Washington Monday Feb’y 9th 1863
Another delightful bright warm day and there does not seem to be any particular excitement about anything just now. It is a fact (altho the “papers” say nothing about it) that the “Army of the Potomac” is on the move. One whole grand Division has gone on board Transports and down the River from Aquia Creek. Their destination is presumed to be North Carolina. In Tennessee and the S. West matters remain pretty quiet. Some skirmishing in which the Rebels usualy get the worst of it. At Vicksburgh an immense number of men are now at work on the Canal or “Cutoff” opposite the City which is designed to leave the City inland four or five miles. This may be a cheaper way of opening the Miss River than taking the City as it is said to be very strongly fortified and defended by 60,000 men. There was a great crowd on “the Ave” this afternoon. I was in Taylors Book Store an hour reading “Ruttan.” Was also in “Ascension Hospital” to see the soldiers. Met Mr Green from Lyons in the Pat office today. Sent Hon Jas C Smith Catalogue & Circular from the Agricultural Dept. Got a pat office Report for myself. I am told that my name was proposed and I was unanimously voted in as a member of the “Union League,” a secret society in this City. I think I will go and be initiated. The “Lodge” meets on Thursday nights. It is composed of the first Gentlemen in Washington.