May 22, Friday. Information is received that Grant has beaten Pemberton after a hard fight of nine hours. It is said to have taken place on the 15th inst.
Had an interview with Admiral Lardner, who goes out to take charge of the West India Squadron. He is prudent, but, I fear, not so efficient as the duty assigned him requires. Wilkes has accomplished but little, has interfered with and defeated some Navy plans, but has not committed the indiscretions towards neutrals which I feared he would, and of which he is charged.
