Jay Cooke came to breakfast, after which we talked financial
matters. He thought gold could be easily obtained on deposit at 4%; and that,
by and by, on a more favorable turn of affairs, 5-20s could be negotiated. Clay
came in and Cooke left. Clay and I rode towards Department in wagon. Clay said
he had made up his mind to take Department and that the President and Stanton
were willing he should take that beyond the Mississippi. “Would I go with him
to see Halleck?” “Certainly.” Halleck received us kindly but was unwell. Showed
no favor to the new Department project.
Returned to Department and attended to general business.
Nothing of special financial moment. Barney came in, and said that Stanton and
Wadsworth had advised him to leave for New York this evening, as communication
with Baltimore might be cut off before to-morrow. He would be governed by my
advice. Told him I did not think the event probable, but he had best govern
himself by the advice received.
After he had gone, Genl. Mansfield came in, and talked very
earnestly about the necessity of ordering up, from Suffolk, 1st. Delaware and 3
and 4 New York, trained and disciplined now 14 months, each 800 strong, say
2,400 men; and from Norfolk 19th Wisconsin and 48th. Pennsylvania, say 1,600
men; leaving at Suffolk, Forey's Brigade of four diminished Regiments, say
1,800 men in all, late of Shield's division, — 11th. Pennsylvania Cavalry (a
full and good Regiment) say 900 men;—and Dodge's Regiment of mounted Rifles
except one Company; and at Norfolk, 99th NewYork, and one Company of Dodge's,
sufficient for military police. He favored leaving Keyes and Peck at Yorktown. —
He said the defences of the city were weak on the Eastern side; and that there
ought to be at least 65,000 good men to hold it if McClellan is defeated — to
improve victory if he is successful — He referred to old times. Was in Texas
the Winter before the Rebellion broke out. Saw Twiggs who hated him because he
was on Court-Martial. Was then told by officer in Council of War of K. G. C.1
that Floyd and Cobb in Cabinet and Jeff. Davis and Breckinridge, were members.
In this Council of War, Orders were given to seize Navy Yards, Forts, etc.
while its members were yet Cabinet officers and Senators. The Order of the K.
G. C. ramified throughout the South. First offered services to Juarez, who
refused them because too dangerous. They then plotted the invasion of Cuba,
which failed. Then declared themselves Protectors of Southern Rights and levied
a contribution upon all planters and slaveholders — some giving $5 and some
$10, and some more or less. In this way they got large sums and commenced
operations. They designed to seize Washington and inaugurate Breckinridge; and
in reference to this Mason wrote Faulkner advising him not to resign — this
letter being now in Seward's possession. This plot only failed through the
bringing of troops to Washington, and the unwillingness of leaders to make a
bloody issue so early. — He spoke of Genl. Scott. Said he had not treated him
well — had placed McDowell in command over the river last year, superseding
himself, and when he had asked for explanation he simply replied that his
orders had been given. He felt himself wronged, but did his duty to the best of
his ability. He was afterwards treated badly by Genl. Wool who did not like
him, though he treated him civilly. Had lately been in command at Suffolk (an
insignificant post) until summoned here to Court of Inquiry. Wanted active
employment but was unable to get any. Had sent for his horses, and proposed to visit
all the fortifications around the city on his own account. — I was a good deal
affected by the manifest patriotism and desire to do something for his country
manifested by the old General; and could not help wishing that he was younger
and thinking that, perhaps, after all, it would have been better to trust him.
After the General left, went to War Department, where found
the President, Stanton and Wadsworth. The President said he had felt badly all
day. Wadsworth said there was no danger of an attack on Washington, and that
the men ought to be severely punished who intimated the possibility of its
surrender. The President spoke of the great number of stragglers he had seen
coming into town this morning; and of the immense losses by desertion.
Returned home. Maj. Andrews and others called.
_______________
1 Knights of the Golden Circle.
SOURCE: Annual Report of the American Historical
Association for the Year 1902, Vol. 2, p. 69-71
