Seward was not at
Cabinet, having had a sudden call to Auburn. It was a dodge to avoid an open
committal with the Philadelphia Convention. Attorney-General Stanbery had
charge of his portfolio, Assistant Secretary Fred Seward being also absent.
There was a little meaning in this. Whether Stanton was a party to it in order
to avoid being in any way committed, or is slighted, I know not. If the last, I
think it was unintentional, but Seward is paying hard court to Stanbery. I
perceive it every day.
A dispatch from
Vice-Consul-General Savage at Cuba in relation to the steamers Harriet Lane and
Pelican was read, with Seward's reply. I thought Seward conceded too much and
so stated. The threat from some person who is in charge, that he would sell
them if not paid his charges, is simply ridiculous. Any proper charges the
Government would pay ere this, as on any other government vessel, but the idea
of an individual selling a public ship is absurd. Still Seward concedes it.
Queen Emma of the
Sandwich Islands is to visit Washington as the guest of the Government on
invitation of Secretary Seward, who is conveniently absent. As Stanbery is
delegated by Seward in other matters, Stanton thought he should do the honors
to the young dowager.
SOURCE: Gideon
Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and
Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, pp. 575-6
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