Newman > Hotchkiss Diary
The following is a transcription of a photocopy of the handwritten diary of Edward W. Hotchkiss during his travels to the battlefields of the Civil War on behalf of the United States Christian Commission. Edward W. Hotchkiss is my great great great grandfather on my mother's side. My copy of the diary is photocopied from a booklet of numbered pages, the cover of which has the title "U.S. Christian Commission" in a scroll. The first few pages of the booklet are typeset, and include "Instructions to Delegates of the U.S. Christian Commission" by Geo. H. Stuart, Chairman, dated September 15, 1862. These typeset pages are numbered 1 to 16. Another set of numbered pages begins immediately afterwards, and pages 1 to 54 of these contain the handwritten diary. Edward W. Hotchkiss dated each entry, but the dates are often simply the day of the month at the beginning of the entry. In addition, there is a sheet of letterhead entitled "Agency of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company." On this sheet is an undated handwritten note signed E. Hotchkiss. It reads as follows:
"When I left for the [seat] of our late war on the Christian Commission, I said to my congregation, I am going to the war, going to stay six weeks, going to see the end of the war, going to Richmond, & going to return to you safe & well at the end of the 6 weeks. All of which came to pass as foretold. This was without any relative thought one minute before it was spoken. E. Hotchkiss."
Edward W. Hotchkiss was born 13 Apr 1806 in Smithville New York, and died at his son's home on Nicollete Street in Minneapolis Minnesota 15 Jan 1886. He had his 59th birthday during the time he recorded this diary, and mentioned it in that day's diary entry. He was a circuit riding minister in the Methodist church. Family history has it that he came within one vote of being defrocked for allowing violin playing in the church. In a scrapbook he kept, I found a handwritten note by Hotchkiss indicating that he was pastor in a number of different places, including Solon - 2 yrs, Sangerville - 2 yrs, Rumford - 2 yrs, Skowhegan - 1 yr, Winthrop - 2 yrs, Fryburg - 1 yr, Waterford - 2 yrs, and York - 2 yrs. Starting in 1843, he was at Bellona - 3 yrs, Castleton - 1 yr, Towanda - 1 yr, Painted Post - 1 yr, Milo Center - 2 yrs, Tyre - 3 yrs, Port Gibson - 3 yrs, Henrietta - 1 year, Beaver Dam - 1 yr, Logan - 3 yrs.
In the transcription, words within square brackets (for example: [seat]) are words that were difficult to transcribe, and question marks indicate words or letters that I was unable to transcribe. In some places, I have added links to related material available on the web. For example, I have linked to a biography of S. H. Bronson, Hotchkiss' nephew, who Hotchkiss met in Washington D. C. toward the end of the time related in the diary. If a word is underlined, then that word is underlined in the handwritten manuscript, except if that word is a web link to another page. I have maintained the punctuation and spelling of the original.
One thing I find puzzling about this diary is that Hotchkiss reports on April 16, 1865 that Lincoln died at 8AM that morning. Historically, Lincoln was shot on the 14th and died on the 15th. Perhaps Hotchkiss was simply distraught and wrote "this morning" rather than "yesterday morning." Alternately, it may be that he didn't write each day's entry at the end of that day, but waited a bit. If that's the case, then perhaps he didn't remember the exact day of Lincoln's death correctly. I have checked what Hotchkiss said about the weather with other civil war diaries online; Hotchkiss' descriptions of the weather agree with those of other diarists, indicating that Hotchkiss had not lost track of the date.
If you find this material interesting or useful, or if you have any comments, I would be glad to hear from you via email.
David Newman
Originally posted 4/17/2004
Updated and amended 1/2/2005
Additional Links 5/3/2006
Link repair, HTML corrections, additional links 7/6/2007
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Left Tyre, Senaca Co. N.Y. Mar. 8th 1865, for [seat] of war in City Point, Virginia. Commenced publick labors on board Steamer Adelade, Sunday 12 March - preached to a raw recruit & veterans returning to the sad scene of war. Had a good time - secured the attention of the multitude - thanked them for their attention - & they me in return for my services. Distributed a parcel of papers & a large number of books.
