Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1862-05-30

to the opening of passages by water to and
from the capital. -
| directed the several officers to take the
advice and efficient services of his Excel
lency, Edwin D. Morgan, the Governor Of
New York. and in his absence George D.
Morgan. VIM. Evarts, r. NJ, Blatchford
and Moses H. Grinnell, who were by my
direction especially empowered by the Sec
rotary of the Navy to act for his depart
ment in that crisis in matters pertaining to
the forwarding of troops and supplies for
the public defense.
| On the same occasion | directad that
Gov. Morgan and Alexander Cummings, of
the city of New York, should be author
lied by the Secretary of War, Simon
Cameron, to make all the necessary ar
rangements for the transportation of troops
and munitions of war in aid and assistance
of the officers of the army of the United
States, until communication by mail and
telegraph should be completely re-estab-
lished between the cities of Washington
and New York. No security was required
to be given by them, and either of them
was authorized to act in case of inability to
consult with the other.
On the same occasion I authorized and
directed the Secretary of Treasury to ad-
vance without security, two millions of dol
lars of public money to John A. Dix, Geo
Opedyke. and Richard Nj. Blatchford of
New York, to be used by them in meeting
such acquisitions as should be directly con-
sequent upon the military and naval meas
ures for the defense and support of the
Government, requiring them only to act
without compensation, and to report their
transactions when duly called upon
The several departments of the Govern
ment at that time contained so large a
number eff disloyal persons that it would
have been impossible to provide safely
through official agents only, for the per-
Torrance of the duties thus confded to
citizens favorably known for their ability.
loyalty and patriotism. The several orders
issued upon these occurrences were trans
ferred by private messengers who pursued
circuitous way to the seaboard cities,
inland across the States of Pennsylvania
and Ohio and the Northern lakes
| believe that by these and other similar
measures, taken without the authority Of
law, the Government was saved from over
throw. | am not aware that dollar of
the public funds thus confded without au-
thority of law to unofficial persons was
either lost or wasted, although apprehen.
sions of such instructions occurred to me
as objections to these extraordinary pre-.
ceedings, and were necessarily everruled
/ recall these transactions now because my
attention has been called to resolution BY
the House of Representatives on the 30tt
Of last month which is in these works:
| Resolved, That Simon Cameron, late Secretary o
| War, by Investing Alexander Cummings with larg
sums of public money and authority to purchase mil
iary supplies without restriction, without requiring
guarantee for the faithful performance his du
ties, when the services of competent public focer
were available; and by involving the Government in
vast plumber of contracts with persons not Iepiti
matey engaged in the business pertaining to the sub
ject matter of such contracts especially in the pur
chase of for future delivery, has adopted plan
highly injurious to the public service, and deserv
the censure of the House.
Congress will see that should be want
ing equally in candor and justice if | shoulC
leave the censure expressed in this resolu
ton to rest exclusively or chiefly on Mr.
Cameron.
The same sentiment is unanimously en-
tertained on the heads of the departments
who participated in the proceedings which
he House Of RI p e}entatives has eensur
81. 1t is due to Mr.. Cameron to say, that
although he fully approved the proceedings
they were not moved or suggested by him
self, and that not only the President, but
that all the other heads of departments
were at least equally responsible with hin
for whatever error, wrong or fault was
committed in the premises.
[Signed.] ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Washington, May q, 1862.