Washington, June 11, 1861.
my Dear Sir, — It gives
me great pleasure that in the midst of arduous duties you still bear me in kind
remembrance. The meeting of the 24th of April in New York has become a national
epoch; for it was a manifestation of patriotic feeling beyond any example in
history. To that meeting, the courage it inspired, and the organized action it
produced, this Government will owe its salvation, if saved it can be. To the
general gratification of the country at your position as Chairman of the Union
Committee, there was added in my breast a feeling of security and succor that
until that time was unknown. No one can imagine the deplorable condition of
this city, and the hazard of the Government, who did not witness the weakness
and panic of the administration, and the painful imbecility of Lincoln.
We looked to New
York in that dark hour as our only deliverance under Providence, and, thank
God, it came. The uprising of the people of the United States to maintain their
government and crush rebellion has been so grand, so mighty in every element,
that I feel it a blessing to be alive and witness it. The action of your city,
especially, filled me with admiration, and proves the right of New York to be
called the Empire City. But the picture has a dark side — dark and terrible —from
the corruption that surrounds the War Department, and seems to poison with
venomous breath the very atmosphere. Millions of New York capital, the time,
strength, and perhaps lives, of thousands of patriotic citizens will be wanted
to gorge a ravenous crew. On every side the Government and the soldiers are
pillaged. Arms, clothing, transportation, provisions, are each and all subjects
of peculation and spoil. On one side the waves of treason and rebellion arc
madly dashing; on the other is a yawning gulf of national bankruptcy. Our cause
is the greatest that any generation of men was ever called upon to uphold — it
would seem to be God's cause, and must triumph. But when we witness venality
and corruption growing in power every day, and controlling the millions of
money that should be a patriotic sacrifice for national deliverance, and
treating the treasure of the nation as a booty to be divided among thieves,
hope dies away. Deliverance from this danger also must come from New York.
Those who are unwilling to see blood shed, lives lost, treasure wasted in vain,
must take speedy measures to reform the evil before it be too late.
Of military affairs
I can form no judgment. Every day affords fresh proof of the design to give the
war a party direction. The army appointments appear (with two or three
exceptions only) to be bestowed on persons whose only claim is their
Republicanism — broken down politicians without experience, ability, or any
other merit. Democrats are rudely repulsed or scowled upon with jealous and
ill-concealed aversion. The Western Democracy are already becoming disgusted,
and between the corruption of some of the Republican leaders, and the self-seeking
ambition of others, some great disaster may soon befall the nation. How long
will the Democracy of New York tolerate these things?
The navy is in a
state of hopeless imbecility, and is believed to be far from being purged of
the treachery that has already occasioned so much shame and dishonor.
In respect to
domestic affairs, Mrs. Stanton and I hoped to visit New York last month, but
the critical state of affairs made it hazardous to leave our children, and we
could not take them with us. With the enemy still at our gates we cannot
venture to leave home. We hoped to see you here, especially after you had
accepted the appointment of Major-general. But now that the administration has
got over its panic, you are not the kind of man that would be welcome. There
are many details that I could give you in respect to proceedings here, but it
is painful to think of them, and to write them down would be a tedious and
disgusting task. I hope our cause may triumph despite the low passions
and mean intellects that now weigh it down. But whatever may be our fate, I
shall always be happy to be esteemed your friend. Mrs. Stanton and your pet are
well, and join in expressions of regard.
Yours truly,
Edwin M. Stanton.
Hon. John A. Dix.
SOURCE: Morgan
Dix, Memoirs of John Adams Dix, Volume 2, p. 18-20
