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Home , Gideon Welles, Isaac Toucey, James Dixon, John Adams Dix, John Albion Andrew, Joseph Roswell Hawley

The Secession Crisis Diary of

EDITED BY JONATHAN W. WHITE AND DANIELLE C. FORAND

The diary of Gideon Welles has long been recognized as one of the best available sources for studying and the Civil War. A newspaperman, Welles arrived in Washington in March 1861 to serve as secretary of the Navy, a position he would hold for the next eight years. Welles’s wartime and postwar diaries are so insightful that no study of the Lincoln or Johnson administrations—or of the Civil War–era Navy—could be complete without citing them. Welles began keeping an almost nightly journal of his experiences in Washington, D.C., during the summer of 1862. Many years later, his son Edgar T. Welles published excerpts from his father’s diary in Atlantic Monthly. In 1911 Edgar released a three-volume edition that he claimed included only minor revisions. “A few strong expressions, purely personal and private, have been omitted,” Edgar wrote in the preface, “but the omission has always been indicated and the reader may have full confidence that the text of the diary has been in no way mutilated or revised.”1 This assertion was patently untrue. In 1924 historian Howard K. Beale, then a graduate student at Harvard University, conducted a study of the original manuscript diary at the Library of Congress. Beale found that Edgar had sub- stantially edited and revised his father’s diary, censoring a number of passages that might have been embarrassing to his father or his father’s contemporaries. The 1911 edition also incorporated many of Gideon Welles’s revisions from the 1870s, passing them off as having been written during his time in the cabinet. Finally Edgar included a number of passages that were nowhere to be found in the original manuscripts at the Library of Congress. In 1960 Beale published a new

We thank Michael Musick as well as our friends and colleagues at Christopher Newport University for assistance in transcribing several difficult words. 1. Edgar T. Welles, ed., Diary of Gideon Welles, 3 vols. (: Houghton Mifflin, 1911), 1:vi.

Journal of the Abraham Lincoln Association, Vol. 41, No. 1, 2020 © 2020 by the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois 2 Welles’s Secession Crisis Diary three-volume edition of the diary, undoing “the extensive editing by the diarist himself” as well as “the further altering by the son.” The Beale edition reproduced the pages of the 1911 edition with handwrit- ten annotations marked throughout the text, indicating where the 1911 edition was untrue to what Welles had originally written in the 1860s.2 Unfortunately, Beale’s annotations can be difficult to decipher. Fortunately, in 2014 Harvard historian William E. Gienapp and his wife, Erica L. Gienapp, released The Civil War Diary of Gideon Welles, Lincoln’s Secretary of the Navy: The Original Manuscript Edition through the Lincoln Studies Center at Knox College. Rather than work from the 1911 edition, as Beale had done, the Gienapps re-transcribed Welles’s original manuscript diaries at the Library of Congress, scrupulously omitting Welles’s later emendations. The final product was a beauti- fully produced and carefully annotated verbatim transcription of what Secretary Welles had written while he served with Lincoln. (Unlike the earlier editions, the 2014 edition concludes in April 1865.)3 All three editions of Welles’s diary include a “retrospective” in which Welles describes the period from March 6 through July 1861. The 1911 and 1960 editions present the retrospective as part of the original diary, while the Gienapps suggest that it was written some- time after Welles left office in June 1869.4 None of the published edi- tions include anything earlier; however, Welles kept other diaries dur- ing his lifetime. The Huntington Library, in San Marino, California, holds a sizable collection (approximately 600 pieces in ten boxes) of Welles’s papers. Included among these papers are diaries for the years 1846–1849, as well as a small pocket diary with an entry for each day in January and February 1861.5 Never before published, this pocket diary offers an invaluable portrait of Welles’s reactions to the secession crisis, his criticisms of the Buchanan administration, and his views of Abraham Lincoln as president-elect. This article reproduces Welles’s 1861 pocket diary in its entirety. In attempting to transcribe his handwriting, we have rendered words as accurately as we could; we chose, however, to silently correct Welles’s spelling in a few cases. In a number of instances it is clear what word he intended, though some letters are nearly impossible to decipher.

2. Howard K. Beale, ed., Diary of Gideon Welles: Secretary of the Navy under Lincoln and Johnson, 3 vols. (New York: W. W. Norton, 1960). 3. William E. Gienapp and Erica L. Gienapp, eds., The Civil War Diary of Gideon Welles, Lincoln’s Secretary of the Navy: The Original Manuscript Edition (Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 2014). 4. Gideon Welles, “Retrospective, March 6, 1861–July 1862,” in ibid., 639–83. 5. Gideon Welles Papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California. White and Forand 3

This problem is compounded by the fact that he sometimes omitted letters from words, such as “the” without an “e,” or “Lincoln” with- out a “c,” or “friend” without an “i.” In these sorts of instances we thought it best for the sake of readability to silently correct Welles’s mistakes. Welles often omitted periods when he ran out of room in a line on the edge of the page. In these instances we have silently inserted the correct punctuation. Finally, in one instance we silently deleted the repeated word “the.” Words that could not be definitively deciphered are marked as illegible and possible renderings are offered in a footnote. Tuesday, January 1, 1861 A pleasant morning and pleasant day. Thermometer this a.m. at 8—30°. Wrote G. D. Morgan6 and G. G. Fogg,7 that I had faith the country would be extricated from this peril of secession by a good God and the good sense of the people, notwithstanding the imbecility, infidelity and treachery of men to whom public affairs have been intrusted. The country is in a strange condition. Treason, under the name of secession, is openly at work, and the President is receiving and treating with the conspirators, and his sympathies are evidently with them. Recd a letter from Truman Smith8 hoping I should have a place in the Cabinet—from Fogg to the same effect. Wednesday, January 2, 1861 Beautiful sunny day. A little unwell, but was at Bank this noon. Money matters a little less stringent. President Perkins9 not pres- ent to preside at the board, having fallen on the ice yesterday while skating and injured his side. Think the country, and the money institutions, and business interests are recovering, and getting into strong position, from the causeless assault made by partisans & sectionalists expressly to make difficulty and embar- rassment.

