February 26, 1863
Attorney General Edward Bates talks with President Lincoln at War Dept. about antidraft disturbances in Bates’ home state of Missouri. Bates writes in his diary: “I found Mr. Stanton in consultation with the Prest and the Genl. in chief (Halleck) and perhaps I ought to have retired, but, being invited in, I entered and made a brief statement – Mr. S’s manner was impatient and brusque – not to say uncivil – He, plainly, did not understand my object, and answered as if to an accusation – said the draft com[mis]s]ione]r. (Mr. Pors) was appointed by his authority, under the cons:[cript] Law and the genl. Laws of war. I said there was a statute which perhaps gave the P. the power. He seemed to acquiesce, referring to the act of [ ] July, 62 – and said refer the papers to him, and he’d give full answer. – I said, well, and left – but there is nothing to refer to Mr. Stanton.” Bates added: “When I entered, the Prest rose, and with a bland countenance, advanced and shook [h]ands. The Secy.l and the Genl. Kept their seats, and I thought looked disturbed and sulky. The genl. I know ‘has no love for me,’ and the Secy. I fear, would break with me outright, if he thought it quite safe. I shall be prudent with both, taking good care not [to] trust myself in their power – in any thing [.]”
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