Monday Jan’y 19th 1863
This has been another cold day but clear and pleasant. I did not have much to do in the office after making out my weekly report. All seems to be in uncertainty in regard to the movements of the Army of the Potomac. But I think it is again over the Rappahannock. Went up to Georgetown after office hours with a view of going out to Fort Gaines, but was too late, so I came back to Browns the (“Metropolitan”) where I met John C Adams. He is a “Chip of[f] the old Block.” Also met Capt Swan there. We agreed to go up to the 138th Regt tomorrow. He intends to return to the Army in a day or two. Important news (which seems to be official) from the Arkansas River. Seven Regts of rebels taken prisoners and a great amount of Stores and Ammunition. Genl McClernand in command of our troops. I called at Charleys and staid an hour and then went to Odd Fellows Hall to hear readings or recitations from “Madame Lizzy Bell.” Her recitations were very good. He had quite a good house. James E Murdoch and George Vanderhoff both read tonight, the former in the Senate Chamber and the latter in “Willards Hall.” I must hear Vanderhoff tomorrow night. I do get lonesome sometimes, but not often. With my Books and my writing in my room with a good fire I enjoy myself tolerably well. I go into the Hotels almost every night but do not often sit down. Always meet old friends and acquaintances there. “Shoulder Straps” are rather more scarce since a late “order” ordering all officers to their commands. Sent three newspapers home today, got no letters.