Great talk and many rumors from all quarters of peace. The
journeys of the elder Blair to Richmond have contributed to these rumors, both
here and at Richmond. I am not certain that early measures may not be taken,
yet I do not expect immediate results. There were, however, many singular
things in the early days of these troubles, and there may be as singular things
in its close. There is difficulty in negotiating, or treating, with the Rebels.
At the commencement Mr. Seward consulted and diplomatized with the organs of
the Rebels, and supposed he could shape and direct their movements. I should
not be surprised were he to fall into the same train of conduct at the close, —
perhaps with more success now than at the beginning. The President, with much
shrewdness and much good sense, has often strange and incomprehensible whims;
takes sometimes singular and unaccountable freaks. It would hardly surprise me
were he to undertake to arrange terms of peace without consulting any one. I
have no doubt that the senior Blair has made his visits in concert with the
President. Seward may have been in the movement. He has queer fancies for a
statesman. He told me last week that he had looked in no book on international
law or admiralty law since he entered on the duties of his present office. His
thoughts, he says, come to the same conclusions as the writers and students.
This he has said to me more than once. In administrating the government he
seems to have little idea of constitutional and legal restraints, but acts as
if the ruler was omnipotent. Hence he has involved himself in constant
difficulties.
Admiral Farragut returned from James River Saturday night
and came directly to my house, and spent yesterday with me. The condition of
things on the upper James was much as I supposed. Commander Parker seems not to
have been equal to his position, but I must have his own account before forming
a decided opinion.
I subsequently learned that Fox, who was present at the
close of the interview at the President's on the evening of the 24th, and by
whom I sent telegrams to General Grant and Commodore Parker, had, on reaching
the telegraph office, substituted his own name for mine to the communications.
Farragut, who was present and knew the facts and what took place at the
President's, learned what Fox had done when he arrived at Grant's quarters, for
he saw the telegrams. The proceeding was certainly an improper one, and it is
not surprising that Farragut was indignant.
I have, on one or two occasions, detected something similar
in Fox in regard to important orders, — where he had been intrusive or
obtrusive, evidently to get his name in the history of these times, and perhaps
to carry the impression that he was at least a coadjutor with the Secretary in
naval operations.
Farragut assures me he has observed and detected this
disposition and some objectionable acts in Fox, as in this instance, which he
thinks should be reproved and corrected, but while I regret these faults I have
deemed them venial.
I perceive that Admiral Farragut, like many of the officers,
is dissatisfied with Mr. Fox, who, he says, assumes too much and presumes too
much. There is truth in this, but yet it is excusable perhaps. I wish it were
otherwise. He is very serviceable and, to me, considerate, deferring and
acquiescing in my decision when fixed, readily and more cheerfully than most
others; but he is, I apprehend, often rough with persons who have business at
the Department. In many respects, in matters that are non-essentials, I yield
to him and others, and it annoys many by reason of his manner and language. His
position is a hard one to fill. The second person in any organization,
especially if he is true and faithful to his principal, incurs the censure and
ill-will of the multitude. For these things allowance must be made. Fox commits
some mistakes which cause me trouble, and it is one of his infirmities to shun
a fair and honest responsibility for his own errors. This is perhaps human
nature, and therefore excusable. With the Naval officers he desires to be considered
all-powerful, and herein is another weakness. But he is familiar with the
service and has his heart in its success.
Admiral Farragut favors a Board of Admiralty. It is a
favorite theme with others to give naval ascendancy in court sessions. I can
perceive arguments in its favor which would relieve the Secretary of labor,
provided rightly constituted and properly regulated. There would, however, be
jealousies in the service of such a board, as there are of the Assistant
Secretary. It would be claimed that it dictated to the Secretary and abused his
confidence. It would not be beneficial to the government and country.
SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the
Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p.
231-3
