E. writes.
Spaulding (hospital ship)
Half a mile above us is the White House naming the place, a modern cottage if ever “white” now drabbed over, standing where the early home of Mrs. Washington stood. We went ashore this morning, and with General Franklin and his aides strolled about the grounds —an unpretending little place, with old trees shading the cottage, a green lawn sloping to the river, and an old-time garden full of roses. The house has been emptied, but there are some pieces of quaint furniture, brass fire-dogs, etc.; and just inside the door this notice is posted: “Northern soldiers, who profess to reverence the name of Washington, forbear to desecrate the home of his early married life, the property of his wife, and now the home of his descendants. (Signed)
A Granddaughter of Mrs. Washington.”
Some one has written underneath in pencil,
” Lady, a northern officer has protected this property within sight of the enemy and at the request of your overseer.” It is Government property now, and the flag waves from the top, and sentinels pace the piazza.
After wandering about the grounds General Franklin sent for General Fitzjohn Porter, who, with General Morell and their staffs and Will Winthrop, whom we met by chance, came back to the Spaulding with us and were treated to clean handkerchiefs, cologne, tacks, pins, etc., from our private stores. General Seth Williams also made a long, friendly call on deck, during which we dropped half a mile down the river and anchored.
Mr. Knapp has gone down to bring up the rest of the Commission fleet, and White House will be our headquarters for the present.