Diary of Gideon Welles.

August 1, Saturday. Made a selection of midshipmen for Naval School. An immense number of applicants and, of course, many disappointments. Some of the young men, and among them probably those who are deserving, feel this first disappointment grievously. It is a pleasure to bestow the favor in many instances, but not sufficient to counterbalance the pain one feels for those who are rejected. Last year there were captious and censorious Members of Congress who abused me for filling the school; the same will probably be the case this year. Were I, however, to omit filling the school, the same persons would blame me for neglect of duty, — not without cause, —and I should not be satisfied with myself for this omission.