Following the American Civil War Sesquicentennial with day by day writings of the time, currently 1863.

Post image for William Howard Russell’s Diary: Prince Napoleon.—Mr. Brekinridge.

William Howard Russell’s Diary: Prince Napoleon.—Mr. Brekinridge.

August 6, 2011

My Diary North and South - William Howard Russell

August 6th.—Prince Napoleon, anxious to visit the battle-field at Bull Run, has, to Mr. Seward’s discomfiture, applied for passes, and arrangements are being made to escort him as far as the Confederate lines. This is a recognition of the Confederates, as a belligerent power, which is by no means agreeable to the authorities. I drove down to the Senate, where the proceedings were very uninteresting, although Congress was on the eve of adjournment, and returning visited Mr. Seward, Mr. Bates, Mr. Cameron, Mr. Blair, and left cards for Mr. Brekinridge. The old woman who opened the door at the house where the latter lodged said, “Massa Brekinridge pack up all his boxes; I s’pose he not cum back here again.”

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