etween the officers of the East and the West; the fact that they were
to release prisoners and to destroy towns and cities in the North,
should it become necessary.

"The President and Secretary both listened with grave attention, and
seemed to fully comprehend the situation.

"The President finally said:

"'Mr. Secretary, this is a very serious matter, and is becoming more so
every day.'

"'Yes,' replied the Secretary; 'you know, Mr. President, that we have
talked this over heretofore, but this revelation seems startling. I can
begin to see where the influence partly comes from which gives us so
much trouble with some of the officers of the Eastern army. At first I
was induced to believe that they were jealous of each other, but I am
beginning to think it comes from political influences in opposition
to the Administration, having a desire to change the policy of the
Government in reference to the war. Several of the senior officers in
different commands act as though they thought more of promotion and
being assigned to large commands than the success of our cause. They
will not serve under any but their own selection of commanders--at
least, make opposition to doing so. There seems to be a little coterie
who think no one is suitable to command except themselves. They have not
been very successful so far, and act as though they were determined
that no one else should be. We have relieved their chief and brought a
new man to the field, and I do believe that some of these men will
not give him a cordial support. We must wait, quietly, however, for
developments. One thing is strange to me, and that is that I find these
complaining gentlemen all have been and now are in sympathy with the
party which is found in a great degree opposing the war. I do not mean
by this to impeach their patriotism, but to suggest that the influences
which operate upon them and flatter their vanity by suggestions of
presidency, cabinets, head of the army, future power, greatness,
etc., are not coming from the people or party in full accord with the
Administration and in favor of such a prosecution of the war as will
insure ultimate success.'

"'Well,' said the President, 'we are in their power at the present, and
their demands upon the Administration are of a character to induce the
belief that they are preparing the road to an ultimate recognition of
the so-called Confederacy; but, gentlemen, they will not succeed.' (This
he said with much