Went last night to Blair's reception and also to a party at
Riggs's, the banker. At the latter there were many semi-Secessionists whose
modified views and changed opinions and course enable or induce them once more
to mingle with the vulgar world from which they have kept secluded since these
troubles commenced. The party was magnificent in its display and profusion,
worthy the best, and the house is baronial in its appearance. In other days the
Secession aristocracy gathered there, though at Corcoran's and some others the
association was more earnest and hearty. Riggs was a sympathizer, not an actor;
his social affinities, rather than his political opinions, were with the
Rebels.
SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30,
1864, p. 521
