February 14th.—About midnight several cannons fired; the alarm was given; but we did not get to trenches till all was quiet. It is thought gunboat passed.

(Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

Washington Saturday Feb 14^th 1863.

Another fine day but a little cooler than yesterday. Mrs Schram of Pok’eepsie called on me today at the office and as Mr Newton is a quaker, she “thee” and “thou^d” him out of all the seeds, bulbs, and Plants she desired. Lieut Bemis also called on me. I was on the Av^e after leaving the office an hour or two reading in Book Store and looking over an old Library of Books for sale tonight at M^cGuires Auction Rooms. This is a great City for old books and sometimes rare old Books can be obtained cheap. Old private Libraries are sent over from England every year and sold at auction. I do not consider myself Safe at a Book Auction as it is very difficult for me to resist the temptation to buy more than I can afford. I used to take pride having a select Library of books in my house. But I have been shifting about so much for the past dozen years that my books have got scattered a good deal, but I think that I have got now as many as I ever had, perhaps more. Gen^l “Tom Thumb” and Lady have left the City. Gen^l Fremont is here requesting a Command again. No War news of any importance, all is quiet as yet. I called at Mr Schrams again tonight, his Mother expects to leave for home Monday. Called also at Maj Williams^s. Mrs W. is geting better. Aleck Tower has been released from Richmond, was here, went home yesterday.

Saturday, 14th. Was kept quite busy in the forenoon, issuing bread and beef for two days. Thede got a pass from Capt. L. and left for a visit of a week at home. I wish I could be there with him. Home is dearer to me now than ever. Will God ever bring us all home on earth again? If not, may He in Heaven.

Saturday, 14th–A heavy rain all night stopped our digging for a time, and the fatigue party did not begin work on the canal until 1 o’clock in the afternoon. It is terribly muddy and the water hinders our digging; we wheeled out more water than mud. The following strange epitaph I noticed on a tombstone in a cemetery located in a grove near the town of Lake Providence:.

“Remember man, as you pass by,
As you are now, so once was I,
As I now am, so you must be,
Prepare for death and follow me.”

“KNOXVILLE, Tenn.,
“Feb. 14th, 1863.

“My dear Wigfall:
         “I have several times taken the liberty of asking you by telegraph to try to get R. A. Howard made Brig. Genl., Schleicher made a Capt. of Engineers and the McLean, of Bull Run, in whom you and Mr. Clay were so much interested, put into the Qr. Mrs. dept. As these things were all for the benefit of the military service, in which you take as much interest as any soldier or citizen of the Confederacy, it is unnecessary for me to apologize. Let me now ask you to consider the services of the Army of Tennessee. Our principal officers and the most intelligent of our friends in Nashville estimate the loss of the enemy in the battle of Murfreesboro’ at not less than 20,000—the force which inflicted that loss could not have been much more than 30,000. More effective fighting is not to be found in the history of modern battles. The enemy fell back to a very strong position, where he received reinforcements, on account of which our army abandoned the ground; the general being urged to do so by those under him of high rank. This Army of Tennessee has had a hard time of it and a thankless one. My object now is to persuade that in the neighborhood of Murfreesboro’ it was well commanded and fought most gallantly, inflicting upon the enemy more harm in proportion to its members, if my memory is not at fault, than any army of modern times. So if you thank any troops for fighting well, these, it seems to me, should be included. I desired Gen. Harris, of Missouri, to say so to you. I am especially interested in this matter because the thanks of Congress would have a good effect upon the troops who feel that others have received the compliment for far less marching and fighting. Bragg has commanded admirably in Tennessee and made the best use of his troops of all arms.
         “I have been very busy for some time looking for something to do—to little purpose, but with much travelling. Each of the three departments assigned to me has its general and as there is no room for two, and I can’t remove him appointed by the Prest. for the precise place, nothing but the post of Inspector General is left to me. I wrote to the President on the subject—trying to explain that I am virtually laid upon the shelf with the responsibility of command, but he has not replied, perhaps because he has no better place for me. I should much prefer the command of fifty men.

“Very truly yours.
“J. E. JOHNSTON.”

FEBRUARY 14th.—A beautiful day. Yet Gen. Lee is giving furloughs, two to each company. If the weather should be dry, perhaps Hooker will advance: a thing desired by our people, being confident of his destruction.

