Washington Thursday Feb. 19^th 1863.

Another of the most unpleasant days of the season, rain or mist all day and plenty of mud in the streets. I have had but little to do in the office today. I have read a part of the time, and written a letter to Julia sending her also by mail T Buchanan Reads new Poem, “The Wagoner of the Alleghanys” (postage 13 cents). I went on to the Av^e after leaving the office. Called at Thompsons on 15^th s^t, dealer in old Books Jewelry &c. I found him a rank Rebel and think his shop a sort of rendezvous for that class of men. He is an Englishman. I attended the Lodge of the Union League. It is increasing in numbers rapidly here and all over the U.S. The “papers” contain no news tonight of any importance. The falling rain and the melting snows at the West will raise the Rivers so that our Gun Boats will be able to go nearly all over the South and it will also greatly favor Gen^l Grant in his efforts to capture Vicksburgh. That is the great point of interest just now. The high water will help the Canal project which is to cut off Vicksburgh and leave it some four miles inland. We are looking also to Charleston and Savannah for news. Our “Iron Clads” are gathering at Port Royal, and we shall soon hear from them. Gold is today quoted 164, the highest yet. It is said the Currency Bill is in doubt in the “House.” The Bank Nabobs are too strong for the peoples interest.

19th. Robertson came at 3 A. M. I got up and read Irving’s “Life of Washington,” Vol. 2. Bob brought me a nice little box to keep my things in. After my work read most all day. In the evening wrote to Sarah Felton and Fannie Henderson. Talked with a little girl begging and with our washerwoman. Has a hard time.

Thursday, 19th–I was off duty today and went to town to have my likeness taken.^[1]

We now have five hundred negroes at work cutting the levee at Lake Providence, and Captain Elrod of the Thirteenth Iowa has about one hundred negroes at work picking cotton–last year’s crop left in the field.

[1] Upon inquiring of Mr. Downing how he came to have his “likeness” taken twice so close together (see Feb. 7), he laughingly confessed that it was not because the first was not a good picture, but because it was not a proper picture. Said he, “To tell the truth, I had it taken dressed in a major’s uniform, and it wouldn’t have been safe to let it be seen.” He destroyed it and had another taken.—Ed.

FEBRUARY 19th.—The resignation of Gen. Gustavus W. Smith has been accepted by the President. It was well done—the acceptance, I mean. Who will Gen. Winder report to now? Gen. Winder has learned that I am keeping a diary, and that some space in it may be devoted to the history of martial law. He said to Capt. Warner, his commissary of prisons, that he would patronize it. The captain asked me if Gen. Winder’s rule was not dwelt upon in it. I said doubtless it was; but that I had not yet revised it, and was never in the habit of perusing my own works until they were completed. Then I carefully corrected them for the press.

Major-Gen. Pickett’s division marched through the city to-day for Drewry’s Bluff. Gen. Lee writes that this division can beat the army corps of Hooker, supposed to be sent to the Peninsula. It has 12,000 men—an army corps 40,000. Brig.-Gen. Hood’s division is near the city, on the Chickahominy. Gen. Lee warns the government to see that Gens. French and Pryor be vigilant, and to have their scouts closely watching the enemy at Suffolk. He thinks, however, the main object of the enemy is to take Charleston; and he suggests that every available man be sent thither. The rest of his army he will keep on the Rappahannock, to watch the enemy still remaining north of that river.

I sent a communication to the President to-day, proposing to reopen my register of “patriotic contributions” to the army, for they are suffering for meat. I doubt whether he will agree to it. If the war be prolonged, the appeal must be to the people to feed the army, or else it will dissolve.

February 19, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

It will be seen, by reference to General Orders No. 10, that Governor BONHAM, in the exercise of his powers as Commander-in-Chief of the forces of the State of South Carolina, has called upon the militia composing the Fourth Brigade, the 2d, 14th, 15th and 39th Regiments of militia, and the 4th Regiment of the 1st Corps of Reserves to rendezvous promptly at certain places named and designated, to assist in repelling the threatened invasion of our coast and capture of the Metropolis of this State.

