Diary of Gideon Welles: Saturday, March 26, 1864

I went early this A.M. to the President on the subject of procuring a transfer of seamen from the Army to the Navy. After reading the papers he said he would take the matter in hand, and before I left the room he rang for his man Edward and told him to go for the Secretary of War, but, stopping him before he got to the door, directed him to call the Secretary of State first. In this whole matter of procuring seamen for the Navy there has been a sorry display of the prejudices of some of the military authorities. Halleck appears to dislike the Navy more than he loves his country.

Olcott, the detective, is here. Has been called to W. by the War Department. He, like those of his employment, is full of mystery, discussed fraud, overwhelming villainy, etc.; but much of it is mere suspicion, or matter susceptible of explanation. Not but that there is great rascality, — sufficient without exaggerating or aggravating it. I did not care to see him and cautioned Fox not to let his judgment be biased by O. The whole of these harsh proceedings are repugnant to my feelings.

Had a conversation with Admiral Dahlgren concerning operations at Charleston, ironclads, army matters, etc. Gillmore has high qualities as an engineer, but very little as a general in command. Lacks administrative ability, powers of organization, and has not that talent which relies on itself and keeps its own counsel. From what D. says, I think Gillmore must have acquiesced at least in the newspaper assaults on D. and the Navy, which if so, is greatly to his discredit. Dahlgren would never have assented to or permitted such assaults on Gillmore.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30, 1864, p. 546-7

Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, September 24, 1863

Gallipolis, September 24, [1863].

Dear Uncle: — Lucy arrived here safely last night. We shall go up the Kanawha tomorrow.

I hope that Rosecrans will be able to hold Chattanooga after all. If he does, this struggle will be a most serious disaster to the Confederacy, even if they have gained the battle, as a mere military result.

I hope Birchie will not give you trouble. It gratifies me to hear that he can chop so well, and that he is learning the names of the trees.

Sincerely,

R. B. Hayes.

S. BlRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 436-7

Robert Toombs to James Thomas, April 16, 1848

Washington, D. C. Apr. 16, 1848.

Dear Thomas, I received your letter of the 9th inst. today and I am very glad to hear you are improving. You did not state to what point in Kentucky you expected to direct your steps. I have an extensive acquaintance with the public men of Kentucky and could give or furnish you letters to almost any point, and if you know where you will probably remain longest and will write me I will procure such letters as would no doubt greatly increase the comfort and pleasure of your trip. I could send them to any point you might designate, if you are about leaving. Mr. Crittenden, my particular friend and messmate, will leave here for Kentucky about the first of June on a gubernatorial canvass in Kentucky. I will commend you to him especially, and I hope you may fall in with him somewhere in the state, if not at Frankfort, his residence. I will send by this mail or the next some letters for Louisville where I suppose you will most likely land in Kentucky. I hope you will find it convenient to call by Washington. There is much to see here to interest an intelligent stranger; men, if not things.

Clay has behaved very badly this winter. His ambition is as fierce as at any time of his life, and he is determined to rule or ruin the party. He has only power enough to ruin it. Rule it he never can again. In February while at Washington he ascertained that the Kentucky convention would nominate Taylor. He procured letters to [McMillen ?] that he would decline when he went home, and the Taylor men from Kentucky under this assurance wrote home to their friends not to push him off the track by nominating Taylor. Mr. Clay never intended to comply, but without now having the boldness to deny it he meanly hints at having changed his determination. Bah! He now can deceive nobody here. The truth is he has sold himself body and soul to the Northern Anti-slavery Whigs, and as little as they now think it, his friends in Georgia will find themselves embarrassed before the campaign is half over. I find myself a good deal denounced in my district for avowing my determination not to vote for him. It gives me not the least concern. I shall never be traitor enough to the true interests of my constituents to gratify them in this respect. I would rather offend than betray them. Mr. Botts of the House and Mr. Berrien of the Senate and Mr. Buckner of Kentucky are the only three men from the slave states who prefer Mr. Clay for our candidate, and there are not ten Southern representatives who would not support Genl. Taylor against him if he were nominated. The real truth is Clay was put up and pushed by Corwin and McLean, Greeley & Co. to break down Taylor in the South. Having made that use of him they will toss him overboard at the convention without decent burial. It is more than probable that a third candidate may be brought forward, and Scott stands a good chance to be the man. For my part I am a Taylor man without a second choice.