The papers issued extras to-day with news from the Northwest, based upon the account of a “reliable gentleman,” who has just run the blockade. He says Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois have resolved to meet in convention, at Frankfort, Ky., for the purpose of seceding from the United States, and setting up a confederacy for themselves, or joining the Southern Confederacy. I fear the “reliable gentleman” is not to be relied upon. Yet it would be well for the Western States, a just retribution to New England, and a very great relief to us.

Gen. Lee is urging the department to have the meat at Atlanta brought to his army without delay. It is here the army will be wanted.

I saw pigs to-day, not six weeks old, selling in market at $10 a piece.

I met Col. Bledsoe to-day, on a visit to the city, who told me Fenelon never tasted meat, and lived to be ninety years old. I am no Fenelon, but I shall probably have to adopt his regimen. I would barter, however, some of his years for a good supply of food. We must have peace soon, or a famine.

February 14, 1863, The New York Herald

It is evident from the tone of the French Official and semi-official organs that the Emperor Napoleon perseveres in his determination of offering to this government his mediation. We are inclined to believe that he will use his every effort to induce other European Powers to join him in this course of action, and that in furtherance of this desire he has appointed a new ambassador to the Court of St. James. The person just displaced, the old Count de Flahault, was not sufficiently active to bring about a joint movement on the part of England and France as regards our affairs, and so Baron Gros, a bold, determined, experienced diplomat, assumes his position; and, if England can be won over to Napoleon’s views, he is just the man to accomplish it. We do not anticipate, however, that success will attend his efforts. England is but too glad to see France getting deeper and deeper in the turmoils of that Mexican expedition to grant her assistance to Napoleon, for the purpose of making a great show by interfering with the United States, and enabling him, under cover of this move, to withdraw from the Mexican expedition. The statesmen of England are quite farseeing enough to comprehend that in any quarrel with us Napoleon must lose prestige and power, as we should certainly defeat his most vindictive efforts; and thus they will leave him to his fate, and let him get out of his present trouble as best he may.

A review of the movements of the French army since they first invaded Mexico shows a total want of success. In no instance have the French gained any important or lasting benefit. They have spent millions upon millions of treasure, have lost thousands of men by the enemy and by disease, and are at this moment as far from the accomplishment of their purpose as on the day they first landed upon the soil of Mexico. Their reserves arrive at Vera Cruz but just in time to replace the victims of the fatal diseases which decimate their armies, while in the matter of provisions and transports they find both falling ever into the hands of the guerillas or marauding bands, which prowl around their encampments and seize upon the army trains and all stragglers. This is a fearful condition of affairs, and is rendered all the more disastrous and melancholy for France when we take into consideration that the people of Mexico, for whom the Emperor Napoleon is so ambitious, cannot comprehend the immensity of his Majesty’s views, and refuse his proffered aid and administration, and that with a determination which, instead of faltering, seems to grow stronger and deeper.

Under these sad circumstances we deem it the duty of our government to show towards Napoleon III the same solicitude which he betrays towards us, and we seriously call upon Mr. Seward to offer to France our mediation in [continue reading…]

February 14, 1863, The New York Herald

Despatches from Cairo state that the levees on the Mississippi side of the river, twelve miles below Helena, at Yazoo Pass, have been cut by our forces. They have also been cut at Greenville and on the Louisiana side, opposite Lake Providence.

A barge loaded with coal is said to have run the blockade at Vicksburg on Sunday. The railroad between Selina and Meridian is completed so as to enable the rebels to carry their troops to Vicksburg at a short notice.

There is nothing new today from the Potomac army or from Charleston.

Captain Curtis, of the brig Samuel Churchman, from Miragoane, arrived yesterday, reports that on February 4, latitude thirty-four, longitude seventy- five, he saw a large steamers, painted black, steering west; but when they saw the brig she altered her course and stood towards her; but night coming on, with a very heavy rain and thick weather, she got out of sight. The steamer was supposed to be the rebel privateer Alabama.

Friday, 13th.—Orders to be ready to go into entrenchments at a moment’s notice.

(Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

13th. When Chester came over we talked about going to Mr. Rice’s in the evening and concluded we wouldn’t go, so went over to Capt. N.’s and got him to give our regrets, etc. Saw the other boys before dark and none of them was going. I prefer staying in camp, a soldier’s home.

Friday, 13th–The mail today brought me a letter from Jason Sparks and the monotony of camp duties was broken with good news from home. The weather is quite warm and we no longer need fires in our tents. Things are growing very fast and the farmers in this locality are planting their corn.