In answer to such a summons every true son of Carolina will not hesitate to rush to arms. Our homes, our altars, our liberties, are all at stake. To falter is to fail; to hesitate is to be lost. An immense fleet, strong in all the most novel equipments of naval warfare, threatens us by sea, and an army of 70,000 men, already landed at Hilton Head, menaces us by land. The LINCOLN Government has risked its all, with the desperate resolve of a gambler, upon the last throw. GRANT seems to have abandoned the investment of Vicksburg, HOOKER has led back his disorganized army from the banks of the Rappahannock behind the secure works at Washington and Fortress Monroe; the Northwest is ripe for stratagems and willing to forego the spoils; and FOSTER, scared away from Newbern, has added his forces to the hybrid army of BANKS, whose mongrel battalions now promise to bring under speedy subjection to Yankee rule the ancient and venerable city which the best blood of Europe founded and colonized.

May God forbid! Men of Columbia, give back the old slogan of your race. Come from King’s Mountain, from Hanging Rock, from Cowpens, from Eutaw, from the slopes of the Alleghanies to the level fronted sea, and meet these foes of freedom and your kindred in the same spirit with which your fathers went forth to conquer or die – in the sacred name of liberty. The victory of today will be the paean of tomorrow. The good fight is almost won. One more brave struggle, and you are not only almost, but altogether free – free from Yankee contact and rule – free from the bondage of everything we loathe – free to choose our own road to wealth and empire – and in our own right and prowess, free to carve out for ourselves and our children’s children the broad lines of territory that shall bound our future realm.

February 19, 1863, The New York Herald

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 1863.

HIGHLY IMPORTANT MOVEMENTS AND RUMORS.

There are some very important movements on foot in this city. The present apparent immobility of the army and the suggestive proceedings of Congress are indicative of this fact. There are besides a great many rumors in circulation in political circles, which are kept as confidentially as possible in regard to what is going to be done after Congress adjourns, on the 4th of March next – not over a couple of weeks from the present time. It will be seen that very little opposition has been shown in Congress to the financial and military measures of the government. The conservatives have given them their support, and the consequence is that the new conscription scheme will soon become a law as well as the financial measures for the maintenance of the government. Some people have not failed to express surprise and astonishment at these movements and results. But from what I have heard I think they will scarcely surprise you. Among the rumors in circulation which pointed to these results is one to the effect that the President intends to restore General McClellan to the chief command of the army some time next month, and that he intends to reorganize his Cabinet on a conservative basis, retaining Mr. Seward in his present position, for the masterly and dignified manner in which he has discharged the duties of his department. It is said that he has promised several members of Congress, who, though belonging to his party, are conservative in their politics, that he will certainly make these changes. It is understood that he feels that the present General in Chief is not equal to the emergency, and that he is now satisfied that General McClellan was fully equal to it, and that if he had been left alone he would long since have accomplished all that the nation so anxiously desire, that he is now firmly of the opinion that McClellan is the only man in the country capable of fitting that position, and that his military mind is the only one that can grasp the necessities of the occasion, control the movements of all the armies of the republic throughout the Union, and preserve their unity of action and efficiency for the suppression of the rebellion. With these ideas in view he has unhesitatingly made the promises alluded to, and the [continue reading…]

February 19, 1863, The New York Herald

Our intelligence today from the Army of the Potomac does not indicate any movements of importance. It appears from reliable statements that the enemy is working most industriously at their breastworks, which they are throwing up on the river flats opposite Falmouth and in front of Fredericksburg, so as to resist the crossing of our troops, should such an attempt be made. The forces of General Jackson are said to be located two miles south of Fredericksburg, behind the first range of hills.

From the Southwest we have information that our iron-clads are making daring runs past the rebel fortifications at Vicksburg. It is but a few days since the Queen of the West ran safely through and back again; and now we learn that the gunboat Indianola, built on the Monitor plan, ran the gauntlet at Vicksburg on Friday night last, in spite of all the efforts of the rebel batteries to sink her. Rebel despatches from Vicksburg to Richmond confirm this fact.

Our intelligence from the South today is interesting and varied, though not very important. In the Confederate Congress Mr. Foote, of Tennessee, offered a resolution to the effect that President Davis shall, on or before May 1 next, withdraw the present diplomatic agents from every foreign capital the government of which shall not have at that time agreed to recognize the independence of the confederacy; and that after that date no foreign consul shall be longer allowed to exercise consular power, except upon an exequatur asked for at the hands of the government of the Confederate States, and granted by the same. The resolutions further declare that the conduct of the Emperor of France in proposing, as he has recently done, to the several European Powers that they should unite with him in an act of peaceful intervention in the contest now in progress between the governments of the United states and that of the confederate States of America, has been highly gratifying both to the government and people of the Confederate States.

