Colonel Bolles and
Eames have prepared an order for the President to sign for a mixed commission
to try Semmes. I took it to the President this P.M. He expressed himself
strongly against a military trial or military control. Wished the Navy to keep
the case in its own hands. Said he wished to put no more in Holt's control than
was absolutely necessary; that Holt was cruel and remorseless, made so perhaps
by his employment and investigations; that his tendencies and conclusions were
very bloody. The President said he had a large number of Holt's decisions now—pointing
to the desk—which he disliked to take up; that all which came from that quarter
partook of the traits of Nero and Draco. I have never heard him express himself
so decidedly in regard to Holt, but have on one or two previous occasions
perceived that his confidence in the Judge Advocate-General was shaken.
I long since was
aware that Holt was severe and unrelenting, and am further compelled to think
that, with a good deal of mental vigor and strength as a writer, he has strange
weaknesses. He is credulous and often the dupe of his own imaginings. Believes
men guilty on shadowy suspicions, and is ready to condemn them without trial.
Stanton has
sometimes brought forward singular papers relating to conspiracies, and dark
and murderous designs in which he had evident faith, and Holt has assured him
in his suspicions.
I am glad that the
President does not consider him infallible, and that he is guarded against the
worst traits; the others will develop themselves, if they have not already.
I stated to the
President that I would not advise a military, naval, or mixed commission to try
Semmes for treason or piracy, for the civil tribunals had cognizance of those
offenses. But if he had violated the laws of war for which he could not be
arraigned in court, there was perhaps a necessity that we should act through a
commission. He realized the distinction and the propriety of acting and wished
me to bring the subject before the full Cabinet.
One of my troubles
in the matter of the charges and specifications has been to limit our action to
violations of the law of war. The lawyers who have it in charge, especially
Colonel Bolles, are for embracing a wider range. He wishes to figure in the
case.
Senator Dixon gave
me to-day a slip from the New Haven Courier, written by Babcock, the Collector,
taking issue with Deming in his late speech. Babcock sustains the policy of the
President, and his article is very creditable. Dixon wished me to write him and
says McCulloch will do so. I wish some of our more reliable friends would have
the sagacity and determination to do this subject justice.
SOURCE: Gideon
Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and
Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 423-4
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