Washington Monday Jan’y 12 1863
The capture of Galvestion & the Steamer “Harriet Lane” by the Rebels has become a fixed fact and is not a “Secesh lie,” and what is full as bad, our forces were badly repulsed at Vicksburgh with much loss to us. Our “Army of the potomac” is still idle on this side of the Rappahannock. Around Washington there are troops enough to fill the City with their officers every day who for the most part much prefer to air their Uniforms on the Avenue to staying with their commands in the Camps. I was placed this morning upon the Examining Board of the Land office, that is, to examine the patent Deeds and records after they are finished by the writers. It is a place of considerable responsibility and importance. I was at Vanmasters Room an hour or two tonight. He seems to be doing an extensive business prosecuting Claims &c. A great crowd at Willards,. “Stars” and eagles and smaller birds very plenty. Met Whiting the distinguished Lawyer of Boston. He is here as the Attorney of the War Department, also saw Col Allen of Boston. Pay Master Austin from Auburn NY has his office & Room below Stairs at my present place of abode. He invited me to call and see him this morning and I must do so. There is plenty of Small pox near the City or rather in the suburbs if not directly in our midst. About 250 cases are reported among the Negroes near the Contraband Depot up 12th Street. There are many cases now all over the City.