Saturday, 24th.—Passed through Brandon, once the capital of Mississippi, at 10 A. M.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
January 24, Saturday. Had a telegram at midnight from Admiral Porter of captures on White River.
Senator Foot yesterday resigned his seat on the Naval Committee. Some disagreement with Hale, the chairman, who plays the part of a harlequin as well as a demagogue, —is, I am told, a constant marplot and very contentious in the Committee, does nothing to assist but much to embarrass and counteract the Department. Grimes also asked to be excused for the same reason as Foot; does not conceal his dislike and detestation of Hale. The Senate did right in refusing to excuse him.
F. A. Conkling,[1] who, the President says, is “a mighty onhandy man,” called to give me a lecture and instructions relative to the appointment of midshipmen. Said Congress had the right to nominate and it was the duty of the Secretary to appoint. He could not tell me where Congress got that right, or the right to locate them in districts. Was compelled to admit that Congress could not dictate or nominate who should be judges of the Supreme Court, or say from what circuit or State the President should select them, but after a little controversy he acknowledged the cases were analogous. Forgetting his first starting-point, he wanted to know by what authority the Secretary of the Navy appointed midshipmen. I referred him to the Constitution and the laws, which I pointed out. Told him the President by and with the consent and approval of the Senate could make appointments, but Congress could by law confer or vest inferior appointments in the courts of law, heads of Departments, or the President alone; that Congress had, by law, vested the inferior appointment of midshipmen in the Secretary of the Navy, and I had, under that law, made appointments and should continue to do so. After tumbling over the statutes for some time, he found himself unable to controvert my position or to answer me, and left, apparently with a “flea in his ear.” No man ever came upon me more dogmatically, or left more humble.
In answer to Senator Fessenden, who is pushed forward by Preble to urge his restoration, I replied that in my opinion the time had not yet arrived, but, having made known my views, I should leave the subject with the Senate, claiming no infallibility for myself. F. expresses a willingness to take upon himself any responsibility, but did not wish to act in opposition to me, who, he said, had some, but not many, unscrupulous assailants who were anxious to get him in collision with me. He complimented my administration of the Department, which he had honestly sustained because he honestly approved it, and had been annoyed with the mischievous manœuvres of the Chairman of the Naval Committee, which, however, were well understood in the Senate and did me no harm. Preble’s note seeking restoration was surly and crusty. I suggested that on his own account he had better form a different one. Fessenden said he would consult any one I might name. Told him Davis or Smith were pretty good in such matters. F. laughed and said Smith wrote the note.
A California committee was on Tuesday before the Cabnet relative to the gauge of the Pacific Railroad. They gave each their views, — every one, I believe, in favor of the five-feet gauge. When they left, the President proposed a vote without discussion, — not that it should be conclusive but as an expression of the unbiased opinion of each. I was, for the present at least, for four eight and one half, chiefly for the reason that a change could be made from the wide to the narrow at less expense than the reverse; the aggregate cost will be millions less; that usage, custom, practical experience, knowledge proved the superiority of that gauge if they had proved anything, etc., etc. I believe the majority were for that gauge.
The Chronicle contains the argument of Judge-Advocate Holt in Fitz John Porter’s case. It seems to have been made after the finding of the Court instead of before, and is sent out with it as if in defense of the decision. The proceeding is singular and will be likely to cause censure. There is much of partisanship on both sides of Porter’s case. I have abstained from being mixed up in it, and have not had the time, nor am I called upon, to read the voluminous proceedings and comments. If the conviction is correct, the punishment is hardly adequate to, or commensurate with, the offense. I have thought Porter not alone in fault. More than one appeared to me culpable for the disasters of that period.
There is a change of commander of the Army of the Potomac. Burnside relinquishes to Hooker. I hope the change may be beneficial, but have apprehensions. The President asked me about the time of the Second Battle of Bull Run, when Pope was to leave and McClellan was out of favor: “Who can take command of this army? Who is there among all these generals?” The address to me was unexpected, and without much consideration I named Hooker. The President looked approvingly, but said, “I think as much as you or any other man of Hooker, but — I fear he gets excited,” looking around as he spoke. Blair, who was present, said he is too great a friend of John Barleycorn. I have mingled but little in the social or convivial gatherings of the military men, have attended fewer of the parades than any member of the Cabinet, and have known less of their habits. What I had seen and observed of Hooker had impressed me favorably, but our interviews had been chiefly business-wise and in the matter of duty, but there was a promptness, frankness, and intelligence about him that compared favorably with some others. I remarked, “If his habits are bad, if he ever permits himself to get intoxicated, he ought not to be trusted with such a command,” and withdrew my nomination. From what I have since heard, I fear his habits are not such as to commend him, that at least he indulges in the free use of whiskey, gets excited, and is fond of play. This is the result of my inquiries, and, with this reputation, I am surprised at his selection, though, aside from the infirmities alluded to, he doubtless has good points as an officer.
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[1] A Representative from New York, brother of Rowe Conkling.
Saturday. Went to Sydney Dameron’s little birth-night party; played a little for the young folks to dance. Met Mrs. Richardson, who has founded an asylum for old women, supported by contributions from both friends and enemy. The Federals have seized the city finances, also much private finances, and as they pretend to feed the poor, Mrs. R —— demanded bread of Colonel Deming with a sweet smile and a pretty play of words, “You are said to be the best-bred man in the city, Colonel Deming, and therefore I come to you for bread.” Needless to say she got her bread.