SOURCE: Ulrich Bonnell Phillips, Editor, The Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1911, Volume 2: The Correspondence of Robert Toombs, Alexander H. Stephens, and Howell Cobb, p. 103-4

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: October 19, 1863

After all the rumors from Northern Virginia, I have seen nothing official. I incline to the belief that we have achieved no success further than an advance toward Washington, and a corresponding retreat of the enemy. It is to be yet seen whether Lee captured more prisoners than Meade captured. It is said we lost seven guns. But how can Lee achieve anything when the enemy is ever kept informed not only of his movements in progress, but of his probable intentions? I observe that just about the time Lee purposes a movement, several Jews and others of conscript age are seen to apply for passports through the lines, for ordnance and medical stores, and Judge Campbell is certain to “allow” them. The letter-book, for they are now recorded, shows this. These men bring supplies from Maryland, if they ever return, in saddle-bags, while the same kind are landed every week at Wilmington by the cargo!

A recent letter from Lieut.-Gen. E. Kirby Smith, trans-Mississippi, fills me with alarm. He says the property-holders in Arkansas and Louisiana — which States we are evacuating — are willing to return to their allegiance to the United States if that government should modify its policy. He says we have but 32,500 in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas — all told — and the enemy twice that number.

Gen. D. H. Hill has been relieved in the West, and ordered to report in this city to Gen. Cooper. It was necessary perhaps to have a scape-goat. Bragg will probably be sustained by the President — but then what will become of ———, who is so inimical to Bragg?

The President has published, in the West, an eloquent address to the soldiers.

It appears from Gen. K. Smith's letter that the French captured a vessel having on board, for the Confederate States, 12,000 stand of arms, which were taken to Vera Cruz. It is presumed that the French commander supposed these arms were sent over for the use of the Mexicans, probably by the United States. If this be so, it is reasonable to suppose they will be restored us, and so far I do not learn that this government has taken umbrage at the capture. It may be that they were taken to keep them from falling into the possession of the United States cruisers. There are one or two French war steamers now at Charleston, interchanging courtesies with the Confederate States authorities there. It also appears by Gen. Smith's letter that'a large amount of arms for the trans-Mississippi Department were deposited at Vicksburg, and fell into the hands of the enemy. The President indorsed on the back of the letter that this was a blunder, and asks by whose order the deposit was made. Col. Gorgas must answer.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 73-4

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: December 11, 1864

We flanked out this morning, or rather paid three fellows two dollars apiece for their turn to go Are now thirty miles from Blackshear; have been unloaded from the cars and are encamped by the side of the railroad track for the night. Most dark. Rebel soldiers going by on the trains, with hoots and yells. We are strongly guarded, and it augurs not for us to get away to night. Our best hold is jumping from the cars. Ride on open platform cars with guards standing and sitting on the sides, six guards to each car. About sixty prisoners ride on each car, and there are thirty or forty cars. Were given rations yesterday, but none today. It is said we get nothing to eat to night, which is bad; more so for the other prisoners than ourselves. Low country we come through, and swampy. Bucks think we may get away before morning, but I doubt it. Rebs flying around lively, and Yanks going for them I guess.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 135

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: December 12, 1864

Routed up at an early hour and loaded on to the cars, which stood upon a side track, and after being loaded have been here for six mortal hours. Small rations given us just before loading up All are cramped up and mad. We will more than jump the first opportunity, We go to Charleston, via. Savannah. Wish they would hurry up their old vehicles for transportation. Being doubled up like a jack knife makes my legs stiff and sore, and difficult to use my limbs from cramped position. Worth four hundred dollars a day to see the rebel troops fly around. Would give something to know the exact position now of both armies. Guards are sleepy and tired out from doing double duty, and I think we can get away if they move us by night, which I am afraid they won't do Bucks jubilant and confident, consequently so am I.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 135

Captain Charles Wright Wills: May 31, 1864

May 31, 1864.

