June 18. No material progress in the history of the coup d’état. Crowd in the park is much smaller today, and the uniform companies are understood to be no longer congregated in their drill rooms awaiting General Sandford’s summons. Wood has been before his ally, Judge Russell, on habeas corpus. Dean, his counsel, claims that he is not liable to arrest for any wrongful act, being protected by his official character; a tolerably startling proposition, which Russell will very probably affirm. A score of suits commercial against him and an order made by Judge Hoffman against him for resisting service of the order of arrest. Returnable next Monday. From Murray Hoffman, Jr.’s, talk I infer that his judicial papa is not unwilling to give the Mayor his deserts. This may, therefore, be a very decisive move.
The Diary of George Templeton Strong, Edited by Allan Nevins and Milton Halsey Thomas
Interesting times in New York, interesting times. It’s a reminder that there’s much more going on and many more causes of excitement, in addition to the great national dispute over slavery.
June 19. Our municipal civil war is suspended; decision of the Court of Appeals looked for next week. I predict they will affirm the validity of the New Police Bill, but it is a doubtful matter. Six of the eight judges are Democrats.
The Diary of George Templeton Strong, Edited by Allan Nevins and Milton Halsey Thomas