13th.—Still in Richmond, nursing B. He was wounded this day two months ago; but such fluctuations I have never witnessed in any case. We have more hope now, because his appetite has returned. I sent over to market this morning for partridges and eggs for him, and gave 75 cents apiece for the one, and $1.50 per dozen for the other. I am afraid that our currency is rapidly depreciating, and the time is approaching when, as in the old Revolution, a man had to give $300 for a breakfast. Mrs. P. came in to scold me for my breach of good manners in buying any thing in her house. I confessed myself ashamed of it, but that I would be more ashamed to disturb her whenever B’s capricious appetite required indulgence. I have never seen more overflowing hospitality than that of this household. Many sick men are constantly refreshed from the bounties of the table; and supplies from the larder seem to be at the command of every soldier. One of the elegant parlours is still in the occupancy of the wounded soldier brought here with B.; his wound was considered slight, but he suffers excessively from nervous debility, and is still unfit for service. I did feel uncomfortable that we should give Mrs. P. so much trouble, until she told me that, having no sons old enough for service, and her husband being unable to serve the country personally, except as a member of the “Ambulance Committee,” they had determined that their house should be at the service of the soldiers. Last summer, during the campaigns around Richmond, they took in seven wounded men, some of whom had to be nursed for months.

Washington Friday Feb’y 13^th 1863.

A Beautiful bright pleasant day with the atmosphere so pure and braceing that I could not resist its influence but took a long walk before going to the office. We have so much wet fogy weather lately that the change is doubly welcome. We have warm (or rather Mild) pleasant days but not till today has it seemed a real luxury to inhale the air. I have not been on the Av^e today. On leaving the office at 3 o’clock I took another long walk before dinner up to the “Stone Hospital” being three miles up and back. My little hero Rob^t White who lost his foot recently, or rather had it amputated recently, I found doing extremely well to all appearances. I sent him (the first of the week) caned fruit and currant wine which he was very grateful for. This evening I have spent with Mr & Mrs Schram on this Street (12^th) a couple of squares above me. His Mother is spending a few days with him, a very fine looking lady of about forty eight years with long silver curls. She is a quaker lady and and [sic] a fine specimen of the Class. There is no particular news in the papers today. Tom Thumb and his wife are just now creating more excitement in the City than anybody else, a married couple 28 inches high, and both together weighing some 70 lbs. There are many other “notables” in town. The Country Bank interest is well represented.

February 13

       Mr Toomer Porter had a sale of his furniture & moved his family to Charleston. Mr Irwin the proprietor now lives in the other wing and keeps his school, to which Harry goes.—

       Miss Toomer & Miss Charlotte, her niece, are boarding at Mrs Thomsons. Her health is better, we visited her the other day and she complained of the fare, very little Milk, very little butter, always salt meat and now & then one fowl for 12 people. Her friends in Charleston find the price of all articles of food very high, Beef $1 per lb. She talked very earnestly of the difficulty of trusting any one. Once when very ill, she thinking herself likely to die, had a paper drawn up, & signed it, giving nineteen thousand dollars to a relation, one she thought was her friend, she recovered, but the money was taken, and she is allowed 5 hundred dollars a year, which she finds very hard to get: What poor creatures we all are.

       There has been a great success at Galveston Texas, the Harriet Lane taken, and the Town; and at Sabine pass. In Charleston the Iron Clad Gun-boats went out, and sunk one of the vessels blocading the harbour. A Gun boat was taken in Stono River by Col. Yates’s command. The Gun boat expedition has not proved so signal a success. A vessel the Princess Royal was taken by the Blocading squadron and is a great loss to the Government. It is thought the Gun boats might have taken her. Arthur went to Stono as one of the Signal Corps and seems quite pleased with his prowis.—

       Lieutenant Stevens lost his life in an engagement on the Mississippi River, his wife and Mother are bowed down with grief.—

       The time slips away but the much desired peace is still very far off, a great deal of property is offered for sale and changes hands at very high prices negroes particularly.

FEBRUARY 13th.—There is a rumor in the papers that something like a revolution is occurring, or has occurred, in the West; and it is stated that the Federal troops demand the recall of the Emancipation Proclamation. They also object to serving with negro troops.

