Washington Thursday Feb. 19th 1863.
Another of the most unpleasant days of the season, rain or mist all day and plenty of mud in the streets. I have had but little to do in the office today. I have read a part of the time, and written a letter to Julia sending her also by mail T Buchanan Reads new Poem, “The Wagoner of the Alleghanys” (postage 13 cents). I went on to the Ave after leaving the office. Called at Thompsons on 15th st, dealer in old Books Jewelry &c. I found him a rank Rebel and think his shop a sort of rendezvous for that class of men. He is an Englishman. I attended the Lodge of the Union League. It is increasing in numbers rapidly here and all over the U.S. The “papers” contain no news tonight of any importance. The falling rain and the melting snows at the West will raise the Rivers so that our Gun Boats will be able to go nearly all over the South and it will also greatly favor Genl Grant in his efforts to capture Vicksburgh. That is the great point of interest just now. The high water will help the Canal project which is to cut off Vicksburgh and leave it some four miles inland. We are looking also to Charleston and Savannah for news. Our “Iron Clads” are gathering at Port Royal, and we shall soon hear from them. Gold is today quoted 164, the highest yet. It is said the Currency Bill is in doubt in the “House.” The Bank Nabobs are too strong for the peoples interest.
Washington Wednesday Feb. 18th 1863.
It has been about as unpleasant as it is possible for it to be today. It has rained nearly all day, and the snow and water on the pavement is nearly over shoes in depth. I have kept very close only going from my room to the office and back except this evening I have spent an hour or two over with Chas and “Sallie” on 9th. Everything seems to remain quiet as it regards the War. But Union men feel more confident and in better spirits than they did a month ago. The opposition and traitorous movement North does not look so Serious as it did. The agitators seem somewhat frightened at their own doings. Much opposition has been made to the raising of Negro Regiments for the War. But if the Negroes will fight let us have them. Many say that the war has become an “Abolition War,” “a War against Slavery” instead of a War for the preservation of the Union. There are two kinds of Abolitionists just now. One kind perhaps make the abolition of Slavery the prime object and care more for that than they do for the Union. The other kind care much less about Slavery, in fact consider it but an incidental question compared with the Union, and are willing to abolish it, if that will abolish the rebellion and in that spirit they “go in” for the Presidents Proclamation of freedom. I go for using all the means that God and Nature has put into our hands to crush out the Rebellion. The moral effect of the proclamation will help us much throughout the world, and that may be its greatest advantage.
Washington Tuesday Feb. 17th 1863.
Today we have a real old “fashioned Snow Storm.” It has snowed all day. The weather is mild and the snow melted fast, but it is about seven inches deep tonight on a level, a greater body of snow than we have had this three or four years. The side walks are deep with “spash” and I have not been out since I came in about four o’clock. I went from the office on to 7th St and staid an hour at Ballentines Book Store looking over the books, Maps, and Photographs, did not buy anything. Came to my room with feet somewhat wet, but a good fire soon made “all right.” There is no news of any fighting just now. The weather and the roads are not favorable for such amusements on land. An important Bill passed the Senate last night to enrol the whole Militia force of the U.S. No one exempt but governors of States, all betwen 20 & 45 included and liable to draft. It passed unanimously. The Rebellion is to be put down at any cost of men and money. I am over “forty five” by 12 years but am not realy older than many men of fifty. I may volunteer yet if necessary. I am a volunteer now. The members of the “Union League” are all “Minute Men” “armed to the teeth” and always ready. We have pledged our lives in support of the Govt. Let Traitors South or North beware. There will soon be an irresistable power in the land, ready for all emergencies. I think myself that the Rebellion is near crushed out now than it has been for six months past.
Monday Feb 16th 1863
A beautiful day, bright and mild. No particular news or excitement in the City. Arrests are made almost every day of those acting as Spies, or engaged in contraband trade. Mr Nairn a prominent and wealthy Drugist was recently arrested for purchasing medicines for the Rebels. He is now in the old Capitol. A Clergyman tore down a U.S. Flag from a church in Baltimore yesterday. He was immediately arrested and will be punished. His name is Dashiel, a methodist.
