Washington Tuesday March 3rd 1863.
A delightful morning but a Snow Storm in the afternoon attended with lightning and thunder. This evening it is all Clear again. No startling news. One of our Gun Boats the Indianola captured by the rebels near Vicksburgh and the “Jacob Bell,” a rich China Ship laden with Tea, has been taken by the Florida, one of the Rebel piratical Vessels which has been furnished them by the English. Wrote home today, enclosed Draft for $50.00, think I shall go Myself in a week or two. I have been this evening down to VanMasters Room and spent an hour or two with him, he is as busy as ever and making money fast. Was in at Willards awhile, met my old friend G H Corliss of Providence R.I. No one that comes to Washington comes better dressed or bears himself more like a Gentleman than the Engine builder. The present Congress is about expiring. It has passed nearly all the very important Bills before it. The Country Banks were almost too much for the friends of Mr Chases Finance Bill. Their opposition is considered very Selfish and unpatriotic, and from New England too. But I think that Mr Chase will succeed in his measures notwithstanding. Soldiers call upon me every day for clothing &c. I go down to the NY Relief rooms with them very frequently for flannels, dried fruits, jellies &c