But we ought to look for news of terrific fighting at Savannah or Charleston. No doubt all the troops in the field (Federal) or on the water will be hurled against us before long, so as to effect as much injury as possible before defection can spread extensively, and before the expiration of the enlistments of some 200,000 men in May.

And what are we doing? But little. The acceptance of substitutes who desert, and the exemption of thousands who should be fighting for the country, employ hundreds of pens daily in this city. Alas, that so many dishonest men have obtained easy places! The President has been grossly imposed upon.

February 13, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

There is to be no peace (says JOHN MITCHEL, of the Richmond Enquirer) – there can be none – until LINCOLN’S term shall expire, unless those Northern States break up and collapse, before that time, in a bloody agony of revolution. This may come; but, if so, it will be by and through our victories on land and sea. Not the Democrats in their Congress, not Western politicians on the stump, but our soldiers on the field, our sailors on the quarterdeck, will make that gracious revolution to ripen and burst. By successful defence of Vicksburg and Charleston and Savannah, we shall cast new and bitter elements into their cauldron of anarchy. By ruining the armies of ROSECRANS and HOOKER, we shall break their banks and confound their politics. By sinking their war ships and burning their freighted merchantmen, we shall cause such a revolution in the entire Yankee system, making the whole heart faint and the whole head sick; shall so blister and dose the patient with misery, poverty, mutual rage and universal bankruptcy and disgrace, that he will cry out to be delivered from the active treatment of so fierce a physician.

This is what he wants, and this is all he wants, to cure him forever. Talk of the recuperative energies of nature – that is, the uprising of the Democratic party – restoring vigor to the Constitution! We tell you there would be no Democratic party at all, and no whispers about the Constitution, but for the wholesome lesson at Vicksburg and the bold phlebotomy of Fredericksburg. It is our Generals and soldiers who cause them to remember that they once had a Constitution, and gave them the heart to say so. The gracious black mud of Stafford Hills (we call it Black Jack), miring their troops to the armpits, and swallowing trains of cannon whole, gives rise in the Democratic mind to constitutional scruples – the Palmetto State and Chicora, off Charleston bar, as they wave their avenging flags, with three thundering cheers, over the sinking hulls of the Yankees, are, at the same moment, all unconsciously releasing a Philadelphia editor from his prison.

As to [illegible] or any other action or intention of foreign nations – needless to say all that depends upon us, too. Foreign nations have no opinion upon this war save what we make for them; and we make it not at Paris or at London, but on the Rappahannock or on the Mississippi. To develop their gushing sympathies and kindle their chivalrous friendship, they wait to see whether we shall want those articles, and whether we can every pay for them. So it is also with the ‘Great West.’ The Great West will love us and sympathize with us, and abuse and abandon New England for our sake, if we can but thoroughly scourge them out of Arkansas, and up the whole line of the Mississippi. If not, why the same magnanimous Great West will rob the plantations, confiscate the property, violate the women, and brand us all as base traitors before the world.

What we mean to say, then, is that we have no friends here below but our own army and navy, and that the sole policy and business of the country is to enable that army and that navy more and more diligently to chase, burn, sink, bombard, ride down and cut to pieces everything that flies the Yankee flag afloat or ashore, around all our borders. Would we encourage and take advantage of Kentucky’s revolt against LINCOLN’S Proclamation, let us reinforce JOHNSTON and enable him to destroy ROSECRANS. Would we avail ourselves of the nascent friendship of the chivalrous Northwest, let us leave off appeals and intrigue, and thrash the said Northwest in Arkansas and Mississippi.

February 13, 1863, The New York Herald

The State documents which we publish today relative to the question of French mediation are about the most important features in the war news. The correspondents between Mr. Seward and Mr. Dayton upon the question is worthy of the most careful study of our readers. Mr. Seward firmly and emphatically disposes of the views expressed by M. Drouyn de Lhuys with regard to the position of the two sections of the country, the intentions of the government of the United States, and the prospects of the insurgent leaders.

The movement to settle the present difficulties by a convention of representatives from the free States is progressing in the West. The Illinois Legislature has appointed a committee to confer with those of Indiana, Kentucky and other States, at Louisville, in the month of March, the foremost man in that committee being a strong adherent of Mr. Lincoln, and heretofore a staunch republican. Mr. Logan, the gentleman in question, it appears, took a prominent part in the November election, by urging all his friends to vote the democratic ticket, in order to save the country. Many other eminent politicians of republican proclivities have been appointed on the same committee. The measure was opposed, but in vain, by the abolitionists in the Legislature. It is expected that the States of Ohio, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York will combine in this movement.