Genl Butler hung a man in New Orleans for doing the same thing. Grant has cut the Levees of the Miss above Vicksburgh and intends to cut them off by water. That is the great point of interest now. The largest rebel Army now in the field is said to be there for its defense. A part of the Army of the Potomac has gone to N. Carolina but Genl Hooker has still a large Army opposite Fredericksburgh V.A. Charleston & Savannah are both threatened and will be soon attacked by our “Iron Clads” in connection with a land force. I called at Doct Munsons this evening and staid an hour or two. Mrs Mary Pruyn, Mrs McDowell, and another lady, all from Albany, were there. Waited upon two of them over to the “Herndon House” where they are staying. Mis Pruyn is staying with Mrs Munson her relative. Got a very nice letter from Julia today. Wrote to “Holly.”
Washington Sunday Feb’y 15 1863.
Went to the Senate Chamber this morning at 11. and heard G B Cheever the celebrated radical Abolitionist preach, or rather declaim against Slavery. I never heard the man before and had some curiosity to hear what he would say. The Senate Chamber was crowded. I did not leave the Capitol till I had visited the other chamber and taken a look at the “Westward Emigrants” of Leutze, and the marble Washington. I did not know last Sunday (when I first saw it) that it was taken from Baton Rouge L.a. and sent here as a trophy. It is realy too beautiful a thing to be owned by any but Loyal citizens. The Rebels have no business with Washington, at least until they return to their duty as good citizens of the Union. It rained by spells all night and it has been a misty disagreeable day, and went over and spent the afternoon at Charleys taking dinner with them. Came back to my room about dark, and did not go out again. Doct Smith held service in his church today for the first time since it was vacated by the soldiers. The number of soldiers in the Hospitals in the City has greatly decreased and there is now 15,000 vacant beds in them, in and around the City. Another great Battle may fill them.
Washington Saturday Feb 14th 1863.
Another fine day but a little cooler than yesterday. Mrs Schram of Pok’eepsie called on me today at the office and as Mr Newton is a quaker, she “thee” and “thoud” him out of all the seeds, bulbs, and Plants she desired. Lieut Bemis also called on me. I was on the Ave after leaving the office an hour or two reading in Book Store and looking over an old Library of Books for sale tonight at McGuires Auction Rooms. This is a great City for old books and sometimes rare old Books can be obtained cheap. Old private Libraries are sent over from England every year and sold at auction. I do not consider myself Safe at a Book Auction as it is very difficult for me to resist the temptation to buy more than I can afford. I used to take pride having a select Library of books in my house. But I have been shifting about so much for the past dozen years that my books have got scattered a good deal, but I think that I have got now as many as I ever had, perhaps more. Genl “Tom Thumb” and Lady have left the City. Genl Fremont is here requesting a Command again. No War news of any importance, all is quiet as yet. I called at Mr Schrams again tonight, his Mother expects to leave for home Monday. Called also at Maj Williamss. Mrs W. is geting better. Aleck Tower has been released from Richmond, was here, went home yesterday.
Washington Friday Feb’y 13th 1863.
A Beautiful bright pleasant day with the atmosphere so pure and braceing that I could not resist its influence but took a long walk before going to the office. We have so much wet fogy weather lately that the change is doubly welcome. We have warm (or rather Mild) pleasant days but not till today has it seemed a real luxury to inhale the air. I have not been on the Ave today. On leaving the office at 3 o’clock I took another long walk before dinner up to the “Stone Hospital” being three miles up and back. My little hero Robt White who lost his foot recently, or rather had it amputated recently, I found doing extremely well to all appearances. I sent him (the first of the week) caned fruit and currant wine which he was very grateful for. This evening I have spent with Mr & Mrs Schram on this Street (12th) a couple of squares above me. His Mother is spending a few days with him, a very fine looking lady of about forty eight years with long silver curls. She is a quaker lady and and a fine specimen of the Class. There is no particular news in the papers today. Tom Thumb and his wife are just now creating more excitement in the City than anybody else, a married couple 28 inches high, and both together weighing some 70 lbs. There are many other “notables” in town. The Country Bank interest is well represented.
