Washington. Feb’y 1st 1863. Sunday.
Went to the Capitol today and heard the Chaplin Dr Stockton. He is rather dry and tedious, his sermons this winter have been more of a doctrinal, than a practical character. I believe in practical Christianity and practical preaching. I dont suppose that I am very orthodox, for it does not matter much to me whether a man believes this or that particular dogma, or belongs to this or that denomination. If he acts like a christian from day to day. If he is always ready to do as he would be done by. To forgive as he would wish to be forgiven, I am bound to believe that he has the spirit of Christs teachings in him and is a christian. After all my experience in the world I am much given to judging the tree by its fruit, professions of faith and all the “thirty nine Articles” to the contrary notwithstanding. After dinner I walked up to the “Stone Hospital,” got very muddy. Staid there a couple of hours and walked back in a drizzling rain. Not many NY Soldiers there. One, Robert White, must have his foot taken off. He is a brave boy, not over eighteen, says he wants it done soon, as he can then go home after a little while, poor lad, he has much to suffer yet. He is from Westchester Co. of the 9th NY Militia. I have not been out since I returned. Got two good letters from home this morning, one from Wife, and one from Julia. They seem much elated because I spoke in my last of going home in a month or so. I will go if I can consistantly with my duties in the office.