On this topic of "three references," John Y. Simon wrote a superb article about the 31st July meeting between Grant and Lincoln. However, it was highly critical of Grant. Thus, Brooks Simpson's references for the meeting were:
Simpson dismisses Simon because it does not conform to what he believes. He offers three other sources:
1. Massena Patrick's Diary for 5th August
Prettymuch repeats that Meade reported Grant said to him. That's hardly surprising as Meade would be his source. It says:
Friday, 5' August[,] 1864 Same Camp, near Bir- chett's[.]
But a part of what I might have said, was written on the opposite page Grant left about 12' or 12'30" yesterday, soon after the Mail Boat passed Harrison's Landing where she had been shelled by 'Johnny,' at her first attempt. . . . Today — this morning Meade sent over for me and I spent some two hours with him — It seems there is trouble brewing — [Gen Henry W.] Halleck and [Edwin M. Stanton] are hostile towards Grant and it appears that when we were in the neighbourhood of Hanover or rather, of Guinea [Guiney's] Station, Halleck advised Grant to hold onto that road for his Line of Communication and move by the Right flank instead of the Left, as that would keep him between the Enemy and Washington, which if uncovered would lead to disaster — Hallack was overruled, & now retorts upon Grant that he warned him of invasion — the necessity, now of placing someone of rank to command allof Washington & about it, Cause Grant to recommend [William B.] Franklin — This was returned disapproved, as Franklin was not acceptable — The Same proposition of Consolidation was urged in behalf of [Gen. George B.] McClellan by very strong Republicans for two reasons. One, that by giving him military position it would dispose of him politically — the other, that his name would bring forward a host of volunteers -- The plan was rejected at Washington -- Then Grant Suggested the name of Meade, which caused the call for an interview with the President, who asked if Meade desired it -- Grant said he had not spoken to him as to whether it would be agreeable or not, and that Meade was a man to obey orders without questions -- It was then decided, that as there had been a clamor some time ago about his removal, which he (Old Abe) opposed, it would look as if he had yielded and
displaced Meade for Cause--So the thing Stood and Grant came home & sent Sheridan merely to command the Troops, not the Departments -- Meade wants to go but thinks the Administration & Grant
fear him. He certainly has a high opinion of himself -- He is now, very inimical to McClellan & every body above him..."
This, of course, says nothing about the actual meeting, only what Grant told Meade, and Meade related to Patrick.
2. Meade writing to his wife, 3rd August (
direct link)
As you can read, Meade is suspicious of Grant's statement as what happened, and doubts Grant is being honest. A few days
earlier on the 29th Meade wrote that Washington had asked for the appointment of an officer to command at Washington, and Grant had suggested Franklin - however Franklin was rejected* and then he suggested Meade, to which there was no reply. Meade stated he'd like the command, however on the 3rd he wrote:
* Halleck told Lincoln that Franklin would be unacceptable, and McClellan had covered for Franklin's errors and taken the blame on himself.
3. Lyman's Diary entry for 1st August (
direct link)
Lyman speculates on what was said without any knowledge and reports a rumour that Hancock was going to take command vice Meade.
None of these three references support Simpson's dismissal of Simon. They, in fact, confirm that Lincoln is overruling Grant and no longer trusts his judgement, which was Simon's thesis.
Bringing the