The tone of the Richmond journals generally indicates a want of hope and spirit. All prospects of foreign mediation seem to be given up, and the present is considered […..] most critical period of the whole war.” Generals J.E.B. Stuart and A.P. Hill were in Richmond on the 16th instant and addressed the legislature. According to the Richmond papers, information [continue reading…]

Camp 103d Illinois Infantry, Jackson, Tenn.,
February 18, 1863.

The prominent rumor to-day, and one in which there seems to be considerable stock taken, is that Governor Yates has obtained authority from the general government to have several regiments from Grant’s army returned to Illinois, as a kind of public police. That is, to repress copperheadism, enforce the collection of the taxes, etc. The sequel is: Colonel Babcock and Colonel Kellogg are now with Grant, bearing dispatches from Governor Yates to the above effect, and figuring to get certain regiments, one of which is the 103d, and that we will be in Springfield within three weeks. All very nice—but—etc. I know that if we are sent up to that copperhead infested country we will not be used for anything but to guard Rebel prisoners; and I do pray to be excused from any such “pursuit of happiness.” I would love right well to help manufacture loyal men out of some of those Illinois traitors, but am considerably suspicious of the trip. We finally got those resolutions adopted, after a speech from Colonel Dunham, without a dissenting voice, though it was by no means a unanimous vote. Don’t think that more than two-thirds voted aye, though don’t let any of the democratic friends know anything to the conrary, but that we all voted for it. The regiment is going to the d___l as fast as time will let it; though my company and Sid’s, are all right yet, and two more are tolerable. It almost gives me the blues. Don’t say a word of the above, but I can’t help writing it to you. ‘Tis so late and I’m so sleepy that I must adjourn. Was on picket last night in the rain all night.

Wednesday, February 18th.

Gibbes has gone back to his regiment. I can’t say how dreary I felt when he came to tell me good-bye. I did not mean to cry; but how could I help it when he put his arms around me? . . .

Washington Wednesday Feb. 18^th 1863.

It has been about as unpleasant as it is possible for it to be today. It has rained nearly all day, and the snow and water on the pavement is nearly over shoes in depth. I have kept very close only going from my room to the office and back except this evening I have spent an hour or two over with Cha^s and “Sallie” on 9^th. Everything seems to remain quiet as it regards the War. But Union men feel more confident and in better spirits than they did a month ago. The opposition and traitorous movement North does not look so Serious as it did. The agitators seem somewhat frightened at their own doings. Much opposition has been made to the raising of Negro Regiments for the War. But if the Negroes will fight let us have them. Many say that the war has become an “Abolition War,” “a War against Slavery” instead of a War for the preservation of the Union. There are two kinds of Abolitionists just now. One kind perhaps make the abolition of Slavery the prime object and care more for that than they do for the Union. The other kind care much less about Slavery, in fact consider it but an incidental question compared with the Union, and are willing to abolish it, if that will abolish the rebellion and in that spirit they “go in” for the Presidents Proclamation of freedom. I go for using all the means that God and Nature has put into our hands to crush out the Rebellion. The moral effect of the proclamation will help us much throughout the world, and that may be its greatest advantage.

18th. After a late breakfast, at which John Devlin partook with me, and my morning work over, I finished my letter to Fannie and got out Cream to take letters to town, when I saw Chester homeward bound, so I stayed. Read in “Life of Washington” and played some at checkers. Received letters of Dec. 1 from home and F. Violins and guitar going in the evening in the Q. M. D.

Wednesday, 18th–We came in from picket this morning. The day is warm but cloudy. News came that another one of our gunboats accompanying a barge loaded with hay ran the blockade at Vicksburg.

FEBRUARY 18th.—Mr. H_____s, another of Gen. Winder’s detectives, has gone over to the enemy. He went on a privateering cruise from Wilmington; the vessel he sailed in captured a brig, and H_____s was put in command of the prize, to sail into a Confederate port. Instead of this, however, H_____s sailed away for one of the West India islands, and gave up his prize to Corn. Wilkes, of the United States Navy.

One or two of the regiments of Gen. Lee’s army were in the city last night. The men were pale and haggard. They have but a quarter of a pound of meat per day. But meat has been ordered from Atlanta. I hope it is abundant there.

All the necessaries of life in the city are still going up higher in price. Butter, $3 per pound; beef, $1; bacon, $1.25; sausage-meat, $1; and even liver is selling at 50 cents per pound.

By degrees, quite perceptible, we are approaching the condition of famine. What effect this will produce on the community is to be seen. The army must be fed or disbanded, or else the city must be abandoned. How we, “the people,” are to live is a thought of serious concern.

