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The Diary of Sidney George Fisher 1862

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The Diary of Sidney George Fisher 1862 The Diary of Sidney George Fisher 1862 EW YEARS were as eventful for Fisher as 1862, and none sadder. His brother Henry died, broken by financial troubles, a tragedy Fwhich was to lead to Fisher's own financial collapse since he no longer had a wealthy brother from whom to borrow. Both his father- in-law and his mother-in-law also died, leaving the diarist in uneasy occupation of his home, Forest Hill, which did not belong to his wife alone but to her family in general, with whom he was on rather strained terms. Fisher was a strong Union man, but his three broth- ers-in-law were Democrats of the stamp known as Southern sym- pathizers, or Copperheads. In fact, Charles Ingersoll's freely expressed opinions led to his arrest just before his mother's death. An overeager provost marshal found him guilty of uttering treason- able sentiments. In large measure, 1862 was a year of worry for Fisher. Aside from family troubles, the progress of the war was alarming. McClellan's Peninsula Campaign collapsed in a series of resounding battles. Lee's repulse at Antietam offered some encouragement for the North, but that was soon extinguished by the disastrous defeat of the Union army at Fredericksburg. The one interest that sustained the diarist's spirits more than any other was his literary pursuit. It was in 1862 that he wrote his most influential political study, The Trial of the Constitution. January 3, 1862 The Spanish expedition has landed in Mexico and taken possession of Vera Cruz, without resistance. It will speed- ily be joined by the French & English fleets.1 This is an important 1 Spain had sent twenty-six warships and transports to Vera Cruz, and had landed 6,000 troops. Seven hundred British marines were already there, with one battleship and two frigates. France was to send ships and troops about equal to the Spanish expedition. The diplomatic explanation these powers gave was that they had joined hands to collect money due from Mexico. Carl Sandburg, Abraham Lincoln, The War Years (New York, 1939), I, 655. 328 1964 DIARY 186a 329 event, indicative of the future. It foreshadows the power which Europe is henceforth to exert on this side [of] the Atlantic. It shows that we are here no longer supreme but are to have formidable rivals. It is a sign already, in the estimation of Europe, we have lost caste & influence. Our "Monroe Doctrine," somewhat arrogantly hereto- fore announced to the world, is disregarded and we cannot assert it now. The next step may too probably be the establishment of an English "protectorate" over our Southern states. An extract from a London letter is in the morning paper. It says that whether there be war now or not, one of the first measures of Parliament, to meet in January, will be to recognize the South and to raise the blockade. It is dated Dec. 18. Went to town at 1. Attended to business. Saw McMichael.2 He agreed with me that our situation is now more critical than ever, that war with England is very probable and what the consequences would be, no one can predict. January /j, 1862 Went to McMichael's. Found several there. Among others Mr. Verree, a member of Congress from this District.3 He says Congress is very impatient at the inactivity of military operations and can get no information as to the cause, as a com- mittee appointed to inquire into it was treated almost with contempt by Genl. McClellan who intimated that now the army was supreme. In answer to my question why Congress itself was so inactive in reference to adequate provisions by taxation to sustain the credit of the government, he said that he thought some plan would now speedily be matured. He did not speak hopefully of affairs and declared that unless some important steps were taken successfully within a few weeks, the country would be irretrievably ruined in every sense. Saw at Henry's office Mr. Heckscher of New York, an intelligent gentleman, connected with the high financial circles of that city.4 He says the financial prospects of the government are frightful, and of businessmen also, because of the corruptions and inefficiency at Washington and the inactivity of the army. January 75,1862 Mr. Cameron has resigned and been made minister to Russia. The truth, I suppose, is that the President wished 2 Morton McMichael, publisher of the North American, Fisher's favorite Philadelphia paper. 3 John P. Verree, a Republican. 4 Charles A. Heckscher shared Henry Fisher's interest in Pennsylvania coal and railroads. 