6. George D. Morgan (1818–1891) was a merchant whom Welles would soon hire to procure ships for the . Morgan was married to Welles’s wife’s sister, Caroline. 7. George Gilman Fogg (1813–1881) was secretary of the Republican National Execu- tive Committee in 1860, minister to Switzerland under Lincoln, and U.S. senator from New Hampshire after the war. 8. (1791–1884) served several terms in Congress as a Whig from Connecticut between 1830 and 1854. In 1862 Lincoln appointed him a judge under the treaty with for the suppression of the slave trade. 9. Henry A. Perkins (1801–1874) was president of the Hartford Bank. 4 Welles’s Secession Crisis Diary

Thursday, January 3, 1861 Had a sleepless, restless painful night. Dr Taft10 called and left medicine. Violent head-ache during most of the day. Edgar11 left for New Haven this a.m. at 8. Commencement of Winter term. Tom12 began school yesterday at High school— John13 to day at the south Distt. Vacation for each having closed. Had letter from Senator Foster,14 desiring me to write Scey Toucey15 to do his duty, in, this crisis. Quite a fall of snow last night and to day. Friday, January 4, 1861 National Fast. Service to day in most of the churches.16 The President had specified this day for fasting and prayer in consequence of our sins & calamities. Wretched man! Most of our public troubles are to be attributed to his weakness and wilful perversity. From the day of his election he seems to have considered himself not the Chief Magistrate of the whole Country, but the selected leader of an illiberal and presumptive party. Find myself better; but do not venture abroad. Had a call from Mark Howard17 and E. S. Cleveland,18 with letters from Senator Dixon19 & others that I am to be tendered a

10. Cincinnatus A. Taft (1822–1884) was a homeopathic physician in Hartford. 11. Edgar T. Welles (1843–1914), a son of Gideon Welles, was a student at Yale College. He later became the chief clerk of the Navy Department from 1866 to 1869. 12. Thomas G. Welles (1846–1892), a son of Gideon Welles. After attending the Naval Academy in 1862 he became a commissioned officer in the army. See Hartford Daily Courant, March 21, 1892. 13. John A. Welles (1849–1885), youngest son of Gideon Welles to reach adulthood, served for many years as a teller at the state bank. See Hartford Daily Courant, Novem- ber 9, 1885. 14. Lafayette Sabine Foster (1806–1880), a Republican, served as U.S. senator from Connecticut from 1855 to 1867. 15. (1792–1869), a Democrat from Connecticut, was secretary of the Navy under . 16. Welles attended Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Hartford. 17. Mark Howard (1817–1887) was a founding member of the Republican Party in Connecticut. In 1861 Lincoln nominated him to be consul to Messina, but Howard declined the appointment. Later Lincoln appointed him an internal revenue collector in Connecticut. 18. Edward Spicer Cleveland (1825–1903) served for several years as a Democrat in the Connecticut legislature. After the Lecompton Constitution was adopted in 1857 he became a Republican. Lincoln appointed him postmaster of Hartford in 1861. 19. (1814–1873), a Republican, served as U.S. senator from Connecticut from 1857 to 1869. White and Forand 5

seat in the Cabinet. For myself, I am neither confident nor elated by the assurance. Saturday, January 5, 1861 Am getting pretty well, but advised not to go out because it is bad getting about, though the day is pleasant. My Brother20 came to see me. Had a call from Cleveland who informs me that J. R. Hawley21 has gone to Washington—a private purse having been made up to send him. Doubt the correctness or expediency of this. He did not call on, or advise with me in the matter. Am glad he did not. Wrote Dixon before I knew Hawley had gone. I yesterday wrote Toucey. It is the first time, I think, for six years, see copy of my letter.22 My object is to strengthen him if possible to do right and stand by his country, instead of his party, while treason is at work. Have not confidence that I shall succeed. He is no statesman, but a narrow minded partisan. Sunday, January 6, 1861 Fine winter’s day. Much better, but do not yet venture abroad. Folks to church. Had a call this evening from Howard, and afterwards from Cleveland. Monday, January 7, 1861 Cloudy and some rain. At Hall of records on Board of Relief. At the Bank this noon. Money matters easier. Business moving notwithstanding political panic. Never was the country better filled with all that goes to make up material wealth. The Administration seems to be getting into better shape. The S. Carolina Commissioners who ought never to have been recd have been rebuffed & gone home mad. Their insolence is stirring up the President who has been their dupe and tool.

20. Thaddeus Hale Welles (1806–1876) of Glastonbury was Welles’s only surviving brother. 21. (1826–1905) entered the as a in 1861 and rose to the rank of major general in 1865. Following the war, he served as governor of Connecticut as well as in Congress. 22. A copy of Welles’s letter is retained in his papers at the Library of Congress. 6 Welles’s Secession Crisis Diary

Tuesday, January 8, 1861 Pleasant morning. Went to the Retreat.23 Visited the South Wing. Mrs Major W Donell24 just having recovered. A gratifying recovery. Paid sundry bills. At Press office. People good deal interested [two illegible words]25 excited by the secession movement, and the feeble conduct of the Administration causes indignation. Had sundry letters from J. Dixon, H. B. Stanton,26 J. D. Baldwin,27 J. P. Allyn,28 G. D. Morgan & .29 Wrote Morgan. Wednesday, January 9, 1861 Pleasant but cold, with prospect of snow through the p.m. At Bank this noon. Recd letter of some length from E. L. Pearce30 of . Says Gov Banks is intriguing to get into the cabinet from New England—that there is a movement for C. F. Adams.31 He wants neither. Takes exception to the compromise proposition of Adams. The news from Washington and the states south on the subject of secession is disagreeable. There is extensive folly and delusion. The President, after having fellowshipped with the secessionists is waking to find it treason, and that the men in his Cabinet to whom he gave his confidence are traitors Wrote Dixon & Fogg.

