Tuesday Decr 22nd 1863
I sent the Books to the Boys yesterday, one to Each costing about $2.50, and also a head dress for wife which was the handywork of Julia, all by Adams Express, .50cts to NY. I called and spent an hour with Mr Vanmaster at Mrs Wakeleys. Mr James Bashford is still there. Today I have been the same round of official duty. After three O’clock I visited the Stanton Hospital and saw my old friends there. All doing very well. I frequently visit other Hospitals. There is not much that one can do for them now. The Hospitals are so well managed that the soldiers get everything they want. I write letters sometimes for those who cannot write in consequence of their wounds, and sometimes I take their money and “express” it for them to their friends. Sometimes I read to them and always try to cheer them up and make them contented and they are always glad to see me. There is no war news of any importance today. Congress has not got fairly at work yet and will not until after the Holydays. There are crowds of people on the Avenue now afternoons, and at the Hotels all the time.