Consulted
again with the President in regard to the case of Semmes. Peace having been
declared in all the States and the decision of the Supreme Court in the Indiana
cases—Milligan and others—being adverse to military commissions, I thought
there should be prompt decision. The President inquired if it would not be best
to parole him and require him to be in readiness when called. I replied it was
for him to decide, but that it seemed to me best to dispose of Semmes, and if
it was determined not to proceed to try him after this decision of the Court, I
would advise his unconditional release rather than a parole. The President said
he had some doubts, but wished to get rid of the subject, for Semmes's wife was
annoying him, crying and taking on for her husband. The President has a gentle
and kind heart, melted by woman's tears. I said I should be satisfied with
whatever conclusion he came to; that it might go over to the next meeting of
the Cabinet, or he could decide when it pleased him and send me word.
Commodore
Stockton came to see me. Says things are in a satisfactory condition in the New
Jersey Legislature. Is confident that his son John will be returned to the
Senate with a good Johnson Republican. Is confident Scovel will hold out, and
have, if necessary, others to help him; and assures me that enough Republicans
will unite with the Democrats to return two such men. Wright, the present
Senator, is ready for the arrangement. This may all be so, but I have grave
doubts of its success. It is undoubtedly Stockton's arrangement, and he and his
associates have heretofore been omnipotent in New Jersey, which is a strange
State in some respects. Possibly he may succeed there. He could not in any
other State. But the return of John Stockton, after what has taken place, would
be honorable to New Jersey and one of the greatest triumphs that was ever
achieved.
SOURCE:
Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under
Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 474-5
