December 15, Monday. No news from Fredericksburg; and no news at this time, I fear, is not good news.
Secretary Smith called on me to unburden his mind. He dislikes Seward’s management, and the general course pursued in Cabinet and between the members generally. Thinks Seward the chief cause of the unfortunate state of things.
Smith tells me he (Smith) has made up his mind to leave the Cabinet and accept the office of District Judge, which he can have.
