A telegram from Genl. Morgan this morning apprised me of his
resignation, and of his wish that I would secure its prompt acceptance. I went,
therefore, to the War Department, wishing to oblige him, and also to secure
Garfield's appointment in his place. Mr. Stanton was not in, but saw Watson.
Talked with Watson about the state of things. He mentioned
two conversations with McClellan in November of last year, in both of which
Watson expressed the opinion that the rebels were in earnest — that peace,
through any arrangement with them, was not to be hoped for — and that it would
be necessary to prosecute the war, even to the point of subjugation, if we
meant to maintain the territorial integrity of the country. McClellan differed.
He thought we ought to avoid harshness and violence — that we should conduct
the war so as to avoid offence as far as possible; — and said that if he
thought as Watson did, he should feel obliged to lay down his arms.
It was during the same month that he told me of his plan for
a rapid advance on Richmond, and gave me the assurance that he would take it by
the middle of February; which induced me to assure the capitalists in New York
that they could rely on his activity, vigor and success.
From the War Department I went to the President's, to whom I
spoke of the resignation of Morgan and of substituting Garfield which seemed to
please him. Spoke also of the financial importance of getting rid of McClellan;
and expressed the hope that Halleck would approve his project of sending
Mitchell to the Mississippi. On these points he said nothing. I then spoke of
Jones, the Sculptor, and of the fitness of giving him some Consulate in Italy,
which he liked the idea of. He read me a statement (very good) which he was
preparing in reply to a letter from; in
New-Orleans, forwarded by Bullitt.
After some other talk and reminding him of the importance of
a talk between me and Halleck about finances as affected by the war (by the
way, he told me he desired Halleck to come and see me last Monday, but he did
not come) I returned home. Was too late for church. Read various books — among
others, Whitfield's life. What a worker!
Spent evening with Katie and Nettie, and read H. W.
Beecher's last sermon in the Independent.
Not a caller all day. — O si sic omnes dies!
SOURCE: Annual Report of the American Historical
Association for the Year 1902, Vol. 2, p. 50-1
