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Dec
7
Received peremptory order by
telegraph one day last month to
appear before the Ordnance offices
for examination.
Went to Port Morris in
the Genl’s barge, rowed by eight
Stout Africans.
Was not examined. But
shall be probably in January ’64.
Saw chum + stopped with
him Sunday night.
The monks, the nuns in
their black veils + flowing robes
their prayer books + crosses
+ pleading eyes! The gallant
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“Michiganders” contending with
the redmen of the forest!
But still Mrs. S. has
an excellent Piano + I
played ad libitum.
* *
Last night with
a lively male (Male) I attended
Church at Harlem.
Mr. Keyes rowed us over
+ Mary Ann delighted us
with rapidly + richly drawn
sketches from the Portfolio of
her checkered life.
“I’se the only woman
that could go among “Billy
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Wilson’s men.”
Mr. Blakely furnished
us with team + double wagon
to H.
The sermon was home
thrusting in its style + set me
to thinking about days and hours
foolishly occupied or wholly thrown
away.
Mr. Keyes brought us back
and then rowed home again. He
would take no pay either because
“We belong to the staff.”
Slept cold enough, although
Males arms were about me all
night.
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Sent detachment of troops away
today.
Have been studying Mathematics.
Letter from father.
Dumb bells go pretty well.
Yesterday morning “Van”
returning from an expedition
along the shore brought in
a young owl which he caught.
It has even become quite tame.
We consider him a member of
the staff. Nearly all day he
sat perched on the clock. Several
though him a fine specimen
and wondered who could
stuff + prepare them so well.
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A little girl standing under
the clock had observed the
motionless attitude of the owl
for some time + concluded that
it was only the stuffed skin of
some bird when unexpectedly
its funny eyes slowly opened.
“Its alive”, its alive, cried
the excited child + the whole
office shouted with laughter.
9th.
Took trip to city today with
Benedict to see Mr. Chittendon
of the “Union” + Gen. Spinola about
the scurrilous attacks made
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on Gen. Jackson which have appeared
in that paper.
Great time. Mr. Chittendons
established a great affair. Mr. B’s
laughable description of the great
“Ball” rage years ago when
from 11 to 12 daily crowds would
assemble in Wall St before the
Custom House to see the Ball drop.
Took affidavit of green
country boy from Gardiner, Me. on
schooner Mary Shields now lying
at Pier 47 North River.
Nice looking gentlemen
accosted him, treated him + ran
him through pocketing the 300.
themselves.
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Presidents message forthcoming.
“Our Pet Owl” sits on
the rail above Males desk as
I write. What eyes! Mrs. Shailer
would like him.
_____,,_____
Provost Marshal is
to put the case of my English
veteran through. Very interesting
Have been reviewing tonight
my old studies pursued seven years
ago.
_____,,_____ |
