The President and Seward called on me this forenoon relative to New
York voters in the Navy. Wanted one of our boats to be placed at the disposal
of the New York commission to gather votes in the Mississippi Squadron. A Mr.
Jones was referred to, who subsequently came to me with a line from the
President, and wanted also to send to the blockading squadrons. Gave permission
to go by the Circassian, and directed commanders to extend facilities to all
voters.
Much is said and done in regard to the soldier's vote, and many of the
States not only have passed laws but altered their constitutions to permit it.
The subject is one that has not struck me favorably. I have not, perhaps, given
it the consideration that I ought, certainly not enough to advocate it, — and
yet it seems ungracious to oppose it. Were I to vote on this question at all, I
should, with my present impressions, vote against it.
SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the
Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866,
p. 175
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