Washington Tuesday Feb 10th 1863
The weather continues pleasant, and everything quiet as far as the War is concerned. The scene seems just now to be shifting to the South, and we are expecting every day to hear that Savannah or Charleston has been attacked, perhaps both. Genl Fosters N.C. Army has gone to S.C. The “Army of the Potomac” seems to be dropping to pieces, a large portion having gone down the Potomac and and [sic] another portion have come up this way. Today I have been engaged in examining copies of the Report of the Indian Agent for the Sioux Tribes on the borders of Minnesota, the Scene of the late Indian Murders. The Report is quite interesting. I went from the office on to the Ave and staid at the Book Stores till near dinner time, bought Thos Buchanan Reads “Wagoner of the Alleghanies” and some Photographs for Julia. I read a good deal at the Book Stores and buy a little. But is usual for gentlemen of anything of a studious turn to frequent the Book Stores here and sit and read any book they choose for hours. I have not been out since dinner but reading the evening papers and the new Book. Capt Thornett came in and sat an hour in my room and smoked his segar. I take care of Maj Austins NY paper during his absence from the house and also “take care” to read it. Rcd letter from wife today, all well.