23. The Hartford Retreat for the Insane was chartered in 1822. By the 1860s it offered custodial care for the mentally ill. 24. Possibly “Mayor,” and possibly “McDowell” or “McDonnell.” The Institute of Living in Hartford (the successor organization of the Hartford Retreat) is unable to identify any patient that matched any of these names. 25. These words appear to be “can” or “care” and “hardly.” 26. Henry Brewster Stanton (1805–1887), husband of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, was a reformer and abolitionist. 27. John Denison Baldwin (1809–1883) was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1860 and U.S. Representative from from 1863 to 1869. 28. Joseph Pratt Allyn (1833–1869) wrote for the Hartford Evening Press and later was appointed Associate Justice of the Arizona Territory by Lincoln. 29. John Bigelow (1817–1911) served as U.S. consul in Paris during the Civil War. 30. Edward Lillie Pierce (1829–1897) was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1860. During the war he worked with contrabands in and . 31. Charles Francis Adams (1807–1886), a son of John Quincy Adams, served as U.S. Representative from Massachusetts from 1859 to 1861, and as minister to England from 1861 to 1868. White and Forand 7

Thursday, January 10, 1861 Cool. On board of Relief at Hall of Records. Exciting news from Charleston that the steamer “Star of the West” with troops and supplies for fort Sumter, had been fired upon by S Carolina troops and compelled to turn back. Wrote a letter this evening to H. B. Stanton. Have sad misgivings that the mismanagement of the Adminis- tration will bring heavy affliction on the country—altho within a few days the President has manifested more firmness & character. But he is perverse, weak, wilful, indecisive, indirect and unreli- able. Friday, January 11, 1861 A cold morning. Thermometer 8 above zero this a.m. The tidings telegraphed yesterday from Charleston are con- firmed to day. Not only was the steamer assaulted but Gov Pick- ens32 avows the act, and that it will be repeated if supplies are sent the fort. Treason has therefore assumed its worst form, but there is no confidence that the Administration will meet it firmly. It is re- ported that J. A. Dix33 has been called to Washington and offered a Department. He is not the man for the times, though better than any one in the Cabinet but Holt.34 He has capabilities and good intentions, but wants decision and form. Wrote E. L. Pierce Boston & J. D. Baldwin, Worcester. Saturday, January 12, 1861 Cool. At Press office. Exciting political news. The Steamer Star of the West which was fired into by the Secessionists at Charleston has returned to New York. The govt: not able to protect its prop- erty—reinforce its garrisons, or vindicate its authority, owing to the feebleness of the Executive and the encouragement given to traitors.

32. Francis Wilkinson Pickens (1807–1869) served as governor of South Carolina from 1860 to 1862. 33. Dix (1798–1879) of New York served as secretary of the treasury under James Buchanan and later became a general in the Union Army. 34. (1807–1894) of Kentucky served as postmaster general and secretary of war under James Buchanan. Later he became judge advocate general of the U.S. Army from 1862 to 1875. 8 Welles’s Secession Crisis Diary

Wrote Dixon—did not like Hunter’s35 speech. Advised Dixon we would have no compromise with traitors,—would correct any wrong we had done; but the country must pass this test. Amending the constitution would not help us, and the election of Lincoln did not require it. Sunday, January 13, 1861 The coldest morning of the year or season thus far. Thermom- eter twelve degrees below zero at 8 this a.m. Continued cold through the day. Not very well, did not go to church. Sam. Welles36 here from Glastonbury. Thermometer in several localities 24° below in Hartford. Monday, January 14, 1861 Very cold, but thermometer not as low as yesterday. At Board of Relief most of the day. This noon at Bank. Read Seward’s speech this evening. Opposite opinions con- cerning it. Am better pleased than I expected with it, because, perhaps, I did not expect so much. Is less distinct and definite for adjustment than he might have been. Should think he was at a loss what to propose, and that his aim in this effort is to reconcile the border slave states.37 Some snow this p.m. Tom not well. Tuesday, January 15, 1861 The weather has moderated. Has not frosen through the day. Excellent sleighing and most persons who can are improving it. The condition of our public affairs is deplorable. States declar- ing that they secede, and Senators talking of a reconstruction of the government. The Administration feeble and vacilating, is without force and apparently without capacity. How much they can weaken the govt., & how much lower sink it, in the forty five days that are left them is to be seen.

35. Robert Mercer Taliaferro Hunter (1809–1887) of Virginia was expelled from the U.S. Senate on July 11, 1861. He later served as Confederate secretary of state and in the Confederate Senate. For Hunter’s speech, see Congressional Globe, 36th Cong., 2nd sess., pp. 328–32 (January 11, 1861). 36. Samuel Welles (1840–1866) was a nephew of Gideon Welles. 37. On January 12, 1861, William H. Seward of New York delivered a speech in the Senate outlining his desire for preservation of the Union and not antagonizing the southern states. See Congressional Globe, 36th Cong., 2nd sess., pp. 341–44. White and Forand 9

Wednesday, January 16, 1861 Am disgusted and sickened at the conduct of almost the whole of the people in the slave states, and mortified to see so many among us here at home at heart rejoicing over the madness and folly of the secessionists. Wretched must be that people when party malignity can triumph over patriotism and country. I am not surprised that there is general delusion in South Caro- lina. Treason has been their favorite topic for more than thirty years, and they believe that by abandoning the Union they shall prosper. It is a sordid, [illegible word]38 feeling at best. In 1832 it was the tariff. It is since and its exacting, miserable men! They have commenced a journey of sorrow. Thursday, January 17, 1861 At Hall of Records on Board of Relief. While South Carolina is deluded, there is black treason and wickedness in other states. Cobb39 & Toombs40 of Georgia, Slidde41 & Benjamin42 of Louisana, Yulee43 of , Jeff Davis44 & Brown45 of Miss. are clearly traitors. But badly as may be the conduct of these men and their associates, the language and course of Hunter & Mason46 of Virginia and others in the border states is more despi- cable still. There are no great and good men at the South, who have the sense & courage to do right. Mr Buchanan and his Cabinet, until recently broken up were with the traitors in sympathy, and the powers of the government were prostituted to them.

