Monday Feb 16th 1863
A beautiful day, bright and mild. No particular news or excitement in the City. Arrests are made almost every day of those acting as Spies, or engaged in contraband trade. Mr Nairn a prominent and wealthy Drugist was recently arrested for purchasing medicines for the Rebels. He is now in the old Capitol. A Clergyman tore down a U.S. Flag from a church in Baltimore yesterday. He was immediately arrested and will be punished. His name is Dashiel, a methodist.
Genl Butler hung a man in New Orleans for doing the same thing. Grant has cut the Levees of the Miss above Vicksburgh and intends to cut them off by water. That is the great point of interest now. The largest rebel Army now in the field is said to be there for its defense. A part of the Army of the Potomac has gone to N. Carolina but Genl Hooker has still a large Army opposite Fredericksburgh V.A. Charleston & Savannah are both threatened and will be soon attacked by our “Iron Clads” in connection with a land force. I called at Doct Munsons this evening and staid an hour or two. Mrs Mary Pruyn, Mrs McDowell, and another lady, all from Albany, were there. Waited upon two of them over to the “Herndon House” where they are staying. Mis Pruyn is staying with Mrs Munson her relative. Got a very nice letter from Julia today. Wrote to “Holly.”