Washington Friday Jan’y 2nd 1863.
Another most delightful day. The New Year commences very smilingly. May it be an indication of the future fortunes of our Country and may Peace through our whole land smile as brightly long before we see the last of 1863. It is reported tonight that a great Battle was fought yesterday in Tennessee betwen Rosecrantz & Joe Johnson, result not known. Genl B F Butler is serenaded tonight at “Willards.” He has just arrived from New Orleans, being relieved by Genl Banks. Genl McClellan is also here again before the courts of enquiry as a witness. It is rumored that He is to take Stantons place as Sec’y of War. Hope it is true. The Avenue seems to be more thronged than ever afternoons. Everybody is ‘out” these pleasant evenings either riding or walking and everything is seen from the Millionare to the beggar. The carriages of Foreign Ministers, of Cabinet Ministers are usualy seen in motion, and the Presidents carriage with its tall driver & footman one will frequently see standing in front of some Merchants door while Mrs L. sits in her seat and examines the rich goods which the obsequious Clerk brings out to her. I called at Mr Jordans this evening a few minutes and spent an hour or two with Chas & Sallie. “Puss” Woodward the youngest daughter was married last night unbeknown to her Father to a Mr A Lieb a clerk in the Land office, a foolish pair.