We publish today the official account to the rebel government of Commodore Ingraham, describing the late attempt to open the blockade at Charleston.

Reports as to the whereabouts of the Alabama continue to arrive. Captain Martin, of the Hamburg bark Maria Sophia, which came into this port yesterday, reports having been boarded on February 2, in latitude 26 30, longitude 67 48, by a screw steamer, rigged as a bark, painted black, bottom red. On approaching she hoisted a flag, which he could not make out; but afterwards changed it, displaying the American flag. The steamer had all her canvass set, including studding sails, and was also under steam. She had one smoke stack, which was quite low. The above steamer was without doubt the Confederate steamer Alabama, as the description answers her appearance in every particular. Upon learning the nationality of the Hamburg bark, the Alabama hastened off.

The steamship Arago, from Port Royal, S.C., February 9, arrived at this port yesterday morning. The news by this [continue reading…]

February 13, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

(CORRESPONDENCE OF THE MERCURY.)

RICHMOND, Monday, February 9.

Of course the Yankees will cry down the raising of the blockade as a mere nothing. The Herald quotes ORTOLAN, Sir WM. SCOTT, KENT, D’HAUTEFEULLE and others, and concludes adversely to their opinions. The Yankee Government say they intend to raise the blockade in a way not altogether gratifying to the rebels. That’s the way they always talk. We shall see what we shall see. But let Charleston look to herself.

Reports brought to Port Hudson by deserters, with regard to disaffection in Banks’ army, are confirmed in a great measure by private advices received by our Government. The case is much the same with Grant’s army. Fighting with, and for Sambo, don’t agree with Yankees, and especially Western men. Still there are to be two tremendous fights, perhaps four; for it is evident that Hooker is chafing at the mud manacles that bind him, and the aim of the Cabinet at Washington will be to push forward all their armies at once. So we may expect to hear from Rosecrans as well as Hooker, if weather and roads permit, which is not likely, for this warm day must surely bring rain. Has the conscript law been yet executed? Are we to suffer as last Spring for the want of troops?

The lady ambassador from the Northwest is said to be the wife of a distinguished citizen, and brings excellent letters. Her object is not definitely stated. We should take care. The lady may be all right, but her Yankee friends would sell themselves and us at a moment’s notice. Boileau, the Philadelphia editor (originally a Jakey, and incapable of writing the article which occasioned his imprisonment), sold himself. Heaven and earth were being moved in his behalf – Lincoln got alarmed, sent him five or ten thousand dollars in gold; he jumped at it; and so the friends of constitutional freedom, who were laboring in his behalf, were nonplussed and disgraced. This I get from a gentleman who has known Boileau from boyhood.

A writer in the Whig proposes to reduce the currency by appreciating instead of depreciating it; that is, by extending the [continue reading…]

February 13, 1863, The New York Herald

In the construction of vessels for our naval service during the past two years, the important point of obtaining the greatest possible speed appears to have been almost entirely neglected. The ability to carry a large number of heavy guns has alone been the object aimed at, and we have but little cause to congratulate ourselves upon the result. The first requisite in a man of war is speed. The most important element on the ocean is speed. Speed, above everything, guns, size and every other qualification, is the desideratum. Ability to carry a heavy battery is the second consideration; speed is the first; and until this plan is adopted and carried out in the construction of vessels for the navy there is little hope of our being able to cope with the other maritime Powers of the world.

The ship that has the ability by superior speed to take a position and maintain it in any naval engagement has much the advantage over a slower vessel, although she may carry a greater number of guns, and they of a heavier calibre. The news which we published yesterday relative to the chase of the privateer Florida by the United States steamer Sonoma, and the escape of the former by reason of her superior speed, fully confirms the above assertion. The Sonoma carries a battery sufficient to have crushed the Florida had she succeeded in getting alongside of her. Maffit knew this fact, and wisely took advantage of the Florida’s speed to run away from certain capture.