Gen. Lee has recommended that an appeal be made to the people to bring food to the army, to feed their sons and brothers; but the Commissary-General opposes it; probably it will not be done. No doubt the army could be half fed in this way for months. But the “red tape” men are inflexible and inscrutable. Nevertheless, the commissaries and quartermasters are getting rich.

February 18, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

MOVEMENTS OF THE ENEMY –THE ‘FATHER OF WATERS’ IN OUR FAVOR –STRENGTH OF THE DEFENCES OF VICKSBURG –NO DANGER OF ITS CAPTURE.

(Correspondence of the Mobile Advertiser.)

VICKSBURG, February 8.

Great activity prevailing amongst the Yankee army yesterday morning, a rigid scrutiny was instituted on the part of our military authorities to find out what it was all about. The transports were in motion, and a powerful glass revealed the fact that portions of the Yankee army were being taken aboard the boats. No conjecture could solve the meaning, except the knowledge that the rapidly rising water in the river was driving them away from their camping ground. Such an event had been predicted for some time, as the water was plainly visible creeping over the bank in that vicinity. No dry ground for a general rendezvous can be found so near Vicksburg as that from which they are now driven by the flood. The Louisiana side of the river is all of a similar character, and their condition cannot be improved by any nomadic advantages; while, on the opposite side, a living breastwork of dauntless Confederate soldiers will interpose an insuperable barrier to their effecting a landing anywhere on dry ground.

Finding their present ground untenable for a much longer season, they have pulled up stakes and marched a force across the Peninsula to a point opposite Warrenton, where the ground is more favorable for camping purposes, and they have gone to work throwing up batteries opposite the latter place. This is, no doubt, done for the purpose of covering the crossing of the troops to our side of the river, and perhaps the greater part of the army may be taken down to effect this object.

This movement only confirms my former impressions that they will never be able to camp nearer to Vicksburg than where they are at present. The new point selected is some fifteen miles below the city, with the angry waters of the Mississippi still between them and our shores. When a sufficient force of the enemy has been concentrated, there will no [continue reading…]

February 18, 1863, The New York Herald

A correspondent of one of the radical journals of this city writes from Cairo in a most lachrymose strain about the manner in which freed negroes are treated there. There are seventeen hundred of them crowded in the […..], and their quarters are in the midst of mud two feet deep, and cleanliness is as much out of the question as it would be in a pigsty. Hence disease of every kind, particularly pneumonia, is fast thinning their ranks. Last week over sixty died, and this is the usual average. The writer adds that they are rotting and dying “for want of exercise,” and he is loud in his denunciations of the State of Illinois, “destitute of […..], decency, civilization, Christianity and sense,” because, with her millions of acres of uncultivated prairie land, she does not offer the contrabands a home.

Why should the blacks starve in Illinois when they can be made useful at Vicksburg? General Rosecrans understands the question. He compels the negroes to labor in his trenches, and thus saves his troops. Why do not the other generals imitate his example? The cutting of the canal at Vicksburg is delayed for want of men and because the work is done by the soldiers, when fifty thousand negroes ought to be sent there, who would finish it before the rebels would have time to build fortifications opposite its mouth, below Vicksburg, and so defeat its purpose. Thus could the adult male negroes be made to earn subsistence for their families, instead of being a burthen upon the War Department, already bowed down with a load greater than it can bear. The anti-slavery fanatics will soon find out, if they have not already discovered, how fatal has been their agitation to the unfortunate blacks, as well as to the white race.

February 18, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

Another page, full of interest, and of glory too, we trust, is soon to be added to the history of the war. The enemy is gathering vast fleets and armies upon our coast, and all the indications warrant the belief that, ere many days, they will be hurled against our city. We print to day the Proclamation of our General, warning the non-combatants that it is time for them to retire, and calling upon our fighting men, from the mountains to the seaboard, to rally to the defence of Charleston.

We have serious work before us. The enemy’s assault, so long deferred, will, for that reason, be the more formidable. Every agency that human power and ingenuity, urged on by devilish hate, can command, will be used to capture or destroy the […..] bed of the rebellion.’ The blow that is about to fall may be the last we shall receive in the struggle for our independence, but it will be dealt with all the strength of despair. The foe comes with the avowed purpose to sack our homes and plough our streets with his round shot; and, should his power prove equal to his malice, that will be no empty threat.