38. This word appears to be “menacing” or “mercenary.” 39. (1815–1868), a Democrat from Georgia, served in the U.S. House of Representatives, as governor of Georgia, and as secretary of the treasury before the Civil War. He later became a major general in the Confederate Army. 40. Robert A. Toombs (1810–1885) was a U.S. senator from Georgia, 1853–1861, and later served as Confederate secretary of state and as a brigadier general in the Con- federate Army. 41. John Slidell (1793–1871) served as U.S. senator from Louisiana, 1853–1861, and later as a Confederate diplomat in France. 42. Judah P. Benjamin (1811–1884) served as U.S. senator from Louisiana, 1853–1861, and later held three positions in ’s cabinet. 43. (1810–1886) was a U.S. senator from Florida. 44. Jefferson Davis (1808–1889) of Mississippi resigned from the U.S. Senate on January 21, 1861, and later became president of the Confederacy. 45. Brown (1813–1880) was a U.S. senator from Mississippi, 1854–1861, and later served in the Confederate Army and Confederate Congress. 46. James Murray Mason (1798–1871) was a U.S. senator from Virginia from 1847 to 1861, when he was expelled for supporting the rebellion. He later served as a Con- federate diplomat in London. 10 Welles’s Secession Crisis Diary

Friday, January 18, 1861 The times are testing the true metal of men. There are many rascals here who, in their reckless animosity on account of a party defeat, are rejoicing in the calamities of their country. These fel- lows have not the manliness and courage to avow their senti- ments openly, but they have the ineffable meanness to defame and denounce all who will not yield to the wicked and uncon- stitutional demands of the traitors. Senator Crittenden47 is, in his age, vanity & weakness the tool of Breckinridge,48 and fathers his compromise which is the pet darling of his [illegible word]49 political life. This compromise demands an amendment of the constitution because of the elec- tion of Lincoln. To adopt it would Mexicanise & demoralise the government. Saturday, January 19, 1861 At Press office. Hawley showed me a letter from Congden,50 Editor of New Jersey Mercury, that the friends of Gov Banks51 were striving earnestly to place him in the Cabinet from New England, and his active agent Ashmun52 of Springfield, Prest of the Chicago Convention was earnestly opposing me. Had a letter from Fogg at New York, on his way to Washington, who says Banks friends are very active. But Gov Andrew,53 and others in Mass, had recommended me. I see the Springfield Republican is working with Ashmun for Banks. He has been a favorite of that paper. The editor desired him for President; but I did not, as that editor well knows.

47. John J. Crittenden (1787–1863) of Kentucky had spent many years in Congress dating back to 1817. The was a proposal introduced in Congress in December 1860 that would have amended the Constitution to protect slavery in an attempt to appease the South. 48. John C. Breckinridge (1821–1875) of Kentucky served as vice president under James Buchanan. He later became a major general in the Confederate Army and Con- federate secretary of war. 49. This word appears to be “daring” or “dying.” 50. Horace N. Congar (1817–1893) was editor of the Newark Daily Mercury for ten years. 51. Nathaniel P. Banks (1816–1894) was governor of Massachusetts from 1858 to 1861. He later became a Union general. 52. George Ashmun (1804–1870) presided over the Republican National Convention in 1860 and was part of the delegation that called upon Lincoln to inform him that he’d won the nomination. 53. (1818–1867), a Republican, was governor of Massachusetts from 1861 to 1866. White and Forand 11

Sunday, January 20, 1861 At St John’s. Revd Mr. Knight.54 John not well. At Dr Tafts this am. Monday, January 21, 1861 At Hall of Records, on Board of Relief. An uneasy state of the public mind on public affairs. Wrote G. D. Morgan and Dixon at some length. To the first respect- ing Cabinet movements—to the last in relation to secession, and the general bad conduct of the secession leaders. No real states- men, or honest, bold, public man in the slave states. Senility and rashness prevail in Virginia. Senator Mason has been a bad and wicked legislator from the day he entered the senate. Acrid, preju- diced and malicious, without great capacity or comprehension, yet with more force than his colleague Hunter, who has mind but not judgment. Tuesday, January 22, 1861 Clear cold weather. At Prescott & Lages55 who requested me to sit for photograph. A letter from Fogg to day at Washington, that he was about to leave for Springfield to see Mr Lincoln by request of friends.56 Howard showed me a letter from Mr H. that he had been consulted by Mr L. and advised, unqualifiedly that I should be selected. Clark57 of Courant sent, requesting me to prepare an article extricating him from dilemma with Times. State Comtee here. Told them that it was best to re nominate Buckingham.58

54. Possibly Cyrus F. Knight (1831–1891), an Episcopal minister in Boston, or Rev. Merrick Knight (1817–1896), a Congregationalist minister in Hartford. Thanks to Bill Uricchio, parish historian at St. John’s, for assistance in identifying this guest preacher. 55. Most likely Prescott & Gage, a photographic gallery in Hartford. 56. For information on Fogg’s visits to Springfield, see Michael Burlingame, ed., Sixteenth President-In-Waiting: Abraham Lincoln and the Springfield Dispatches of Henry Villard, 1860–1861 (Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press, 2018), 61–62, 71, 76, 233, 235, 239–40, 261. 57. Abel N. Clark (1819–1867) was an owner of the Hartford Daily Courant with his partner Thomas Day from 1857 to 1864, when he took sole ownership. 58. William A. Buckingham (1804–1875), a Republican, served as governor of Con- necticut from 1858 to 1866. 12 Welles’s Secession Crisis Diary

