Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1913-11-11
Johnss IAtfnP.

(This communication WAS written for the
Democrat by the late John N. Irish Of Buckneld
just before his sudden death, and was sent by
the family later.)
Am reading the second volume, OF
which there are three, of Gideon Welles'
diary. He makes clear the fact that the
Lincoln cabinet was an inharmonious
group of men and advisers, and caused
the president much unnecessary trouble
and anxiety. Seward, the secretary Of
state, had absorbed the idea that he was
head Of all things, and too often made
moves without consulting the president,
and quite often the moves were bad and
caused embarrassment The author Of
the diary claims that Seward lacked the
sense and the honesty of Lincoln. Sew
ard was schemer and selfish.
Lincoln was above scheming and selfish
ness. He was too confiding and dis
trustful of his own Judgment, and too
, often yielded to the judgment and the
plans of his weaker adviser.
Lincoln was strong and unyielding
! when established In his own mind.
There was jealousy on the part OF the
War Department toward the Navy De-
partment, and but little credit was given
the latter. However, history gives full
credit. The donors are equal. Often
times, as remember it, the navy was
the salvation of the army. The union OF
both saved the union Of the states.
Otherwise it is doubtful II the conflict
would have had the same ending. Cred
it to whom credit. Honor to whom
honor.
OF Lincoln's dreams" the writer has
tbis to say: Inquiry had been made as
to army news on the first meeting Of the
cabinet, and especially If any informa-
ton had been received from Sherman.
None of the members had heard any
thing, and Stanton, who makes 1t a
point to be late, and who has the tele-
graph in his department, had not arriv-
ed. General Grant, who was present,
said he was hourly expected. The pres
ident remarked it would, he had no
doubt, come soon, aud come favorable,
for he had last night the usual dream
which he had preceding nearly every
great and important event of the war.
Generally the news had been favorable
which succeeded this dream, and the
dream itself was always the same. 1 in
quired what this remarkable dream
could be. He said it related to my ele-
ment, the water; that he seemed to be
in some singular and Undesirable YES
sci, and that he was moving with great
rapidity towards an indefinite shore;
that he had this dream preceding Sum
ter, Bull Run. Antietam, Gettysburg,
Stone River, Vicksburg, Wilmington,
etc; Il had the president remarked,
this strange dream last night, and we
shall, judging from the past, have great
news very soon. I think 1t must be
from Sherman. Ny thoughts are in that
direction, as are most of yours
II write this conversation three days
after it occurred, in consequence of
what took place Friday night, and but
for which the mention of this dream |
would probably have never been noted |
Great events did, indeed, follow, for |
within few hours the good and gentle.
as well as truly great man, who narrated
his dream, closed forever his earthly Ca
reer."
suppose it to be fact, indeed
know it to be one by my own expert
ence, that sometimes coming events do
cast their shadows Tor sunshine) before. |
And certain kinds of dreams come true
not oftener than angels visits, which are
few and far between. Why they do not !
come oftener is more than 1 can tell. |
Should you care to know you will have to
inquire of some one who is better inform.
ed But that they do come, not only in
dreams but in other ways, Il do not hesitate
to testify. And the incredulity of the
worlds majority has no effect-brings !
no change. 1t cannot.