Generals Sherman, McPherson, Logan and Barry visited our position yesterday. Sherman looks very well. Logan smiled and bowed in return to my salute as though he recognized me. During the fight of the 28th I was standing, when he was riding along our lines on the inside of the rifle pits (with a hatful of ammunition), just over my men. He stopped by me and said: “It's all right, damn it, isn't it?” I returned: “It’s all right, General.” The Rebels were quite busy last night running troops and artillery along our front both ways. Some think they planted a number of guns opposite us. I hear some of the officers talking as though a fight was expected to-day. Their sharpshooters are making it quite warm here this morning; several men have been struck, but none hurt seriously.

Seven p. m.—The Rebels have just finished throwing 126 shells at us, only 19 of which bursted. We expected they would follow it with a charge, but they hardly will attempt it this late. I think we have lost none to-day in the regiment. Their shell hurt no one. Logan was slightly wounded in the arm yesterday. Colonel Dickerman died this morning.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 252-3

Captain Charles Wright Wills: June 1, 1864

Five miles west of Acworth,  

June 1, 1864

At daylight this morning we left our position on the right and moved over here, six or seven miles, and relieved Hooker's 20th Corps, which moved around to the left. It was ticklish business moving out from under at least 30 of the enemy's guns, and we did it very quietly. They did not suspect it. We are now within 90 yards of the Rebel works, and the shooting is very lively. Only one of our regiment wounded to-day. I would much rather be here than where we were, for there they shot at us square from three sides, and here they can but from one front. This is dense woods and the ground between our works nearly level. There are two lines of works here, 30 yards apart; we occupy the rear works to-day, but will relieve the 6th Iowa to-morrow and take the front. This is the ground that Hooker had his big fight on on the 25th of May. He lost some 2,000 men killed and wounded. The woods are all torn up with canister, shell and shot, and bloody shoes, clothing and accoutrements are thick.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 253

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: Monday, January 16, 1865

Read some. Application for an officer and 8 sergeants made to go home on recruiting service. Officers' meeting. Determined to have a history of the 2nd Ohio. Newton, Houghton and Dr. McReynold as committee to get up a plan.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 142

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: Tuesday, January 17, 1865

Spent the day in camp. Grounds fixed up nicely — are complimented often. Boys take hold well. Non-commissioned officers' meeting.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 142

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: Wednesday, January 18, 1865

The glorious news of the fall of Fort Fisher on Sunday, the 15th. Another officers' meeting. Plan of history submitted — descriptive. The same committee continued for general supervision and compilation.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 142

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: Thursday, January 19, 1865

Quiet day in hut. Out to daily duties. Read Atlantic. Coates made Capt. in Colored Regt. yesterday. Snowing.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 142

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: Friday, January 20, 1865

On picket. Bill Smith on, too. Line visited by Col. Randall, Brig. Ins. and Capt. Houghton, and Officer of the Day.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 142

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: Saturday, January 21, 1865

Rainy and raw. Scouting party went out to Cedar Creek, through the Gap and around the mountain and came back by Fawcett's Gap. Awful day. A hunt for Imboden's men. No one seen.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 142

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: Sunday, January 22, 1865

Storm continues. Some snow on the ground. Worked on shelters for horses out of pine brush. Bosworth and Robinson discharged. Ordered to write of East Tenn. campaign, one chapter in the history of the 2nd Ohio.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 142

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 114. Report of Maj. Edgar Sowers, One hundred and eighteenth Ohio Infantry, of operations November 23-December 1, 1864.

No. 114.

Report of Maj. Edgar Sowers, One hundred and eighteenth Ohio Infantry,

of operations November 23-December 1, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS 118TH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,  

Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.

