Sunday Jan’y 25th 1863
Attended religious Service in the Senate Chamber this morning, heard Mr Conway from Cincinnati. His Sermon was most excellent till he began to treat upon the subject of Slavery. On that he was most ultra. Altho a Virginian he was fairly driven out of Washington a few years ago for preaching Anti Slavery sermons in the Unitarian Church. He makes Slavery his “hobby,” and vies with Wendal Phillips in his extravagant views. We dine at two on Sundays after which I spent a couple of hours in the Ascension Hospital, and then called upon Mr & Mrs Bemis at the “Herndon House” where I spent an hour. Capt Denison and Judge Phelps from Canandagua were there. From there I went down to “Willards” to hear any news which might be stirring. It is reported there tonight that Genl Burnside has resigned the command of the “Army of the Potomac.” If it is true, it is well. I do not think he has confidence enough in himself, and I doubt whether the other officers have enough confidence in him. Who is to follow Joseph Hooker, I think. Conversed awhile with Mr Hatch who has two sons (officers in the Army). He thinks they are the smartest and the bravest in the Army. Saw and talked awhile with Doct Sheldon, of the Medical Directors office. He understands that Doct Taft (Charley) has made out all of Doct Dorrs reports. Dr D is the Surgeon superintending the “Ascension Genl Hospital,” 4 churches formerly, now only two. No War news at all today. We are expecting to hear from our army in N.C. every day now, and also from the south western armies.
