Washington Wednesday. Feb’y 4th 1863
It has been the coldest day of the Season with a sharp cutting wind. The “Grand Concert” came off this evening. I had tickets rather more than I sold but did not see or hear much of the Concert. I think the audience (which was a large one) were not very well satisfied and rather felt “sold.” I was spending most of the evening more pleasantly with Genl Havelock at his room on F Street by invitation. The Genl is an open hearted honest old Soldier. The President invited him over here from England to take charge of the Cavalry as it arrived from the country and fit it for Service. He thinks he has not been very handsomely treated by the Sec’y of War as his Views and plans have not met with much favor at the War office. He holds a Cols Commission, was Genl in the British Army. We sat and talked and drank sherry near two hours. He is a fine specimen of the English Gentleman and brother of the celebrated Genl Havelock of India fame. My Stove “goes off” tonight and the wood melts away in it like wax as it is a very cold night for this City. Mercury is 10 above zero. No war news of any importance, everything must be frozen up. The Potomac was frozen over this morning. There are indications in congress that Mr Chases Banking system will be adopted. Gold droped yesterday five per cent, but is up again today to 159 under the influence of some “Secesh” news to the effect that some of our Blockading Squadron at Charlston had been destroyed by two rebel “iron Clads.” We will wait and see.