I have the honor to submit the following report respecting the operations of the One hundred and eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry from November 23 to December 1, inclusive:

On Wednesday, November 23, the regiment left Johnsonville, Tenn., and proceeded by rail to Columbia, forty miles south of Nashville, at which point it arrived early on the morning of the 24th. As the enemy were advancing on Columbia a position was at once taken and preparations made for a vigorous defense. Our position was changed on the night of the 24th, and the 25th and part of the 26th was employed in guarding the banks of the Big Bigby Creek. The 27th, 28th, and 29th the regiment was in position at the Duck River railroad bridge, where we had considerable skirmishing with the enemy across the river. We lost 1 killed and 1 severely wounded. On the 29th we withdrew from our position near the bridge and marched toward Franklin, at which place we arrived early on the morning of the 30th, having had a slight skirmish the previous evening near Spring Hill. At Franklin a line of works was constructed, and the regiment, with the brigade, went into position on the right of the Columbia pike, the Twenty-third Michigan being on the left, and Eightieth Indiana on the right. Skirmishing began about 2 p.m. and became quite sharp an hour later, when it became evident that the enemy intended to attack us in force. About 3 o'clock their columns could be seen forming for the attack, and about 4 p.m. the enemy advanced in columns of three in depth. As the right of our line was somewhat refused, and as the attack was heaviest on the left, the line of the enemy's advance was diagonally across our regimental front. This movement gave us a good enfilading fire on the whole mass in our front, an advantage which was promptly seized and used to good effect. The conflict continued with unabated fury until 9 p.m., at intervals until 12 o'clock.

I should be doing injustice to the officers and men of the regiment were I not to bear testimony to their determined bravery and unfaltering valor in the battle at Franklin.

We lost four men only — slightly wounded.

On the 1st of December we fell back to Nashville and took position.

Our campaign has been short but severe, as much of the marching and labor was done in the night.

The losses are 1 killed and 5 wounded.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

E. SOWERS,             

Major, Commanding Regiment. Capt.

HENRY A. HALE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 388

3rd Indiana Cavalry: Right Wing

Right Wing (Cos. "A," "B," "C," "D," "E" and "F") organized at Madison, Ind., August 22, 1861, for 1st Cavalry.  Moved to Washington, D.C., September, 1861. Designated 3rd Cavalry October 22, 1861. Attached to Hooker's Division, Army of the Potomac, to March, 1862. Lower Maryland, Middle Department, to May, 1862. Geary's Independent Brigade, Dept. of the Rappahannock, to June, 1862. Shields' Division, Dept. of the Rappahannock, to July, 1862. Farnsworth's 2nd Brigade, Pleasanton's Cavalry Division, Army of the Potomac, to November, 1862. 2nd Brigade, Cavalry Division, Army of the Potomac, to February, 1863. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, to April, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, and Army of the Shenandoah, Middle Military Division, to June, 1865. Louisville, Ky., to August, 1865.

