A comparatively quiet day. The consul at Halifax is telegraphing me that Rebel armed vessels are soon to be off the coast. He does not give me his authority nor any facts. Such apprehensions are constantly being expressed by the Northern Governors and municipal authorities every season. I shall not be surprised if there is some foundation for this. At all events, have sent orders to be prepared.
SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 119
