Washington Sunday Jan’y 11th 1863
Attended religious service in the Senate Chamber this morning. If the service was not so very interesting, one can endure even a dull sermon while lolling in a Senatorial chair. Chaplin Stockton held forth in the other chamber. The crossings are very muddy since the rain of last night, but the weather has not been unpleasant today. We had roast goose with celery and a variety of vegitables for dinner, had a talk at dinner with Johnson of the “Light Brigade.” He gave me a minute account of the “Charge.” Only 180 men rode out of the scrape, near one hundred afterwards straggled in who were not wounded, the bal. were killed and wounded. He (Johnson) had his horse killed and got a shot through the leg. I was down to Willards this evening an hour or so. Always see a number there that I know who tell me the news if there is any. Was told by Maj Chase that the Rebels are reported to have retaken Galveston Texas with 600 prisoners and the Steamer Harriet Lane. I think it is a “Secesh” lie. There is a great deal of growling among the shirking officers and soldiers about the War. They are “tired of fighting for the Nigger.” I think Mr Lincoln intended to give the Rebels a hard blow by his Proclamation of freedom, careing less about abolishing Slavery than crushing the Rebellion. Interested and short sighted men declare it is all for the abolition of Slavery. Went over on to 9th Street and spent an hour with Chas & Sallie. A lady from Gloucester Mass presented her with a $15.00 Photograph Album. Her son was in Chas Hospital. They had been spending the afternoon at Father Woodwards with the baby, which is growing fat rapidly.
