Mr. Fox, the
Assistant Secretary of the Navy, informed me some days since of an offer which
he had for the presidency of the new steamboat line about to be established
between New York and San Francisco. I regret to lose him from the Department,
where, notwithstanding some peculiarities which have caused dissatisfaction
with a few, he is of almost invaluable service, and he has in him a great
amount of labor. He has a combination of nautical intelligence and common sense
such as can hardly be found in another, and we have worked together with entire
harmony, never in a single instance having had a misunderstanding. I have
usually found his opinions sensible and sound. When I have had occasion to
overrule his opinions, he has acquiesced with a readiness and deference which
won my regard. His place I cannot make good in some respects. Faxon, Chief
Clerk, would be as great a loss to me, in some particulars greater,—but there
are certain subjects wherein Fox, from his naval experience, is superior to any
man who can be readily found.
SOURCE: Gideon
Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and
Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 418
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