33O SIDNEY GEORGE FISHER July him to resign and intimated to him as much. His character for integrity is far from high and the frauds that have been discovered in all departments of the office connected with army supplies were so flagrant that some change became necessary to satisfy public opinion. The mission to Russia is intended partly to cover his fall, partly perhaps to send him away, for he is considered a vindictive, unscru- pulous, and able man.5 Independent of other reason, his difference in opinion with the President in relation to slavery would probably have led to his dismissal. Mr. Cameron favors the plan of general emancipation and even of arming the Negroes, whilst the views of the President are moderate and conciliatory to the South. The policy of Mr. Cameron is advocated by a strong party in Congress, which threatens to become an opposition party. It is composed of the abolitionists among the Republicans. They declare that as slavery caused the war, so it will forever prevent harmony and peace be- tween the sections should the Union be restored. That therefore slavery should be destroyed by right of war, since now we have the power. Mr. Lincoln, on the other hand, contends that we have offered to the South protection in all their rights if they will return to their allegiance, and therefore to destroy slavery would be a breach of faith. It would also be inexpedient, as it would unite all Southern men in a determination to resist the government to the last extremity. The person selected to succeed Cameron is a Mr. Stanton of Pittsburgh. I never heard of him before, but the papers say he is a man of ability & good character. He is a conservative Democrat, that is, he is a Union man and approves the war.6 It is a significant fact that he should have been chosen at this time. It shows an antagonism between the extreme Republicans and the administration. I heard some weeks ago that Mr. Lincoln had said that he would be obliged to depend on the conservative portion of the Democratic Party for support. January 25^ 1862 Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Fisher here.7 They have recent letters from Charleston giving favorable accts. of their friends, but of course no political or military intelligence or opinions, 5 History has not changed Fisher's analysis of Simon Cameron's situation. 6 Edwin M. Stanton (1814-1869) had been Attorney General in the last days of Buchanan's administration. 7 Joshua Francis Fisher of Alverthorpe was the diarist's first cousin. 1964 DIARY 1862 331 as the letters are sent unsealed to Fortress Monroe, & then read by our army officers appointed for the purpose. In this way communica- tion is permitted between families & friends, North & South. Fisher brought me a pamphlet just written by Wm. B. Reed.8 Mr. Stanton, the new Secretary of War, has appointed John Tucker one of the under-secretaries. It would be a good appointment if Tucker's moral character was good, for he has just the sort of ability requisite for the place in a very high degree, as he proved by his long & masterly management of the vast & complicated affairs, financial and me- chanical, of the Reading Railroad, of which he was president for many years.9 But Tucker is thoroughly corrupt. He has no moral sense or self-respect whatever. He has not the slightest regard for truth & is ready to bribe or be bribed. He has long been a reckless gambler in stocks and has made & lost half a dozen fortunes, always lives with lavish expence, is overwhelmed with debt and is a most unprincipled adventurer. Because of all this, the Reading Railroad Co. was obliged by force of public opinion to turn him out of the management, tho, because of his rare ability, it has also been obliged to retain him at a salary of $7,000 as unofficial adviser. Altho no one respects Tucker in the least, everybody likes him. He is handsome, gentlemanlike in his manners, easy & fluent in conversation and generous and kind in his feelings, always ready to serve a friend or, indeed, anyone in need. When this place was offered him he refused it. The salary is only $3,000, a small object for Tucker. Stanton insisted on his serving, however, so earnestly that he consented. February 6,1862 Had some talk with Henry. He dined a day or two ago at Geo. Cadwalader's10 with Cameron, late Secretary of War. He, Cameron, does not seem to have a very high opinion of McClellan & prefers Halleck as a general.11 He thinks there has been a lack of energy & boldness in prosecuting the war. February 8> 1862 At 1 drove up to Alverthorpe. Saw Fisher, Sophy,12 & Mrs. F. We had the usual discussion about the war & the 8 William B. Reed (1806-1876), lawyer, diplomat, and author, opposed the war and was considered to be a strong sympathizer of the South.
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