MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1861. Cold, clear day but no frost. Went to Geotown in the morning to pay my rent. Got there an hour too early, waited in the Hotel (reading the morning paper) for Mr Bangs. Walked over and rode in the omnibus back. Bought a fine board for the parlor. Have concluded to [...]

Monday, 18th–We left Keokuk at daylight and ran all day without accident or incident. We again tied up for the night, for fear of encountering a “secesh” battery on the banks. The weather is delightful and riding on the “Father of Waters” is very enjoyable.

NOVEMBER 18th.—To-day the Secretary told me, in reply to my question, that he had authentic information of the seizure of Messrs. Slidell and Mason, our commissioners to Europe, by Capt. Wilkes, of the U. S. Navy, and while on board the steamer Trent, a British vessel, at sea. I said I was glad of it. [...]

Caroline Carson Woolsey to Eliza. Nov. 18th. Dear Eliza: Your most delightful letter has just been read aloud amid the cheers of the assembled family. What a splendid time you are having with your brigadiers and serenades. How I should like to sacrifice myself and join you in a few of your “noble” sprees, and [...]

November 18th.–There is a storm of exultation sweeping over the land. Wilkes is the hero of the hour. I saw Mr. F. Seward at the State Department at ten o’clock; but as at the British Legation the orders are not to speak of the transaction, so at the State Department a judicious reticence is equally [...]