31 Decr
This is the last day of this year—the success of our Army at Fredricksburg and the account of the difficulties at the North give us evidence of an end to this dreadful strife: but the change comes so slowly, ones wishes are not realized. Patience will have its perfect work.
Elizabeth had a charming Christmas day, owing to the kindness of Miss Legg. She was invited to spend the day with Mrs Dawkins, at Union, where there is a very nice Episcopal Church, the only difficulty was the rising so early to go by the cars. E. was up in time, and came back in the evening, unexpectedly accompanied by her father, who got a furlough, and is now with us. E. had a charming day. Mrs D. is an energetic woman, and having no children her self , takes great interest in other peoples children. There was a plentiful breakfast on their arrival, and then the Christmas tree for the children, with little gifts made by kind hands. After the tree they practised the Church Music, then went to Church, where E. took her place in the Choir, they returned to Mrs D’s, had a real Christmas dinner, and came home by the cars in the afternoon. We went to hear Mr Whiteford Smith preach in the morning, had a fine sermon, paid a visit to the W’s, came home to a dinner of Roast pig and a pudding, which we all enjoyed. I have my Turkey for New Year’s day. In the evening short cake, and a great deal of pleasant talk.—Just now we have some sausages, and I am glad Mr Grimball is with us to enjoy them.