Saturday evening, 17. — The two wintriest days yet, yesterday and today. Snowed and blowed yesterday all day. My open shake roof let the snow through in clouds; felt like sitting by my fire with an umbrella over me. Read Victor Hugo’s new book, “Les Miserables.” Good, very.
Kanawha river rose fast — about three feet yesterday, all from the Gauley. New River doesn’t rise until Gauley runs out.
Lieutenant Hastings and some of the new lieutenants, viz.,
Abbott, Seamans, and part of the sergeants, returned today. They tell of strong “Secesh” feeling and talk in Ohio. The blunder at Vicksburg, the wretched discords at the North, and the alarming financial troubles give things a gloomy appearance tonight. But Lucy and the boys are coming! That will be a happiness.
