We did a few errands, went to see the Indiana boys at the Patent Office again, and to the Columbian College Hospital, and also to call on Will Winthrop, now Lieutenant of the Berdan Sharp Shooters. He entertained us in his tent, a nice neat one, full of contrivances–painted table, book shelves and a wash-stand. Captain Hastings[1] of his company received us too; and when we left, Will begged us to walk down the color-line with them as “it would increase their importance to be seen with two rather good-looking women. And if one of the field officers would only come by and ask who we were!”
On Sunday (the 13th) we went to St. John’s Church and shook hands with General Scott and asked him in fun for leave of absence. He “thought we couldn’t be spared!”
Eliza and Joseph Howland went at once to their own home at Fishkill.
[1] He died insane, at the close of the war.