st.May 1846—
- Todd. C. S.
- Condict D
r.
Morning visits, from Dr. Lewis Condict of New Jersey, and Colonel C. S. Todd, late Envoy
Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of the Emperor Nicholas of Russia. The Colonel
was appointed by President
Harrison, during his short career, of supreme command. He
was recalled upon the accession of Mr. Polk, rather ungraciously,
in his own estimation— He has acquired, during his residence abroad,
something more, of the free and easy deportment of the military
Character His notices, of the present condition of Society, at St.
Petersburg denote the ordinary vicissitudes, of human life, at St
Petersburg since the days of Alexander, and of his alliance with Napoleon, besides the transition
to the subsequent war between them— I called this morning at the Navy
Department and had a long conversation upon various topics, with the
Secretary George Bancroft— I
solicited again, some active employment, for Mr.
Kavasales, a native of Smyrna, and Chaplain in the Navy of
the United States— The Secretary stated his objections to his
appointment at any of the stations desired by him— I mentioned the
causes of which had occasioned the unfavorable reports, of certain
Officers in the navy, concerning 549Mr. Kavasales, and why they should not be
recured, without much allowance, for unjust prejudices. I spoke also of
the wish of Mr. Kavasales, that he would
refer to Commodore Smith for a
report, concerning his character, instead of taking that, of Captain Geisinger; which he promised
to do— My further conversation with Mr.
Bancroft, was respecting our present relations and differences, with
Great Britain, and especially, of the contest, for the possession of
Oregon. His remarks, convinced me, that what I have long suspected, that
this controversy will be settled by humiliating, and pusilanimous
concessions, to Great Britain, and sacrifices to the slave mongers, by
the further plunder of Mexico— No evening visitors