SERVICE. — Duty at Budd's Ferry, Md., till December, 1861. Assigned to duty in Lower Maryland by Detachments till May, 1862. Capture of Sloop "Victory," December 15, 1861. Companies "A," "B" and "F" in St. Mary's County December, 1861, to April, 1862. Company "E" at Maryland Point and Port Tobacco December, 1861, to April, 1862. Regiment moved to Washington, D.C., May 3; thence to Thoroughfare Gap, Va., May 25. Action at Wardensville May 28. Joined Shield's Command at Luray June 16, and movement to Front Royal. At Bristoe Station till July 7 and at Falmouth, Va., till August 25. Action at Mt. Carmel Church July 23. Reconnoissance to Orange Court House July 24-26. Expedition to Frederick's Hall Station and Spottsylvania Court House August 5-8. Thornburg's Mills and Massaponax Church August 5-6. Pope's Campaign in Northern Virginia. Centreville August 26. Battle of Bull Run August 29-30. Centreville and Chantilly August 31. Maryland Campaign September-October. Poolesville, Md., September 7-8. Nolansville September 9. Barnesville and Monocacy Church September 9. Sugar Loaf Mountain September 10-11. Catoctin Mountain and Middletown September 13. South Mountain September 14. Battle of Antietam September 16-17. Shephardstown Ford September 19. Reconnoissance to Martinsburg and Shephardstown, W. Va., October 1. Pursuit of Stuart into Pennsylvania October 9-12. Mouth of Monocacy October 12. Philomont November 1-2. Union November 2-3. Upperville and Bloomfield November 2-3. Barber's Cross Roads November 5-6. Waterloo Bridge November 7. Little Washington November 8. Battle of Fredericksburg, Va., December 12-15. "Mud March" January 20-24, 1863. Chancellorsville Campaign April 27-May 6. Stoneman's Raid April 29-May 8. Rapidan Station May 1. Brandy Station and Beverly Ford June 9. Upperville and Middleburg June 21. Battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 1-3. Williamsport, Md., July 6. Boonsboro July 8. Benevola (or Beaver Creek) July 9. Funkstown July 10-13. Falling Waters July 14. Chester Gap, July 21-22. Kelly's Ford July 31-August 1. Brandy Station August 1-3 and August 4. Advance from the Rappahannock to the Rapidan September 13-17. Culpeper Court House September 13. Raccoon Ford September 14-16. Reconnoissance across the Rapidan September 21-23. Jack's Shop, Madison Court House, September 22. Raccoon Ford September 22. Rapidan Campaign October 9-22. Raccoon and Morton's Fords October 10. Stevensburg, near Kelly's Ford, and Brandy Station October 11. Brandy Station, or Fleetwood, October 12. Oak Hill October 15. Near Bealeton October 25-26. Catlett's Station November 1. Advance to line of the Rappahannock November 7-8. Muddy Run, Culpeper, November 8. Mine Run Campaign November 26-December 2. Parker's Store November 29. Scout from Culpeper to Madison Court House January 20, 1864. Demonstration on the Rapidan February 6-7. Barnett's Ford February 6-7. Kilpatrick's Raid to Richmond February 28-March 4. Fortifications of Richmond, Hanover Junction and Ashland March 1. Rapidan Campaign May-June. Near Chancellorsville May 4. Craig's Meeting House May 5. Wilderness May 5-7. Alsop's Farm, Spottsylvania, May 8, Sheridan's Raid to the James River May 9-24. North Anna River May 9-10. Ground Squirrel Church and Yellow Tavern May 11. Brook Church (or Richmond Fortifications) May 12. Demonstration on Little Run May 26. On line of the Pamunkey May 26-28. Salem Church May 27. Totopotomoy May 28-31. Mechump's Creek May 31. Cold Harbor June 1-12. Totopotomoy, Gaines' Mill, Salem Church and Haw's Shop June 2. Haw's Shop and near Via's House June 3. Long Bridge June 12. Riddell's Shop June 13. White Oak Swamp June 13. Siege of Petersburg till August. Ream's Station June 22. Wilson's Raid to Southside & Danville R. R. June 22-30. Nottaway Court House and Black and White Station June 23. Staunton River Bridge (or Roanoke Station) June 25. Sappony Church (or Stony Creek) June 28-29. Ream's Station June 29. Jarrett's Station June 30. Ream's Station June 30-July 3. Ream's Station July 7 and 22. Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley Campaign August 7-November 28. Winchester August 17. Near Kearneysville August 25. Near Brucetown and Winchester September 7. Battle of Opequan, Winchester, September 19. Near Cedarville September 20. Front Royal September 21. Milford September 22. Waynesboro September 29 and October 2. Back Road, near Strasburg, October 7. Near Kernstown November 10. Newtown November 12. Cedar Creek and Rude's Hill, near New Market, November 22. Expedition from Kernstown to Lacey Springs December 19-22. Lacey Springs December 21. Sheridan's Raid from Winchester February 27-March 25, 1865. Waynesboro March 2. Ashland March 15. Appomattox Campaign March 28-April 9. Dinwiddie Court House March 30-31. Five Forks April 1. Deep Creek April 3. Sailor's Creek April 5. Appomattox Station April 8. Appomattox Court House April 9. Surrender of Lee and his army. Grand Review at Washington. D.C., May 23. Moved to Louisville, Ky. Mustered out August 7, 1865.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1104-5

Charles Sumner to Gerrit Smith, August 9, 1854

Washington, 9th Aug., '54.

