Washington Friday January 30th 1863
Not an unpleasant day over head but the Streets are in an awful condition, being unpaved they are almost impassible. Assisted Mrs Reed in the “N York Soldiers Relief association” Room in packing a Box to send to one of the Regts over the River. The room is in the basement of the Pat office and is cramed with all sorts of things which have been sent from NY State for the Soldiers from NY. Some member of the association visits each Hospital and ascertains what is needed and gives his order to some Soldier who goes with it to the room where it is honored. Sometimes the Visitor takes the articles himself to the Hospital and distributes them. But frequent impositions are practiced by the soldiers and playing “destitute” is quite a “game.” There are plenty of jews here to buy the articles of clothing and the money brings whiskey and the guard house also. Spent an hour at the Ascension Hospital talking with the boys. They are generaly cheerful and contented. There are many there badly wounded but doing well. Called at Doct Munsons. He joins the Army tomorrow much against the will of himself and family, but he is ordered away. Was in at Willards awhile, talked with the celebrated Gift Enterprize Man, Genl Perham. He has his plan for subdueing the Rebels. I have his pamphlet. He goes for an armed occupation by Sutlers from the North. He will provide Excursion Tickets for them on all Rail Roads!! Got back to my room about eight o’clock. Wrote an article for a morning paper & this page, 11 o’clk.