We are ready for the ordeal. The brave soldiers who man the fortifications which belt the old city on every side, as eager to meet their expected assailants, and test the value of the defences which have cost so many months of patient toil. Our matchless little naval squadron will have the long- desired opportunity to encounter the Yankee iron-clads. And, come what may, we have the cheering assurance from our General that the city shall be held. Let each man do his duty, in the approaching hour of our trial, and Charleston, which opened this bloody struggle, will flush it in a second triumph.

February 18, 1863, The New York Herald

Never, since the bombardment of Fort Sumter, has there been such a general and remarkable suspension of active hostilities as that which now prevails, by land and water, around the entire circle of the rebellion. Under an armistice, authoritatively proclaimed, this suspension of battles and skirmishes, raids and surprises, could hardly be more complete. We hear no more of daring and successful rebel forays in the rear of the Army of the Potomac; no more of dashing guerilla enterprises in Kentucky and Missouri; no more of damaging rebel depredations upon the trains and transports of General Rosecrans, since the late disastrous repulse of Forrest, Wheeler, Morgan & Company from Fort Donelson. Nor, from our widely distributed land and naval forces, from the Rappahannock westward to the Mississippi, and thence down that great river to the sea, and thence around the coast to Chesapeake Bay, have we heard for several days of any assault upon the enemy beyond that of the chance collision of a scouting party.

What is the meaning of this extraordinary state of things? Are the hostile forces in this war wearied of their work of slaughter, and are they falling to pieces from sheer exhaustion? Or are they voluntarily pausing in expectation of some interposing agencies of a peaceable accommodation? Or are the Unionists and the rebels here and there quietly concentrating their available forces for a deadly and decisive struggle? Let the enormous Union fleets and armies in South Carolina and in front of Vicksburg, and the Army of the Potomac, and our Army of Tennessee, and let the fortifications and forces opposed to them, be the answer. The leaders of the rebellion have concentrated their strength at four points: 1st, on the heights of the Rappahannock in front of General Hooker; 2d, at Charleston; 3d, at Vicksburg; 4th, in Tennessee, in front of the army General Rosecrans; and upon the repulse or the successful defence of the enemy at these four points depends the important question whether this war will be ended by the present or be transmitted as the legacy of Abraham Lincoln to our next administration.

The rebel army of Virginia is charged with the defence of the capital of the so called “Confederate States.” General Lee remains behind his intrenchments, watching and waiting, to resist any attempt on the part of General Hooker to move to Richmond. But General Hooker has found his most serious impediment to an advance in the soil of Virginia, which for two months has been, and still continues, almost as boggy and impassable as the Dismal Swamp. We must have a few [continue reading…]

February 18, 1863, The New York Herald

Our news from the Army of the Potomac, though not very important, proves that active operations are going on. An expedition started for Belle Plain on Thursday last, to break up smuggling on the peninsula between the Rappahannock and Potomac rivers, and to prevent the enforcement of the rebel conscript law. It returned yesterday, having accomplished its aims. The expedition consisted of two squadrons of the Eighth New York cavalry, commanded by Captain Moore; the Second Wisconsin infantry, Colonel Fairchild, supporting. A portion of the expedition proceeded as far as Westmoreland Court House, Warsaw, Union, the Hague and Heathsville, and marched abut one hundred and fifty miles in five days, bringing back to camp twelve prisoners and a quantity of contraband goods smuggled across the Potomac; also four rebel mails and a large quantity of bacon. A large quantity of whiskey intended for rebel consumption was destroyed by our troops. A heavy snow storm was prevailing yesterday.

Our news from the Southwest is interesting. By a despatch from Cairo, dated Wednesday last, we learn that a Union scouting party met a body of the enemy five miles back of Lake Providence, when a warm engagement ensued. Our troops lost a few men. Many rebels were killed, and thirty-two taken prisoners. Ninety horses were captured.

It is stated in a despatch from Memphis that the rebels at Port Hudson are communicating with the Gulf by way of the Atchalafaya river. The same despatch says that […..] million bales of cotton are below Helena, Arkansas, waiting the permission of General Grant for shipment; but this is manifestly an error of the telegraph.

General Hindman’s rebel army is reported as thoroughly demoralized. Three hundred of his troops were frozen to death during their retreat from Van Buren. Hindman was once ordered to Vicksburg, but his men refused to go. Upwards of two hundred deserters were concealed in the brush twenty miles from Batesville, which town, with a large majority of the people, is in favor of a permanent occupation of the country by the Union army.