Mrs. Richardson was very anxious that Ginnie or I should write a few complimentary and regretful remarks to be published in the Picayune; subject, “The retirement of Colonel Deming from service.” I have never met the gallant Federal and have heard nothing which could incline me to take such a step, especially as she wished the remarks made in the name of the ladies of New Orleans. Mrs. R —— made him a perfect hero, and to quiet my objections, said she thought that our rulers here who had behaved like gentlemen should be complimented publicly, as a sort of distinction to them, and an acknowledgment on our part that we can appreciate kind treatment. Colonel Deming may be a hero; his resignation, I confess, speaks well for him, if he goes back to become a peace advocate, as Mrs. R —— says, but I thought it better for Mrs. R —— herself to take the responsibility of complimenting him. I told her that personal acquaintance was a great spur and that she could be much more eloquent than I on the subject. Mrs. Norton was anxious that we should accept Mrs. R ——’s proposal, though she hates the Federals, one and all, as bad as we do. She seemed to think it conferred, or would confer, some sort of distinction upon us, and told me I was too squeamish, when I said that I could not accept another’s interpretation of a man; indeed this wise lady seems to have little discrimination. She was eloquent in praise of Governor Shepley but a little while since, and as I have had several interviews with this gentleman, I would prefer to have some one else dissect character for me. The Ogden girls have been in town often, begging us to visit them at Greenville, also Mr. and Mrs. Randolph; so we have decided to go out and spend a week.
24th. Saturday. Spent a portion of the afternoon at Fannie’s. F. Henderson was there and we had a good time. Got home early and read in “Fantine” and visited with Ma. Read some in the February Atlantic.
Washington Saturday Jan’y 24th 1863
Mild and pleasant today, not much like winter. We have passed a quiet day, no Stirring news afloat and no startling rumors. Some successes of our Western gun Boats under the gallant Porter on the White River are published. The news boys cry it as “another Union Victory.” Let us take it as such for we need them badly just now. I cannot imagine where we are drifting to as a Nation. An immense Army and (I may almost say) nobody competent to command it. A country with inexhaustable resources and (I may almost say again) nobody competent to direct and apply its energies. In the present fearful crisis, we have realy no Talented Statesman, no public Men (who are up to the “times”) directing the affairs of the Nation, no Military genius to direct our great “Army of the Potomac,” and the army itself is now melting away by resignations of officers, and desertions, at a fearful rate. When drafting in the States has proved a failure, how is it ever to be recruited or preserved from utter ruin unless it soon wins a victory. I have spent the most of this evening with Vanmaster at his office on the Avenue. Bouge came in (quite sober). He is the pink of assurance and self confidence, but poor and needy. Poor Bouge. Twenty years ago he was the (“nice young man” the Ladies Man in Lyons) now geting old, living as it were by chance, the wreck of his former self, the sad effects of “wine & women.” I have not been interupted by any calls today, have worked some & read a good deal.
Saturday, 24th—We had some rain early this morning, followed by a heavy fog which lasted all day. Boats loaded with troops are constantly arriving and landing at different points along the river where the men are going into camp. Some of our boys are quite sick, the result of using the river water on the way down. Accidents are not common here considering the large number of men crowding as they do, but today a private of the First Kansas Infantry fell from the boat and was drowned before help could reach him.
Medium: 1 photograph : sixth-plate ambrotype, hand-colored ; 9.3 x 8.0 cm (case).
Gift; Tom Liljenquist; 2012;
Liljenquist Family Collection of Civil War Photographs; Ambrotype/Tintype photograph filing series; Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.
Record page for image is here.
Civil War Portrait 020
January 24.—General Dodge, commanding the military district of Corinth, Miss., reported that the rebels were putting to death many of the inhabitants of his district, for the only reason that they were loyal and Union-loving people. He gave the names of several who were hanged, others who were hunted down by bloodhounds, and of others whose houses were burned over their heads.—(Doc. 111.)
—The steamer Warsaw, while on her way to Memphis, was fired into by a rebel battery of two guns, at Island No. 84, on the Mississippi River.—Brigadier-General Daniel S. Donelson was appointed to the command of the rebel department of East-Tennessee, in the place of General E. Kirby Smith.—Richmond Whig.
by John Beauchamp Jones
JANUARY 24TH.—Gen. Smith writes that he deems Wilmington in a condition to resist any attacks.
The exposition of Mr. Benjamin’s dispatches has created profound mortification in the community.
Another transport has been taken from the enemy in the Cumberland River. No further news from Arkansas.
There is a white flag (small-pox) within seventy yards of our house. But it is probable we must give up the house soon, as the owner is desirous to return to it—being unable to get board in the country.
Gen. Rains, who has been making a certain sort of primer, met with an accident this morning; one of them exploded in his hand, injuring his thumb and finger. He was scarcely able to sign his name to official documents to-day.
Mr. Hunter has brought forward a measure for the funding of Treasury notes, the redundant circulation having contributed to produce the present fabulous prices in the market.
In the New Jersey Legislature petitions are flowing in denunciatory of Lincoln’s Emancipation scheme, which would cast into the free States a large excess of profitless population.
Buntyn Station, Saturday, Jan. 24. Rainy and dark all day. Health good. Battery in general dull from the effects of last night’s carousal.
