Viewing page 89 of 113

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

[[start page]]
1863
June.
$25.00 as his admission fee. The Scientific commission consisting at present of only Admiral Davis & Father are in secret counsil.

Our forces have left Fredericksburg & the two grand armies seem to be preparing for a terrible struggle in the vacinity of Bull's Run.

27th. Sat.  I am sitting up today for the first time after a fit of sickness. The Rebels seem to be advancing upon Harrisburg & Philadelphia but this is supposed by some to be a feint, their real destination being Washington. Even the negros are being enrolled for the defense of the city. A number of troops have been sent off to Balt. as that city also is thought to be in danger. Chief Justice Taney thinks we have reason to fear an attack. --- One of the men in the Institution has just announced that the Southerners are within four miles of the chain Bridge but this is probably only a rumor. Prof Longfellow the poet is in town he has been intending to call upon us but prevented by the illness of his son.

29th.  Yesterday morning (Sunday) It was reported the rebels had taken possession of York. ^In the [[evening?]] While we were at tea. Our attention was called to signal lights at the top of the Capitol. They were to warn the Forts to be ready in case of an attack.
[[end page]]
[[start page]]
1863
June
29th
The night was one of anxiety. To day we learn that a large body of [[strikethrough]] [[?]] [[strikethrough]] army wagons about 125 were taken by the enemy within eight miles of Georgetown. This morning two ladies connected with the Sanitary commission were here. They were just from Alexandria. They were anxious to remove certain boxes containing stores for wounded soldiers to Balt. but were very much afraid that all communication between that city & Wash. would be cut off before they could succeed in so doing. They said our Grand "Army of the Patomac" was nothing to boast of now, it did not number more than 60 000 men That no one knew what was the intention of the Southerners, that the advance on Richmond might be only a feint. It seemed probable that they intended to cut off all railroad communication with Washington & then take the place. It is said to night that the rail road between Phil & Balt. has been broken but that may be only a rumour. The Northern Central has certainly been injured. There is said to be fighting at Harrisburg to day. That city is of course in a state of intense excitement.

I went to dine with Mr. [[Gulicks?]] this evening. We went to the Soldier's Home where the President now resides, we met him returning with his body guard about 20 mounted men following his carriage He seemed so oppressed with care & anxiety I

[[end page]]