Wednesday, January 23, 1861 A beautiful winters day. Hubert59 is afflicted with a croupy cold. At Press office, twice. Howard at my home this evening. Wishes my wife & myself to tea with him & friends from Boston to-morrow evening. He showed me a letter from Dixon detail- ing a conversation with Cameron,60 who says he was specially invited by Mr L. to his cabinet & to visit L. at Springfield, but that the apptt had been revoked. Says it was the understanding that I would be apptd for New England, but should not be surprised if there was a change. C. tells D. that L. has [illegible word]61 the Rep. party in . Thursday, January 24, 1861 Cloudy morning. About 9 began to snow, which about sunset turned to rain and continued through the evening. Hubert no better through the day, and at evening feverish. At Hall of Records through the day, on the Board of Relief. Nothing particularly new on the subject of secession. Some apprehension that the President is again wavering. The public have no confidence in the President, and the weak- ness and vacillation of the government has strengthened seces- sion. Friday, January 25, 1861 Pleasant & mild. Hubert some better, but feverish and ill. Rode out a short distance with Mrs Welles. Called on Howard—was introduced to his friend Barnard62 of Boston, who insisted on my seeing his wife. She was in a sleigh, and a very pretty woman—well worth seeing, and becoming acquainted with. Wrote an article of 9 pages for the Courant of Monday by re- quest of the editor Mr Clark—wrote it at one setting this evening for I shall be engaged to-morrow, and it must be put in type for Monday. Tom rode over to Glastonbury & back this evening.

59. Hubert Welles (1858–1862) was a son of Gideon Welles. 60. (1799–1889), a Republican from Pennsylvania, was notorious for his corruption. Originally desiring to be secretary of the treasury, Cameron served as Lincoln’s first secretary of war from 1861 to 1862. 61. This word appears to be “received” or “revived.” 62. It is unclear who Barnard was. White and Forand 13

Saturday, , 1861 Cloudy, and before 5 p.m commenced snowing violently. Con- tinued to snow through the evening. At Hall of Records through the day. Last day of appeals. My brother here to dine. Hubert seems to improve slowly. Had a letter from Edgar. It gives me pleasure to hear from him and to believe he is doing well. Am receiving, daily, letters of a singularly strange character, from persons who take it for granted I have an appointment in Mr Lincoln’s cabinet. Wrote G. D. Morgan confidentially. Sunday, January 27, 1861 A clear pleasant day. The snow of last evening was not deep and fell still and even. At Church this a.m. A stranger preached. Hubert is, we think, slightly better. Took my usual Sunday evening walk, although the walks were very icy, and the walking bad. Tom accompanied me. Monday, January 28, 1861 I do not like the aspect of affairs. There has been a great con- spiracy maturing for years and men in high positions have been engaged in it. The election of Lincoln is made the occasion of carrying it into effect, and some of our own people in their alarm would concede almost any thing to the traitors. If we have done wrong, let us at once redress it as a matter of duty. I do not think the election of Lincoln & Hamlin63 requires an amendment of the constitution—a reconstruction of the govern- ment, or new guarantees to the defeated party. Any abject propo- sition from the Republicans would only stimulate the unreason- able & disaffected to exorbitant demands. We must therefore stand by the right and persevere to the end. Dixon has a desire to do something to sustain Stephens64 and other Union men. But we Republicans can do nothing till March & Stephens, and men like him must have stamina to hold out till then. Seward is delphic and to me unsatisfactory. I do not

63. (1809–1891), a Republican from , was vice-president-elect. 64. Stephens (1812–1883), a Whig-turned-Democrat from Geor- gia, initially opposed secession. During the war he served as vice president of the Confederacy. 14 Welles’s Secession Crisis Diary

comprehend his statesmanship, if that is the right name for his utterances & position. If it is mere policy to delay and postpone and nothing more, I cannot say that his remarks elevate him in my estimation. D. asks if L. had not best come to Washington I think not. Tuesday, January 29, 1861 Snowed most of the day. Cleared up p.m. On Board of Relief. Wednesday, January 30, 1861 Pleasant. Visited Retreat this a.m. Went through north wing. This p.m. on Board of Relief. Thursday, January 31, 1861 Pleasant. Finished duties on Board of Relief this a.m. and recd payment. Friday, February 1, 1861 A delightful day. At Bank this noon. Had a letter from G D Morgan inquiring if Lincoln ought not to intimate a willingness to concede & conciliate through some of his friends to save border states. Wrote him a reply of some length—that if the Border states had any proposition to make I had no doubt they would be met in a fraternal spirit—that I do not think the election of Lincoln required an amendment of the constitution and a reconstruction of the govt.—that if Breckinridge had been elected the constitu- tion would have been considered good enough as it is, &c. &c. Saturday, February 2, 1861 Wet, windy, rainy day. Snow and ice rapidly moving away. Attended to clearing [illegible word]65 troughs & conductors of ice. At Press office this a.m. Recd, a little past 3 p.m. the following telegraph fr66 “What do you think of the expediency of appointing commis- sioners to the convention of 4th inst? William A Buckingham.” To which I returned “It will be well to have the state rep- resented. Gideon Welles.” This I did after consulting C. Day,67

65. This word may be “the” or “up.” 66. Welles appears to have started writing the word “from” but then stopped when he realized the name would be in the subsequent quotation. 67. Calvin Day (1803–1884) was a commission merchant in Hartford and friend of Welles’s. White and Forand 15