A skirmish took place on the 13th instant, near Bolivar, Tenn., between a detachment of the First cavalry and a body of rebels, the result of which was four dead rebels, a number wounded, five prisoners and a number of horses captured. [continue reading…]

February 18, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S.C., GA. AND FLA.,

CHARLESTON, S.C., February 17, 1863.

It has become my solemn duty to inform the authorities and citizens of Charleston and Savannah, that the movements of the enemy’s fleet indicates an early land and naval attack on one or both of these cities, and to urge that all persons unable to take an active part in the struggle will retire.

It is hoped, however, that this temporary separation of some of you from your homes will be made without alarm or undue haste, thus showing that the only feeling which animates you in this hour of supreme trial, is the regret of being unable to participate in the defence of your homes, your altars, and the graves of your kindred.

Carolinians and Georgians! The hour is at hand to prove your devotion to your country’s cause! Let all able bodied men, from the seaboard to the mountains, rush to arms! Be not too exacting on the choice of weapons. Pikes and scythes will do for exterminating your enemies; spades and shovels for protecting your friends.

To arms, fellow citizens! Come to share with us our dangers, our brilliant success or our glorious death.

(Signed) G. T. BEAUREGARD,
General Commanding.
(OFFICIAL:) JNO. M. OTEY, A. A. Gen.

February 18, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

The flag of truce boat came up with Mrs. Jas. Sanchez and three children yesterday afternoon. We have been enabled to glean the following information by this arrival:

Mrs. Sanchez and family were taken from St. Augustine to Hilton Head, thence to Beautiful, and not allowed to leave the steamer. She was then sent by flag of truce for this city on Monday last. All the women who have husbands, brothers, or sons in the Confederate service or any employment under the Government, were forced to leave St. Augustine without a sufficient time allowed them to dispose of any portion of their property, and only permitted to take with them their clothing.

Dr. Weems and his son, and E. B. Usina, who refused to take the oath of allegiance to the United States Government when the Federals took St. Augustine, are still incarcerated at Fort Marion, in that city. They will doubtless be taken to Hilton Head. Gasper N. Papy, who many of our readers remember as the keeper of the Florida House in St. Augustine in giving information to the enemy, claimed to be a Union man, and changed the name of his boarding house to that of ‘The Union House,’ finding himself mistrusted by his new friends, he now claims to be a Spanish subject. We believe he is a native of St. Augustine, born under the United States flag.

The 22d of February is fixed upon as the day for the attack on Charleston – that being, as the Federal officers were overheard to say when speaking among themselves of their purpose, the anniversary of the inauguration of Jeff Davis.

Mrs. S. learned from conversations she overhead while at Hilton Head among these officers, that there were upwards of 50,000 troops on Hilton Head and the islands adjacent, and another fleet of forty vessels were looked for from Boston.

SAVANNAH REPUBLICAN.

Feb. 17th. To-day the U. S. steamer Mississippi got under way with a schooner in tow and proceeded up the river.

Washington Tuesday Feb. 17^th 1863.

Today we have a real old “fashioned Snow Storm.” It has snowed all day. The weather is mild and the snow melted fast, but it is about seven inches deep tonight on a level, a greater body of snow than we have had this three or four years. The side walks are deep with “spash” and I have not been out since I came in about four o’clock. I went from the office on to 7^th S^t and staid an hour at Ballentines Book Store looking over the books, Maps, and Photographs, did not buy anything. Came to my room with feet somewhat wet, but a good fire soon made “all right.” There is no news of any fighting just now. The weather and the roads are not favorable for such amusements on land. An important Bill passed the Senate last night to enrol the whole Militia force of the U.S. No one exempt but governors of States, all betwen 20 & 45 included and liable to draft. It passed unanimously. The Rebellion is to be put down at any cost of men and money. I am over “forty five” by 12 years but am not realy older than many men of fifty. I may volunteer yet if necessary. I am a volunteer now. The members of the “Union League” are all “Minute Men” “armed to the teeth” and always ready. We have pledged our lives in support of the Gov^t. Let Traitors South or North beware. There will soon be an irresistable power in the land, ready for all emergencies. I think myself that the Rebellion is near crushed out now than it has been for six months past.

17th. After breakfast fixed up a little and went to town to see Melissa and get second volume of “Life of Washington.” Received an excellent letter from the fair Rowena. In the P. M. and evening wrote to Ella Clark and a little to Fannie. I like Ella Clark very much. She is talented and good and true, I guess.

Tuesday, 17th–Another all night rain, which continued all day today. Our camp is again becoming very muddy. Company E went on picket duty today. Our camp guard has been taken off.