Christmas, 1860. Two or three books I have read lately. Mrs. Jameson's "Legends of the Madonna" is full of that fine appreciat...

I rested well last night but had the most hideous dreams all night; Mrs. Brownnigg came in early this morning and asked me into her room; I ...

Got up this morning feeling pretty well and concluded to leave to-morrow; went up town and mailed a letter to my wife; saw Dr. Johnson and g...

Got up early this morning and read Bulwer's " Strange Story " until called to breakfast; after breakfast went to the cars and ...

After the stage arrived on yesterday evening, I learned that it had come from only about fifty miles below and is not going to Alexandria an...

Have spent another long and weary day and suffered all that is incident to a position of suspense and uncertainty; cannot tell what may awai...

WASHINGTON, Jan. 5, 1851. To E. W. CLAP,  Walpole ,  Mass . MY DEAR SIR, — . . . After a week of factious opposition, we have at last, thi...

Scalding heat during forenoon; heavy showers follow. Water is running through camp like a flood. Prisoners reported missing, rations suspend...

With Ellie to the Artists’ “Reception” in Dodworth’s Rooms; a vast crowd. Discovered Mrs. D. C. Murray and Mrs. John Weeks, General Dix, Wen...

House of Representatives not yet organized, no Speaker elected and government at a deadlock. Members spend their time during the interval be...

Received twenty-four boxes, saddles, bridles, halters, etc. Sent to Camp. Got a detail and put them all in a house and locked them up. We to...

COLUMBUS, OHIO, November 10, 1869. DEAR NORDHOFF: You are not the only "wretch" (I have adopted that good word from you) who har...

Our Third and Fourth Detachments are camped for the winter at Land's End, under the command of Lieutenant John M. West, and supported by...

Another night cramped up on the cars; another night of painful nipping at napping amidst the roar, the heat and jogging of the train. Everyb...

The air is purified by rain during the night. At first dawn we go to the stream for a bath. Knowing the difficulty to keep clear of lice and...

Newport News is a military post, and is of no importance in any other sense. There were no villages or cities here previous to the war. Now ...

Knapsack drill to-day,—something new to me, though I am told it is to take place every Sunday morning when in camp. As we were not here yest...

COLUMBUS, January 18, 1869. DEAR UNCLE:—I received yours enclosing draft for $551.68, proceeds of bond for which I am obliged. We are al...

Finished Les Miserables, Victor Hugo's grand work. What munificence of power! What eloquence! What strength! How sublime even its absurd...

HUDSON CAMP GROUNDS. I have enlisted! Joined the Army of Uncle Sam for three years, or the war, whichever may end first. Thirteen dollars pe...