Washington Thursday Jan’y 1st 1863. Diary.
The New Year has opened beautifully, it has been a mild and bright day. The Departments of the Govt have been (as usual) closed, and the whole City (Males) went at 12 o’clock to pay their respects to the President. The Foreign Ministers and the officers of the Army and Navy paid their respects before 12. I met Genl Halleck at Mr Sec’y Chases, Genl Heintzelman and Genl Meigs at Mr Sewards, Comodore Smith and Admiral Foot at Mr Sec’y Stantons, “lesser lights” of both Army and Navy were quite plenty. The expected Proclamation is “out” tonight in the “Star.” It carries out the one issued a hundred days ago. Mr Lincoln looks quite as well as he did a year ago. I have seen him frequently during the year. In the summer he used to ride out with a body guard of ten or twelve horsemen (Cavalry) round his carriage. I think he has dispensed with that of late. That was not done at his desire but at the desire of friends who feared for his life. Mr Seward received “in State.” Six Policemen at and near the Door & Hall, and a “Gentleman Usher” at the parlor door anounced the name of each visitor in a loud voice as he entered the room. I suppose it was “done up” in the English style. No particular news today but indications of Army movements and more Battles. Assisted some today at an extra and realy luxurious Dinner given to the Patients at the Ascension Church Hospital. No choicer Bill of fare was to be found on any table in the City. The men were feasted on the greatest delicacies to their hearts content. I was in at “Willards” this evening, counted forty pairs of Shoulder Straps there at one time. It is quite disgusting to see (every night) such neglect of duty!!!