Massachusetts and Rhode Island troops in large numbers
arrived to-day. . . . I called on Sprague, the Governor of Rhode Island, with
Nicolay. A small insignificant youth, who bought his place; but who is
certainly all right now. He is very proud of his company, of its wealth and
social standing.
Carl Schurz was here to-day. He spoke with wild enthusiasm
of his desire to mingle in this war. He has great confidence in his capability
of arousing the enthusiasm of the young. He contemplates the career of a great
guerilla chief with ardent longing. He objects to the taking of Charleston and
advises forays on the interior states. . . .
The Seventh Regiment band played gloriously on the shaven
lawn at the south front of the Executive Mansion. The scene was very beautiful.
Through the luxuriant grounds, the gaily dressed crowd idly strolled, soldiers
loafed on the promenades, the martial music filled the sweet air with vague
suggestion of heroism, and Carl Schurz and the President talked war.
SOURCES: Clara B. Hay, Letters of John Hay and
Extracts from Diary, Volume 1, p. 25-6; Tyler Dennett, Editor, Lincoln and the Civil War in the Diaries and
Letters of John Hay, p. 12; Michael Burlingame & John R. Turner
Ettlinger, Editors; Inside Lincoln's
White House: The Complete Civil War Diary of John Hay, p. 12
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