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[177] duration or power of the Bureau; but he told me that he had an interview with the President yesterday, who gave him to understand that he should speedily announce, by proclamation, that the war has ended and peace been restored; and that the Bureau would continue until a year from that date, according to the terms of the bill constituting the Bureau. He is not, however, to be depended on, especially as all Rebeldom and Copperdom are so warmly espousing his cause. To-morrow promises to be a very lively day in the Senate, on the subject. Senator Wilson is to introduce another bill, providing for the1 continuance of the Bureau two years from May next, with enlarged powers; but if it pass, the President will doubtless veto it, as in the former instance.

To-day (22d) Washington is all astir. The day is superb as to the weather—like an April day in Boston—and Pennsylvania Avenue is thronged by all sorts of people. An immense mass of secessionists and Copperheads are holding a meeting at the Theatre, to sustain the recreant President; and I understand he is to address them! I am sure the bottomless pit is equally jubilant.

I have just come, with Franky, from the Capitol, where a most2 fitting and eloquent eulogium has been bestowed upon the character and services of the late Henry Winter Davis by Senator Creswell of Maryland. The hall of the House was crowded in3 every part. The Judges of the Supreme Court were present— the leading military men—dignitaries of all kinds—Senators and Representatives, etc. I got in after the oration began, and was standing back near the door, when Speaker Colfax got4 his eye upon me, and instantly sent a messenger to conduct me to a seat near to Secretary Stanton, Judge Chase, and5 other notables. After the services, I spoke to Stanton, who6 expressed great regret that he was not at home last evening, and said he would not be absent again if I would call.7 I was introduced to a large number of Senators, Representatives, and persons from various parts of the country, and warmly received.

To-morrow evening I am to lecture in the Union League Hall. . . . On Sunday evening I expect to address the colored people in one of their churches.


1 Henry Wilson.

2 F. J. G.

3 J. A. J. Creswell.

4 Schuyler Colfax.

5 E. M. Stanton.

6 S. P. Chase.

7 Mr. Garrison's first call on reaching Washington was on Senator Sumner (Feb. 18). ‘Sumner almost made a declamatory speech about universal suffrage, and intends making another in the Senate on the same subject’ (Ms. Feb. 19, 1866, W. L. G. to H. E. G.).

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