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Washington in particular, was thrown into a fever of anxiety by the rebel raid upon that city under Early and Breckinridge.
The night of Sunday, the 10th, I have always believed the city might have been captured had the enemy followed up his advantage.
The defences were weak, and there were comparatively but few troops in the city or vicinity.
All day Monday the excitement was at the highest pitch.
At the White House the cannonading at Fort Stevens was distinctly heard throughout the day. During Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, the President visited the forts and outworks, part of the time accompanied by Mrs. Lincoln.
While at Fort Stevens on Monday, both were imprudently exposed,--rifle-balls coming, in several instances, alarmingly near!
The almost defenceless condition of the city was the occasion of much censure.
Some blamed General Halleck; others General Augur, the commander of the Department; others the Secretary of War; and still others the President.
Subsequently the rebel force returned to Richmond almost unharmed.
I saw no one who appeared to take this more to heart than Mrs. Lincoln, who was inclined to lay the responsibility at the door of the Secretary of War.
Two or three weeks later, when tranquillity was perfectly restored, it was said that Stanton called upon the President and Mrs. Lincoln one evening at the “Soldiers' home.”
In the course of conversation
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