Our only hope of capturing the Alabama or Florida and the other steamers of a like character that are being constructed for the rebels in England is in having vessels of greater velocity. We must not place too much dependence upon number and size of guns; for, although they answer an excellent purpose when once along side of the enemy, they amount to nothing if we do not possess the ability to get alongside or bring the enemy’s ship within the range of our battery. What is the use of splendid Dahlgrens if we cannot get near enough to use them? We have a large navy; but it consists principally of slow coaches and lame ducks, vessels that if the rebel privateers cannot fight they can run away from, which is all they desire; for their object is not to obtain glory by fighting an equal match, but by injuring and destroying as much of our commerce as possible. The few ships we possess that are the equals in point of speed of the Alabama and Florida are, with a single exception, purchased vessels, built for the merchant service, and exceedingly liable to be disabled in their machinery on account of its being nearly all above the water line. Taking, as samples of vessels of this class, the [continue reading…]

12th. A dark and unpleasant day, rainy. Saw some of the boys and talked over the invitation to Mr. Rice’s. Thede got the papers made out for muster. Had to get me to sign Ma’s name allowing him to enlist. Covil examined Thede’s head. Made it out a good one. Let him look at some writing.

Thursday, 12th–A dreadful rain during the night flooded our beautiful camp on Sparrow’s lawn. The ground being so nearly level, it will take some time for the water to run off. It cleared off in the afternoon and it is nice and warm. The grass and trees are beginning to look green; peach trees are in full bloom. I wrote a letter to brother John.

12th.—We have lately had a little fight on the Blackwater. The Yankees intended to take General Pryor by surprise, but he was wide awake, and ready to receive and repulse them handsomely. The late democratic majorities at the North seem to have given the people courage; denunciations are heard against the despotism of the Government, Gold has gone up to 160, causing a ferment. Oh that they would “bite and devour one another!” Since I have been so occupied in nursing B. I have not had as much time for the hospital, but go when I can. A few days ago, on going there in the morning, I found Miss T. deeply interested about a soldier who had been brought in the evening before. The gentleman who accompanied him had found him in the pouring rain, wandering about the streets, shivering with cold, and utterly unable to tell his own story. The attendants quickly replaced his wet clothes by dry ones, and put him into a warm bed; rubbing and warm applications were resorted to, and a surgeon administered restoratives. Physical reaction took place, but no clearing of the mind. When soothingly asked about his name, his home, and his regiment, he would look up and speak incoherently, but no light was thrown on the questions. He was watched and nursed during the night. His pulse gradually weakened, and by the break of day he was no more. That morning I found the nameless, homeless boy on the couch which I had so often seen similarly occupied. The wind had raised one corner of the sheet, and as I approached to replace it a face was revealed which riveted me to the spot. It was young, almost boyish, and though disease and death had made sad ravages, they could not conceal delicately-carved features, a high, fair forehead, and light hair, which had been well cared for. He looked like one of gentle blood. All seemed so mysterious, my heart yearned over him, and my tears fell fast. Father, mother, sisters, brothers–where are they? [continue reading…]

Thursday Feb’y 12^th 1863

No very strange event has happened today that I am aware of. Everything seems moveing along Smoothly here in the City. But there is a feeling of fear and distrust in reference to the threatening aspect of affairs in the North West. I am hopefull of the Armies in the field and of the Navy. I have confidence that we shall soon hear of important successes. What we want and what we must have is Victories. That will “squelch” out all this disloyal clamor at the North. I this evening joined the “Union Leage.” The object is to defend the Union, Gov^t, and free institutions of the Country, and to Thwart the plots and conspiracies of Traitors everywhere. Our Motto is in Substance “The Union, it Must and shall be preserved.” That was Jacksons sentiment and he is now one of the Titular Saints of all Loyal men. I was in the office as usual all day but do not labor very hard, have plenty of time to read the Papers and talk to my frequent visitors at my room. I make calls myself on my friends in different parts of the building, and sometimes leave and go away with a Soldier up to the pay office or the Medical Directors, or Hospitals. I must go over to the Parole Camp soon. I have a call from four different soldiers who have been prisoners in Richmond, and want assistance. I got back to my Room at ½ past 10. Got acquainted with a good many gentlemen, Rob^t Dale Owen among the number.

FEBRUARY 12th.—Congress has not yet restricted the class of exempts, and the work of conscription drags heavily along. All under forty-five must be called, else the maximum of the four hundred regiments cannot be kept up. It reminds me of Jack Falstaff’s mode of exemption. The numerous employees of the Southern Express Co. have been let off, after transporting hither, for the use of certain functionaries, sugars, etc. from Alabama. And so in the various States, enrolling and other officers are letting thousands of conscripts slip through their hands.