Lincoln was uncomfortable. "But is not this a most irregular mode of proceeding?" "Certainly," Porter replied, "but necessary under the circumstances."
When Lincoln seemed to hesitate, Seward chimed in, "Mr. President, you are the commander-in-chief of the army and navy, and it is a case where it is necessary to issue direct orders without passing them through intermediaries."..."I will make it all right with Mr. Welles. This is the only way, sir, the thing can be done."
"Lincoln reluctantly agreed," taking no notice of the incompatibility of the Pensacola scheme and the Sumter relief expedition, perhaps simply confusing the name (as you did David, when you confused the Pocahontas with the Powhatan) of the ship whose presence was vital to assure success in both places.
"Porter immediately wrote the 'confidential' carte blanche orders. Lincoln picked up his pen; "Seward,' he said, see that I don't burn my fingers.'