M. Howard, G. Trumbull68 and J. R. Hawley. Our friends in other states have within a few days advised the measure and apptd Commissioners. It is claimed the object is friendly to union & antagonistic to secession—that the administration being demor- alised, something should be done to [illegible line].69 I do not anticipate much from this conference, but let us not be backward in any movement that promises harmony and union, even if we have no faith in success. No harm can result from a friendly response, and friendly intercourse. The spirit manifested thus far by the secessionists bodes no good, and the convention may widen differences, but it is best to meet them and see. Sunday, February 3, 1861 At Church, St John’s. Revd Washburn.70 Recd Mr Hale71 & Edwd Welles72 here this evening and attended St John’s Church. Monday, February 4, 1861 Cool. At Press office and at Bank. Recd two letters from Gov Buckingham respecting the apptt of Commissioners to the con- vention at Washington on the 4th to day.73 Some of the Delegates went on last evening. Gov B. writes me he recd no official invita- tion to apptt Commissioners. Had I known this fact, I doubt if I should so promptly have advised the apptt on Saturday. There was design, and intentional wrong, I apprehend, in the omission. But it perhaps is best, as it is. There is duty and comity in the mat- ter. I have little faith in its utility. There is a great conspiracy—and the country is filled with traitors & their sympathisers. Meeting of Directors of Retreat at City Hotel.

68. Gurdon Trumbull (1790–1875) was a politician and judge in Hartford. 69. Several words in this line are nearly impossible to decipher. They appear to be “force/form/favor the rightly duped/despot/disposed & give the rallying[?] back/ cry/let.” 70. Edward A. Washburn (1819–1881) served as rector of St. John’s Church from 1854 to 1862. 71. Probably a relative of Welles’s wife, Mary Jane Hale Welles. 72. Edward Thaddeus Welles (1847–1872) was a nephew of Welles. 73. While much of the correspondence mentioned in the diary is held in Welles’s papers at the Library of Congress, some is in private hands. One of these letters from Buckingham, dated February 2, 1861, was, as of June 10, 2019, for sale on eBay. 16 Welles’s Secession Crisis Diary

Tuesday, February 5, 1861 Pleasant day. Wrote Preston King.74 Recd letter from Govr Buckingham respecting appointment of Commissioners to the Convention at Washington. At Historical Society this evening, which was not very well attended. Wednesday, February 6, 1861 Pleasant day. At Bank. The so-called Democrats, held their nominating state conven- tion to day at New Haven. The partyism displayed is melancholy, and shows an almost entire absence of genuine patriotism. These things and the whole tenor of that party which here is the apolo- gist for traitors forbodes evil to the country. Our institutions and liberties cannot stand long amid such demoralisation, if generally prevalent. The nominee Loomis75 is a small partisan of narrow views and limited conceptions utterly unfit for the place to which he is nominated under any circumstances, and especially at such a period as this. Thursday, February 7, 1861 A strange and remarkable day furnishing a great variety of weather. Sunny, stormy—snow, rain and fair weather alternat- ing. The morning mild as spring—thermometer at about 40—the evening coldest of the winter—mercury at zero. October April and February contending for supremacy—the latter holding & enforcing his claim. Mary V Hale76 her daughter Sally77 and Mary A Curtin78 arrived this 5 p.m. train to spend a few days with us. Edgar writes that he is dissuaded to come home on a visit. Advised him to do as he pleased.

74. Preston King (1806–1865), a Republican, served as U.S. senator from New York from 1857 to 1863. 75. James C. Loomis (1807–1877) lost to Governor Buckingham in the gubernatorial election on April 1, 1861. 76. Mary Downing Valentine Hale (1832–1901) was married to the brother of Welles’s wife, Mary Jane Hale Welles, and lived in Lewistown, Pennsylvania. 77. Sarah D. Hale is listed in the 1860 census as two years old. 78. It is unclear who Mary Curtin was. She may have been a relative of Pennsylvania governor Andrew G. Curtin. White and Forand 17

Friday, February 8, 1861 Cold day. Thermometer this a.m 14 below zero—a change of 57 degrees since yesterday noon. Last night was one of high wind—almost or quite a gale as well as the severe cold made the night tedious and to those exposed one of disaster. Mrs W. not well and I have a sore-throat with some head- ache. Letter from Preston King. Wrote G. D. Morgan & Dixon to strengthen them. D. yesterday sent me copy of L.’s letter to Cameron tendering a seat in the Cabinet. I have doubted the fact till recently. Saturday, February 9, 1861 A cold and severe head ache disqualifies me from going out to day except at noon to the depot Mr Fogg having telegraphed to me that he should pass through on the noon train. He confirms previous statements in many particulars, concern- ing men & things. Sunday, February 10, 1861 Weather mild. Thermometer up to 60 this p.m. At Bank. Wrote Edgar sent him some money. We have information to day, that the Rebellious states have formed a government for themselves and are preparing to act the part of traitors. There are wicked men here who are trifling on this subject. The indications are that Tennessee has boldly taken ground for the Union. We shall have things right after a struggle, in spite of mean and detestable partisans. (This was written for Monday) My cold & head ache continued through Sunday. Monday, February 11, 1861 Am better than for the last few days. Met C F Pond,79 who volunteered to say that men would not go from here South to fight. Asked him what he meant by that remark—if he intended to say that men from here would not go South or anywhere to support the constitution, Union and enforce the laws. He said men would not go south to fight. What said I not for their country & govt?? Will they go North to fight

79. Charles Floyer Pond (1809–1867) was president of the New Haven, Hartford, and Springfield Railroad Company. A Democrat, he supported Stephen A. Douglas for president in 1860, and in 1864 he served as an elector for George B. McClellan. 18 Welles’s Secession Crisis Diary

