Diary of Gideon Welles.

June 22, Monday. The rumors yesterday of a fight near Aldie are fully confirmed, but as yet no definite information. It is not always pleasant to go to the War Department to have news verified, even if they have the facts. Often there is unaccountable, and I think inexcusable, want of correct information at Army Headquarters; if there is a reverse, or if there is want of information in relation to rumors that reach us, there is always prevarication and sometimes a sullen reserve. Generally I have found Stanton affable and communicative when alone, but not always, especially if there has been disaster or unpleasant news. Halleck is worse. There has never been intimacy between him and me; probably there never will be. I have not called over to-day, for those who have, and are entitled to know what was doing, have been unsuccessful or met with an unpleasant rebuff.