The President does
not yet sufficiently generalize, but goes too much into unimportant details,
and personal appeals. He will, however, correct this with a little experience,
I have no doubt.
I inquired of the
Secretary of War if there is any foundation for the assertion that the trial of
the assassins is to be in secret. He says it will not be secret, although the
doors will not be open to the whole public immediately. Full and minute reports
of all the testimony and proceedings will be taken and in due time published;
and trusty and reliable persons, in limited numbers, will have permission to
attend. This will relieve the proceeding of some of its objectionable features.
Stanton has
undertaken to get the projected amnesty proclamation (as last altered, amended,
corrected, and improved) printed, also the form of government for North
Carolina as last shaped, and as far as anything decisive had taken place.
Dennison inquired when he might have copies, and he promises to send
immediately. The truth is, it is still in the hands of the President, who will
shape it right. King has been of service in this matter.
SOURCE: Gideon
Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and
Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 305
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