& not South. If there is an insurrection, or resistance to the laws in Portsmouth N.H. will not men go from here if necessary to suppress the traitors, or rebels. Said he did not wish to get into discussion. Would not answer. Told him if men would go to N Hampshire to enforce the laws & not go to S.C. they sympathized with traitors & are traitors. Pond said they would not be so great traitors, as our members of Congress. I asked wherein they were traitors. He replied be- cause they did not settle their difficulties by voteing for the Crit- tenden Compromise. That said I would increase the difficulties, for I should [illegible word]80 them if they would vote for it & so would those who elected them. He asked if I did not approve it. I told him No I had only contempt for it. He said Congress ought to adopt it and submit it to the people. I asked him if he was serious? If he really knew what the Crittenden propositions were, and would tell me what he thought them to be. He said I knew well enough what they were. I told him I thought so, and I wished to know if he knew what they were, as he indorsed them so highly. But I could get no statement from him. This conversation exhibits the animus of a class—wealthy, cow- ardly, mean, supercilious and proud, who assume tone, but are partisans to the verge of treason. Tuesday, February 12, 1861 We have accounts that the President Elect has left Springfield for Washington. The parting from his neighbors was trying to a man of sensibility and increased by the great responsibility he incurs. Wednesday, February 13, 1861 Sent letters to sundry persons, desiring them to renew their notes. The votes for President & V President were this day opened & declared. There had been rumours and anticipation of a distur- bance and the military had been collected in view of such con- spiracy. But all passed off peaceably. The Virginia and Tennessee election, the action of Kentucky and the decision and firmness of Gov Hicks81 of checked and extinguished the embryo treason at the capital.

80. Possibly “disperse” or “dispense.” 81. Thomas Holliday Hicks (1798–1865), a Unionist, served as from 1857 to 1862. White and Forand 19

Thursday, February 14, 1861 Pleasant. At Retreat visited both wings and examined the premises generally. Recd letter from Moses Pierce that his son Edwin M82 lay at the point of death and probably would not survive the day. Wrote him forthwith my earnest sympathy. Am not very favorably impressed with the account of Mr Lin- colns movements and some of his speeches. He perhaps had a purpose in the circuitous route from Springfield to Washington via Albany &c. I trust he had. And I do not admire his standing on the rear platform of the car, where he is in some danger. Friday, February 15, 1861 A hard rain through most of last night & to day. It is chilly & cool, and above the falls they likely have snow. Were this a warm rain, we should have a break up of the ice and a disastrous flood. Dixon writes me that Colfax83 assures him the Navy Dept will be assigned to me, by Mr Lincoln. Sam Austin84 wishes me to meet Vice President Hamlin at his house in Suffield next Tuesday. Have half-consented to go. Saturday, February 16, 1861 Pleasant. My Brother in town. Had a letter from Sam Austin, inviting me to dine with Mr. Hamlin the Vice Pres-elect at Suf- field, on Tuesday next. On many accounts, I regret receiving it, and am inclined to think I will not attend. Sunday, February 17, 1861 Pleasant. At St. John’s. Mr Washburn. Have thought much and deeply on the condition of public af- fairs, and am more depressed than I am willing to acknowledge. Were our own people here—the so-called democrats patriotic I should feel different. But faction triumphs over country with the leaders. They do not regret, but rejoice that the secessionists are trying to break up the Union. They will not openly avow them-

82. Moses Pierce (1793–1897) was an uncle of ex-president . His son Edwin M. Pierce (1834–1861) died in Norwich, Connecticut, on February 14. 83. Schuyler Colfax (1823–1885), a Republican from Indiana, served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1855 to 1869 (Speaker, 1863–1869), and as vice president under Ulysses S. Grant. 84. Samuel Austin (1808–1876) of Suffield was a farmer who was active in Republican politics. He served as a presidential elector for Lincoln in 1860. 20 Welles’s Secession Crisis Diary

selves disunionists, yet every thought and feeling and even their expressions are with the secessionists. Treason is at their hearts. This they will not admit at a future day but it is none the less true. Monday, February 18, 1861 Very pleasant. At Bank. Ice has pretty much gone below the Bridge. Have intelligence that Jef Davis has formed a Cabinet for his new “Confederacy of States,” and a telegh report of his speech which is ultra & violent. Mr Lincoln leaves Buffalo to day for Albany. There is intrigue and strife as to who shall have his custody & ear at the latter place. It is sad to witness the course pursued by some of our own friends in the great state. I have no sympathy with them, I do not belong to that school, and they, doubtless, are as much opposed to me as I am to them. I wish Lincoln had gone direct to Washington. Tuesday, February 19, 1861 Pleasant. Mrs W and Penna friends went to Glastonbury. The p.m to Suffield with C. Day, J. G Bolles,85 Owen[,]86 Haw- ley[,] Swift,87 Clark &c to meet Vice President Hamlin at Saml Austins by invitation. A pleasant gathering of thirty or forty per- sons. Mr Hamlin & myself—met very cordially—was introduced for first time to his wife—a pleasant cheerful woman—much younger than himself. His second wife, by whom he has one child two & a half years old. He had two sons and a daughter by his first wife. His eldest son is a lawyer, married. Mr Hamlin himself was at twenty one in partnership with King present Post Mast Genl.88 (See Friday 22)

85. James G. Bolles (1802–1871) was president of the North American Fire Insur- ance Company in Hartford. Lincoln appointed him a collector of internal revenue in Connecticut in 1863. 86. Possibly Elijah H. Owen of the firm Day, Owen and Co. 87. Probably Rowland Swift, cashier at the Bank of Hartford. 88. (1811–1897) of Maine served as postmaster general under James Buchanan. White and Forand 21

