I
do not get well. But little of interest. British fund agents and brokers show
great impudence in regard to Rebel debts and cotton loans. McHenry, Richardson,
and others present plans and schemes which are deserving such a rebuke as
should be felt by them and their countrymen.
Stanton
made some crude suggestions for national quarantine, not very explicit, and
beset with difficulties. I asked if anything of the kind had ever been
attempted, if it was not a matter for State or municipal, rather than federal,
regulation. He admitted it was, but the other members had not given the subject
a thought and did not like to come athwart Stanton.
Doolittle
called on me last night full of exceeding great trouble. Insists the President
has not as yet taken so firm and decided a stand as duty requires. Wishes me to
counsel and urge upon him the necessity of doing something positive. Says the
impression is getting pretty universal that the President can do nothing for
himself, etc., etc. There is some truth in all this; not that the President
lacks courage, but he dislikes to break with those who elected him.
Doolittle
wishes Speed to leave, and Stanton also. Says the first has no stamina, nor
power, nor character as a lawyer. That he is the laughing-stock of the court
and of the first lawyers. Does not and cannot strengthen the President.
Suggests that Stanton should be turned out and that Grant should be assigned,
temporarily, to the Department. Doolittle earnestly desires me to counsel the
President. I told him it would be delicate for me to do so, even if invited by
the President, but I would not obtrude upon him in such a matter concerning my
colleagues.
SOURCE:
Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under
Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 480
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