My Dear Friend —Your speech on temperance has made a convert in Francis Markoe, Esq., of the State Department, occupying an important bureau there, who expresses an admiration of it without stint. He wishes some twenty-five copies to circulate among friends. Will you send them to him with your frank?

I leave to-morrow for the North, regretting much not to see you again before I go — regretting more that you forbid mc to hope to see you next winter when I return to renew our struggle.

You ought not to desert!

Ever yours,

Charles Sumner.

SOURCES: Octavius Brooks Frothingham, Gerrit Smith: A Biography, p. 224-5

Amos A. Lawrence

The subject of denomination for the proposed college may turn out hereafter to be very important, and as it is decided now, so the institution may or may not be successful. But if it were left to myself to decide, I should be totally at a loss; and therefore it has appeared to be best to allow it to take its chance. Though a pretty rigid Episcopalian, I have no prejudice against any body of men who love the Lord Jesus Christ, and only hope that such men will control the affairs of the proposed seminary. The older we grow, the more we value simple piety, wherever we find it, and the less importance we attach to sects.

SOURCE: William Lawrence, Life of Amos A. Lawrence: With Extracts from His Diary and Correspondence, p. 120-1

Thomas Wentworth Higginson

[Continued from HERE.]

Wednesday afternoon. Chess is perpetual in this “Institute.” A handsome youth, in beard and vizorless cap, plays every afternoon. All last evening there was a game with five lookers-on.

To-day is brighter, and brings more people into the street. I think I never saw so many black-haired, black-eyed, and black-clothed women, which surprises me. I have just met a beautiful child of eight, in deep mourning above her knees, and all below in full white pantalets and snowy long stockings drawn over her shoes. A girl a few years older had the same rig, but no mourning veil and a bright checked skirt. But the oddest little butterfly was a girl of six or seven coming home from school this morning: a scarlet cloak and hood, over a dark blue dress; then scarlet flannel drawers, loose and short; then black stockings surmounted by gray socks, covering the shoes. On the head, finally, a large round fur cap, with ears and no vizor. A sort of servant attended her. I saw some pretty fair-haired boys with large vizorless fur caps and loose gray wrappers, gathered by a belt of the same. The men are far handsomer than the women. All wear fur caps and gloves (which I did not see in Maine), and none the buffalo coats and red leggins which were common there.

This morning I went to the markets — wood, meat, and grass markets — all in open air. . . . I saw women sitting for hours in the freezing cold. There is a queer mixture in the currency. In the hotel placards they state $2 per day as their price, and “York shillings” seem as familiar as any other currency. In the same shop you see one thing labelled as 7/6 (English) and another as $6.00.

In fact, the American infusion is larger than I supposed. Mr. Smith, a Worcester man, . . . called on me. . . . He was eager for Worcester gossip. . . . He said there were many Yankees here and they prospered, as he had. . . .

I am amused to find that other American things creep in here also. My devoted little friend, Mr. Milne, is about to lose his place because of what the Directors called “an act of insubordination,” in inviting Lucy Stone here to lecture, on his own account, after they voted her “not a proper person for the Institute to countenance!” . . . But the spunky Secretary is resolved to have her here, in some other hall than the Institute's and I have promised (sub rosâ) to write the opinion of an American clergyman upon her, to be inserted in the paper, when she comes.

*          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *

I noticed English-looking hotels with pictures of the Crown and Anchor, the Fox and Hounds, etc. I saw but few colored people, but they looked, without exception, well clothed and comfortable.

SOURCE: Mary Potter Thacher Higginson, Editor, Letters and Journals of Thomas Wentworth Higginson, 1846-1906, p. 97-8