Have written Rev.
Mr. Boynton on the subject of an appointment at the Naval Academy while he is
preparing a naval history or a history of the Navy during the great Rebellion.
I advised that he should take up the latter subject, and after its publication
it may be elaborated if thought best.
I find Admiral
Porter willing to do, but reckless of money and law in his management of
affairs. He has some good qualities for the position of Superintendent, and
some which cause me apprehension. Yet I trust all will come out right. His
intentions seem good if reckless, and in them there is strength and
encouragement.
There is a
disposition for mischief, I perceive, among some of the subordinate officers of
the Treasury. They have assuming and crude notions in regard to the
administration of public affairs, and evidently suppose that they are the
custodians of the executive government. Some of these men are well-intentioned
but narrow-minded and factious to an extent, others are wholly factious; and
there are others who are doubtless corrupt. I perceive that McCulloch and some
others yield to these arrogant and improper assumptions of their subordinates,
and fancy that the latter can revise and countermand the orders of a Cabinet
officer. A little experience and reflection will correct this weak conclusion.
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