Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Diary of Gideon Welles: Friday, August 4, 1865

There was no Cabinet-session. The President is not yet well. Seward and Speed are absent. Stanton, I hear, is sick. Captain Drayton is very low. I called to see him this P.M. and fear he cannot survive. He is aware of the probable result of his illness but is calm, composed, resigned, and firm. Obviously he is prepared for the great summons, but is surprised that it is so suddenly and unexpectedly made. He said to me he could in no way account for it from his diet, habit, from any indulgence or care, or the want of 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. 352

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