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1862
[[underlined]] Dec 13th. It is almost three months since I have made any entries in my journal excepting the sad one of last Sat. When I last wrote Phil. was in an intense state of excitement fearing the city might be invaded. The ship of State seemed driven master less before the adverse winds of Fate. Gen McClellan was called to the Helm once more. The battles of Antietam & South Mountain reassured the wavering self confidence of the people & again the cry "onward to Richmond rose from the conquering unionists. A brilliant raid of the Southern Gen. [[Stewart?]] next excited the admiration of friend & foe. Making the entire circuit of our army, carrying off Horses cattle food & clothing he vanished as quickly as he came Leaving our astonished soldiers grasping their muskets only in time to hear the retiring clatter of his horse's heels. Skillfully had the Helmsman guided the Ship of State. Bravely had he headed the adverse winds & waves of Fate. But the vessel was at Anchor ^now the Nation ^impatient could not understand why her sails should not always be filled, her prow always cutting the waves of Victory. forgetful of the repairs her storm beaten ____ required. The helmsman was denounced. Gen McClellan was deposed & Gen. Burnside given the command of the army of the Patomac. On the eve of a great battle for which he had been preparing for weeks & which he had hoped would decide the affairs of the Nation it was a bitter trial to the brave officers to be thus unreasonably deprived of 
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