Wednesday, February 20, 1861 At Press office. Met a few friends. Mr Hamlin passed through this noon. A large crowd was at the Depot to see him. The Mayor Deming89 addressed him & Mr H. responded. Had a letter from Gov Morgan90 who said Mr Lincoln told him he intended inviting me to his Cabinet. The Gov says he “believes he will.” Vice Pres. H. assured me, yesterday, voluntarily, that he had recommended me to Mr L. and should repeat it. This is without solicitation on my part. Thursday, February 21, 1861 A day of variable weather. We are getting the detailed account of the President-Elect’s reception in New York. It seems to have been cordial and gratifying. I do not yet see the benefit to be derived from this circuitous journey to the National Capital. It may be wise & well, but I should have advised a different course. If it is to divert attention from the troubles growing out of the great conspiracy it will not suffice—if it is to create a warmer sympathy and greater respect towards the Chief Magistrate, I doubt its success. Friday, February 22, 1861 At Bank this noon. Took tea with my family at E Taylor’s.91 Met G. G. Fogg by his request at Cars, on his way to Washington, this eveg. Wrote letters to Dixon[,] Howard & J. S. Williams.92 On Tuesday had a call from Pardee93 & English94 of New Haven, who wished to make some explanation in regard to men and matters. Their great aim is to prevent Babcock95 from being Collector. To do this, they withdraw Foster, whom they have pressed for Governor for years,—especially when I was a candidate, and present him

89. Henry C. Deming (1815–1872), a Republican, served as mayor of Hartford, 1854–1858 and 1860–1862. 90. Edwin D. Morgan (1811–1883) served as from 1859 to 1862 and as chairman of the Republican National Committee from 1856 to 1864. He later served as U.S. senator from New York. 91. Possibly Edwin Taylor, owner of a steam planing mill. 92. It is unclear who J. S. Williams was. 93. The New Haven city directory for 1860–1861 lists seventeen men with the last name Pardee. None appear to be connected to anyone named English. 94. Possibly James E. English (1812–1890), a Democrat from New Haven, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1861 to 1865, and later as governor and U.S. senator; or Charles L. English, also of New Haven, who corresponded with Welles about this time. 95. James F. Babcock (1809–1874) was editor of the New Haven Palladium. 22 Welles’s Secession Crisis Diary

for Collector. It is an uneven contest, and Babcock, who has not always been wise & bold may be defeated. I advised harmony, peaceful arrangement, and told them I had recommended no one. Saturday, February 23, 1861 Pleasant. This is my Brother’s birth day who is now fifty years old. Mr Lincoln arrived in Washington at 9 a.m. when he was not expected until 4 p.m. Was to have been recd in Baltimore at 1 p.m. by the authorities. Do not understand this sudden hegira96 from Harrisburg to the Metropolis,—and the Telegraph does not enlighten us. There was, doubtless a reason, but I do not as yet comprehend it. Am glad he has arrived safe at the seat of govern- ment after a journey of two weeks. Sunday, February 24, 1861 Pleasant. High wind. At St John’s—Mr Washburn. Serm the third Commandment. Had a call from E S. Cleveland, who spent the last week in New Hampshire—addressing political meetings in various places. Says the doctrines laid down by me on the subject of the Territories & the local law of slavery were the basis of his speeches, and that Gov Goodwin97 & others were much taken with the expositions and said they were novel in N. Hampshire. Thinks there is no doubt the Republicans will carry the elec- tion. Monday, February 25, 1861 A delightful day. Engaged this morning, arranging papers. At the Bank this noon. The papers do not satisfactorily explain the secret & precipi- tous journey of Mr Lincoln from Harrisburg to Washington. He was doubtless advised and urged to that stop by honest, if mis- taken friends; and it is possible there may be reasons for not divulging the facts. It is lamentable if there was imperious necessity for such a journey—it is to be regretted it was made if there was no such necessity. Had a call this evening from Cleveland who is nervous and uneasy in regard to tidings or word of tidings from Washington.

96. “Hegira” refers to Muhammad’s departure from Mecca to Medina in A.D. 622. 97. Ichabod Goodwin (1794–1882), a Republican, served as governor of New Hamp- shire from 1859 to 1861. White and Forand 23

Tuesday, February 26, 1861 Pleasant. Have a bad cold. Sundry persons on their way to the Republican State Convention. There is a strong and emphatic ex- pression against compromising on the slavery question, or mak- ing concession to the seceeders or Traitors. Whether this is from principle & conviction, or from a belief that Lincoln is firm in the faith, is perhaps doubtful. I am inclined to believe it is something of both. But they do not appear to have thought much of consequences or results or when this is to end. They are opposed to disunion, and do not believe it can take place, but yet do not seem anxious for the immediate return of the gulf states. Wednesday, February 27, 1861 Beautiful spring-like day. Am troubled with a bad cold. Mr Ladd & Mrs J. Niles98 dined with us. State Convention at New Haven. Buckingham renominated. Full statements of the treason of Genl Twiggs,99 who evidently has not the honor, and most likely not the courage of a soldier. Thursday, February 28, 1861 Another very charming day. At Fowler’s100 who wished to take my likeness. At Press office. The Dist. Convention to day re-nominated Loomis for Congress. Recd letters from Howard, Fogg & Dixon that it was certain I should be called to the Cabinet—they each think to the Navy Departt. Congress seems likely to stretch a point to get a settlement of controversies, but it is questionable whether they will not ag- gravate instead of allaying difficulties.

98. Possibly Eliphalet Ladd and Juliette Niles, who are listed as part of the same household in Hartford in the 1860 census. Juliette was the niece of Welles’s late friend U.S. senator John Milton Niles. 99. David E. Twiggs (1790–1862), an officer who had served in the War of 1812 and Mexican-American War, became a Confederate general. In February 1861 he surren- dered Federal property at San Antonio to Texas state authorities. 100. Probably Edward P. Fowler, listed in the Hartford city directory for 1861 as an artist. According to the Hartford Daily Courant, May 7, 1861, a Hartford photographer named Fowler had joined a local military company and was shot in New Haven when he “attempted to haul down a secession flag, which a dirty head had raised there.”