The new shape of
affairs shows itself in the social gatherings. At Mrs. Welles's reception
to-day, a large number of the denizens of Washington who have not heretofore
been visitors and whose sympathies and former associations were with the Rebels
called. So many who have been distant and reserved were present as to excite
her suspicions, and lead her to ask if I was not conceding too much. These new
social friends are evidently aware of existing differences in the
Administration. I noticed at the reception at the Executive Mansion last
evening the fact that there was a number in attendance as if by preconcert.
This I attribute more to the insane folly of the Radicals, who under Thad
Stevens are making assaults on the President, than to any encouragement which
the President has given to Rebel sympathizers. If professed friends prove false
and attack him, he will not be likely to repel such friends as sustain him. I
certainly will not.
While at a party at
Senator Harris's, Senator Wilson took me one side and inquired if we were to
have a break in the party. I told him I saw no necessity for it. The President
was honest and sincere in his policy; it has been adopted with care and great
deliberation, and I thought intelligently. I knew it to be with right
intentions. If any considerable number of our friends were resolved to oppose
the President and the policy of the Administration a division would be
unavoidable. He could not abandon his convictions to gratify mere factious
schemers.
We then got on the
subject of the recently published letter of a "conversation between the
President and a distinguished Senator," in which there were indications
that the President would not go for unlimited negro suffrage in the District.
Wilson inquired what course the President would be likely to pursue. I told him
I was unable to answer that question, except as he would, from a general
knowledge of the President's opinions on fundamental questions. He would be
disposed to have the people of the District exercise the same rights in this
regard as the people of the States.
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