Wednesday March 4th 1863.
Congress adjourned at twelve O’clock today. The Senate is again convened by proclimation of the Prest for further Confirmations and perhaps for counsel and as advisors of the Prest. Public affairs look rather more bright. Mr Chase now has almost unlimited powers for raising money confered upon him. Not much apprehension is felt now about his being able to carry the war along. The War news is more favorable. Fort McAllister below Savannah has been taken by our troops and “Iron Clads” and that was the Principal defense of Savannah. We shall hear from Charleston very soon. It is reported in the papers that the Rebels have evacuated Vicksburgh after a hard fought Battle. We will know for certain in a day or two. I got some Photographs of myself at Addiss today, the first I have ever had taken as Photographs. I was on the Avenue after office hours. The celebrated Sword recently presented to Genl Siegel attracts much attention in Jeweler [Semkins?] window. It is a very elegant article. He has just resigned. Genl Halleck to blame for that. Spent an hour at Charleys, a short time in the Hospital, and the bal of the evening with my friends Mr & Mrs Schram at their room very pleasantly. Returned to my room at eleven o’clock.