter to-day from William C. Bryant
in behalf of his partner and publisher, Henderson. It was handed to me by Mr.
Odell, Representative from Brooklyn, and inclosed was also an open letter to
the President, which he wished me to deliver. Mr. O. is, like H., a prominent
member of the Methodist Church. They are of opposite politics. Of course Mr. H.
stimulated Mr. B. to write these letters, and, having got them, sends them
through his religious associate. Mr. B. evidently believes H. innocent and
injured. This is natural. Odell knows he is not. Morgan believes that both
Bryant and Godwin are participants in the plunder of Henderson. I have doubts
as regards B., who is feeling very badly, and thinks there is a conspiracy in
which Seward and Thurlow Weed are chiefs. I am supposed to be an instrument in
their hands, and so is the President. But it so happens that neither of them
knew any of the facts until the arrest of Henderson and his removal were
ordered.
It grieves me that the Evening Post and Mr. Bryant should
suffer by reason of the malfeasance of Henderson. As regards Godwin, I cannot
say that my faith in him is much greater than in Henderson, and yet I know but
little of him. The Evening Post does not sustain the character which it had
under Bigelow and Leggett. Bryant is a good general editor in many respects,
but the political character of the paper has been derived in a great degree
from others. Of late there have been some bad surroundings. Opdyke, J. G. C.
Gray, D. D. Field, and others of like complexion have been the regents and
advisers of Godwin, until the paper is losing some of its former character, —
perhaps more than any of us are aware.
I dined to-day with Attorney-General Bates, and after my
return this evening wrote a reply to Bryant's letter, disabusing his mind of
some of its errors, provided his convictions are open to the truth.
Mrs. Franklin W. Smith of Boston sends me through Senator
Sumner a touching and affecting letter in behalf of her husband. I gave Mr.
Bryant’s letter to the President, who read it aloud to me and said he would
reply.
SOURCE: Gideon
Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and
Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 59-61
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