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January
Camp Franklin.
11
Much pleasanter today- No brigade
drill. So we rest. I am studying tactics
somewhat and preparing myself
for field work. Report says our
division has been detailed for some
Secret expedition. That would please
the boys. Why doesn’t Sherman capture
Charleston or Savannah? If he has
been driven off from the main land
he alone is to blame. He should
have moved more rapidly.
Read Sumner’s speech on the
international question delivered in the
Senate two days since. He claims the
position taken by England in the matter
as a triumph for the commercial
interests of the world. The speech
is dignified and lofty in tone- one
of the best efforts of the distinguished
Senator.
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A week ago last evening attended a
lecture delivered by Horace Greely [sic] at
the Smithsonian Institute, Washington.
I was visiting the city on regimental
business and while these stopping with
Major Robis. The lecture room of the
Institute is not large although so
well arranged as to seat a numerous
audience.
Before the lecture began I
looked round in search of some one
I knew. But they all wore strange faces.
I thought of the Chemistry I used to
study at Waterville and wondered
what kind Kindof a looking man
Professor Henry was. There was a
“right good” sprinkling of military
gentlemen throughout the room. I
was pleased to see a few ladies. It
reminded me of civilized life and
I felt homesick.
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The wall in rear of the stage was
profusely adorned with American
flags of all sizes. The band of
Music which had been detailed
from some one of the regiments
encamped near by discoursed National
Airs and altogether the affair was
quite patriotic.
Promptly at the stated hour
the door opened and forth stepped
the distinguished Journalist and Politician,
Horace Greely [sic], and who should follow
him but President Lincoln with several
noted members of the Senate & House.
This remarkable presence I regarded as
a high compliment to the speaker.
I had after heard it remarked
by persons that the delivery of Mr.
Greely [sic] was so poor, his utterance so
indistinct that it was only with
great effort that his audience could
understand.
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But my experience was quite different
Not a single word escaped me. There
was plainly a defect in articulation
quite unpleasant, doubtless, to critics ears.
But I was too intent on what the
speaker said to notice much how he
said it. Beside if I now recollect aright
he made no gestures, although at the
time I did not observe that he failed
to use this necessary means to a
successful elocution. This is a good
evidence as to the quality of his
lecture in at least one respect;
namely its interest.
The lecturer uttered many
wholesome truths. Among others I
recollect one distinctly uttered in
this pointed language:-
“The last Presidential Election
was not, as the rebels claim,
the cause of the Rebellion. It
was its opportunity. It was the
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zephyr that shook the forbidden fruit
from the now no longer tenacious
bough.”
Speaking of Freemont he called
out hearty cheers for the gallant
“pathfinder”. But I did not like it.
It appeared as though commendatory
of his course and hence a direct
insult to the President. The latter
preserved his usually dignified and
honest appearance. I am pleased
with him more and more. He
is the man for the times.
While at the Smithsonian
during the day I picked up a
small stick which I shall make
into a pen holder. That will make
a very pretty Souvenir.
