The closing-up of
the year, an eventful one. A review of it from my standpoint would be
interesting in many respects, and, should God grant me length of days and
mental and physical strength, I shall be glad to present my views when my
official days have terminated. Senator Dixon called this morning, and we had a
long and frank talk. I approved of his course in the Senate, and his reply to
Sumner. He is evidently prepared for a breach in the party, and I think desires
it. While I do not desire it, I do not deprecate it if the counsels of Sumner,
Stevens, and the extreme Radicals are insisted upon and the only alternative.
His principal inquiry was as to the course our friends in Connecticut would
pursue in case of a breach of the party. I told him I thought they would be
disposed to stand by the Administration, yet at the first go-off the Radical
element might have the ascendancy in the State convention, which would assemble
in about a month. But before that time the lines would probably be drawn. The
organization or party machinery will control most of the party, irrespective of
the merits of the questions in issue.
I gave Colston,
Semmes's son-in-law, a pass to visit him to-day, and take the papers and the
report of Winslow to him. Had a conversation with Dr. Lieber, who was at my
house yesterday, respecting Semmes's offenses. The Doctor has no question on
that point, and thinks Lee and the whole of his army liable for treason,
notwithstanding Grant's terms. Advised Solicitor Bolles to call on Dr. L.
Bolles thinks the trial of Semmes should be by a military or naval commission
instead of by court martial.
The President sends
a singular paper for a new trial of Captain Meade, who has already been tried
and is under sentence of court martial. I know not how he can be again tried
for the same offense, unless he himself petitions for it.
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