Camp of the 5th Mass. Cav’y
Point Lookout, Md., Christmas Day, 1864
Who is to succeed Mr. Dayton? Sumner would be the man, and I think he would like it and Seward would like to get rid of him in that place; but the Governor and Motley both coming from Massachusetts would probably stand in the way of that consummation. General Dix it seems to me would do as well as anyone and the Army could spare him. By the way, do you know I have renewed relations with Sumner? I happened to mention to Dr. Palfrey that I should rather like to, as I thought four years a good Statute of Limitations for old scores, and lately he has been saying complimentary things of the Minister. So, a few days after, the Doctor invited me to meet L’Engel at breakfast at the Club, and there I found Sumner and Dr. Howe. Sumner has run more than ever to seed and now out-Sumners himself; but he was pleasant and cordial enough. He did not press me with any inquiries about the Minister or his family. I left a card on him as I came through Washington the other day. L’Engel I saw a number of times, chiefly at the Club, and called once on Mrs. L’Engel. He comes out to England in February, but she stays here until next Summer. . . .