Thursday Feb’y 12th 1863
No very strange event has happened today that I am aware of. Everything seems moveing along Smoothly here in the City. But there is a feeling of fear and distrust in reference to the threatening aspect of affairs in the North West. I am hopefull of the Armies in the field and of the Navy. I have confidence that we shall soon hear of important successes. What we want and what we must have is Victories. That will “squelch” out all this disloyal clamor at the North. I this evening joined the “Union Leage.” The object is to defend the Union, Govt, and free institutions of the Country, and to Thwart the plots and conspiracies of Traitors everywhere. Our Motto is in Substance “The Union, it Must and shall be preserved.” That was Jacksons sentiment and he is now one of the Titular Saints of all Loyal men. I was in the office as usual all day but do not labor very hard, have plenty of time to read the Papers and talk to my frequent visitors at my room. I make calls myself on my friends in different parts of the building, and sometimes leave and go away with a Soldier up to the pay office or the Medical Directors, or Hospitals. I must go over to the Parole Camp soon. I have a call from four different soldiers who have been prisoners in Richmond, and want assistance. I got back to my Room at 1/2 past 10. Got acquainted with a good many gentlemen, Robt Dale Owen among the number.
Washington Wednesday Feby 11. 1863
Fears are now frequently expressed that we are to have trouble in the free states. There seems to exist a great number of peace men, men who are willing to make peace on any terms “only stop the war.” The “Knights of the Golden Circle” (K.G.C.) a secret Society are said to have become numerous and are ready to overthrow the Govt if necessary to make Peace. “Union Leage” Secret Societies are now forming all over the Country to counteract the K.G.Cs. I intend to Join the U.L. tomorrow night. It is intended to have the unconditional Union Men in this City and all over the Country ready (at a moments warning, “armed to the teeth”) for any emergency. The action of some of the State Legislatures, and conventions of the People, and the tone of some of the Interior Papers is somewhat alarming. There is as this State of things prove a great lack of confidence in those at the head of the Govt and who manage the War. But a Victory or two will put things “all right.” No Separation. “No peace” for ten years to come, unless those in rebellion are willing to lay down their arms and return to their duty as Loyal Citizens, so say I.
There is no particular news today. Some skirmishing in Tennessee, the papers say 600 rebels taken prisoners. Important news expected from Charleston & Savannah, our “Iron Clads” are there. Recd letter from home, no important news in it. The question is do we want the House we occupy another year? from 1st May? I think we will have to say yes.
Washington Tuesday Feb 10th 1863
The weather continues pleasant, and everything quiet as far as the War is concerned. The scene seems just now to be shifting to the South, and we are expecting every day to hear that Savannah or Charleston has been attacked, perhaps both. Genl Fosters N.C. Army has gone to S.C. The “Army of the Potomac” seems to be dropping to pieces, a large portion having gone down the Potomac and and another portion have come up this way. Today I have been engaged in examining copies of the Report of the Indian Agent for the Sioux Tribes on the borders of Minnesota, the Scene of the late Indian Murders. The Report is quite interesting. I went from the office on to the Ave and staid at the Book Stores till near dinner time, bought Thos Buchanan Reads “Wagoner of the Alleghanies” and some Photographs for Julia. I read a good deal at the Book Stores and buy a little. But is usual for gentlemen of anything of a studious turn to frequent the Book Stores here and sit and read any book they choose for hours. I have not been out since dinner but reading the evening papers and the new Book. Capt Thornett came in and sat an hour in my room and smoked his segar. I take care of Maj Austins NY paper during his absence from the house and also “take care” to read it. Rcd letter from wife today, all well.
