Sunday January 4th 1863.Washington D.C.
A painful suspense have we all been left in today in reference to the “great Battle” reported in Tennessee. The “Sunday Morning Chronicle” has nothing definite as to the result. This Silence is rather ominous of evil, good news travels faster than that over the wires. But the wires may be down. We will solace ourselves with that idea till tomorrow. I attended religious Service at the Capitol this morning. I like to Stray up there of a Sunday morning to not only hear the old Chaplin preach and Miss Rumsey sing. But to gaze on Leutz’ fine picture of the Emigrant Party which decorates the Western Stair Case of the South Wing. The picture is a Study painted on the wall and covering the whole broad space in front as you ascend the stairs. I cannot but pronounce it the finest painting in the Capitol, it is so life like, so true to Nature. I spent an hour or two at Charleys this evening. I think his confinement in the Hospital is undermining his health. He must live in an impure atmosphere much of the time. In my walk this evening I called at “Willards.” There was great anxiety manifested to hear from Rosecrantz. Maj Genl Hooker was there. It is rumored that Burnside is to resign and Hooker be appointed to the Command of the Army of the Potomac. Had a conversation with Eli Thayer in reference to his proposed Florida Emigration Scheme. He is quite sanguine of Success. But the Sec’y of War oposes it in Cabinet meeting.