William Schouler, A history of Massachusetts in the Civil War: Volume 1

[606] attention I received was great. My disappointments were, that I did not see Lieutenant-General Grant, and did not see the Sixty-first Regiment and Lieutenant-Colonel Walcott, who had done me the honor to call his camp after my name.

Nov. 4, Washington.—I found on my return, several letters for me at the National Hotel about business matters; and spent the day at the War Department, and transacted all the business I had to do. I found the rolls of the heavy artillery companies, as promised, at Colonel Tufts' office, and brought them home with me. On going to the cars that evening to proceed to New York, I found them filled, and about five hundred on the outside who could not get either seats or standing room,—soldiers from the army, and clerks in the departments, who were going home to vote. They took possession; so I had to wait until the next day.

Nov. 5.—Called upon the President, whom I had not seen since he was inaugurated. I had known him when in Congress, and when I lived in the West. He knew me, and I passed an agreeable half-hour with him. At five o'clock, I went to the depot, half an hour before the cars started, but could get no seat. They were packed; and I stood up for fifteen hours, from Washington to Jersey City.

Nov. 6.—Arrived at the Astor House wearied and worn. Made a few calls upon relatives and friends, and, not having slept for thirty-six hours, retired early.

Nov. 7.—Rained all day. Nothing talked of but the presidential election. Left in the Fall River steamer for home, and arrived at Boston.

Nov. 8.—Election day, having been absent just three weeks. Had travelled eighteen hundred miles, and my expenses were just exactly one hundred and forty-three dollars and fifty-five cents ($143.55).

Allow me to conclude this hastily written report in a few words.

To the officers and men of the Armies of the Potomac and James, allow me to return my sincere and grateful thanks, for the many kindnesses I have received at their hands. I shall cherish them in my heart with unspeakable satisfaction as long as I shall live.

There never were armies so well clothed, fed, and in better condition, than the Armies of the Potomac and the James.

What is universally demanded by officers and men is, that the depleted regiments and batteries shall be filled up.

Our Massachusetts regiments and batteries, as a general remark, are in good health, and stand as high as any in the service.

The purpose of my journey, to have our rolls made out right and promptly, has been accomplished, so far as time and circumstances