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Monday 13. Arrived in City Pt. Took cars 15 miles toward the front, saw Petersburg - was within shelling distance. Here left cars - my company having just gone, I wandered a long distance, here & there, (from wrong directions) before finding the right company. Attended meeting at evening - opened it by singing & prayer, & one Rev. [Exinder] from Maine, a Free will Baptist, preached & [I] exhorted. This newly erected chapel [tent] was well filled with attentive hearers. This is 3rd division of cavalry, in Prince Geo. Co. Vir.
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14. Made an arm chair. Going 2 or 3 miles tonight to attend meeting.
Now all is hurry and confusion. Here come 5 ambulance wagons full of sick & wounded going to hospital, preparatory for a probable movement of the whole Reg. to meet Sheridan near the White house.
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15. Army still here. I am sick for the first time - have [cholic] - go without breakfast. Have also a cold. Six of our pickets just fallen near this place by the 'rebs'. Mead's whole Army are preparing for a move. The [Sutlers] are ordered immediately to the rear. We dont know where the move or battle will be. Bro. Williams goes to City P. with an embalmed corpse, one of the slain six. I visited Josh Stevenson, & then came 7 miles to this Patric Station, in reach of Lee's Guns.
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16. (Thursday) This morning visited Conahey & Fisher Forts, half mile from Rebs. Saw them plainly of course & The two lines of pickets lying between. Tonight at City Point on business. Attended church - took part in meeting as ususal. Met Br. Potter here tonight.
The minister who oficiated thot me about his age - 44. I look & feel younger than I am. God be praised for having given me a good constitution.
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17. Came from City Point to this Patrick Station. Had good meeting tonight - 3 new ones arose for prayer, & a good number spoke & prayed, after an exhortation by Niles from Corning N.Y.
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18. Distributed papers, & books, & envelopes, & [papse] through a whole Regiment. Am now at the temporary home of Rev. J. N. Brown. We have just returned from the execution of a deserter. He was shot. I saw the poor fellow fall into his coffin on which he sat. Name John Smith. Have just called on Rev. Harrison of Dundee, N.Y. Met Dr. Horb who helped Ira Manson from the ambulance before he died. The Dr. belongs in Potter, N.Y. Canonading [??] at Petersburg tonight - the shells bursting in the air look splendidly.
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Sunday 19. Heard Br. Brown preach in their new & costly stockade tent (which blew all to smash in few days afterward) took part with him. Witnessed 3 splendid dress parades of 3 Regiments - one of them was drawn up in a solid square, & I addressed them. Attended prayer meeting this eve. with Br. Brown, & helped him. Saw young Clive of Tyre, N.Y. He first recognized me. Was glad to see me then, especially in prospect of an immediate battle, so if he should get wounded hoped I might take care of him.
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20. A most beautiful day, as have been nearly all since I came to this sunny South. Called on a family - a Mr. Boswell of Dinwiddle Co. Vir. Methodist, had a pleasant chat. Just returned from meeting. I preached from Come unto me &c. 8 arose for prayer, one a 2nd Leutenant. Harrison was present & spoke. Two other baptist preachers present. A [parcell] spoke & prayed - had a good meeting.
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21. Summer weather already, took off woolen shirt. Walked about 3 miles - distributed testaments, papers, &c. &c. came home in the rain - it still rains. But the rain does not hinder our meetings- we are after the good of souls as well as bodies of the fearfully exposed soldier. I led our social meeting tonight - had a first rate time. The good Lord be praised for his goodness to the children of men.
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22. Rained hard most of last night; blows hard yet, but has cleared off, this P.M. Now blows a hurricane. Have walked 2 miles to the 1st Mass. heavy Brig. Distributed various kinds of newspapers - all religions - envelopes, needles, thread, &c. &c. Just buried a fine young [??man] officer, [Dexhamaer], Com E. 69th N.Y. 26 years old. Foolishly shot by his good friend. O how many lose their lives by just such trifling! Attended social meeting, took part. I arose for prayer. God bless the poor [seeker], & grant that he may find rest.
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23. Distributed papers to [???d] persons, & conversed with them on the important subject of Religion. Went 2 miles & witnessed a most splendid review of the 2nd Army Corps about 20,000 Expected Lincoln & Grant, but the [blow] was too [tremendous]. Wind, & fire, & smoke, & falling of trees, & [dust], & [death], were a part of the program. But these overcome, the rest went off well.
Mead & staff were present. I managed to a position on the stand among the Generals.
Attended meeting in evening, [Perry] expounded, others & myself exhorted.
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24. Distributed paper, [pap?s], envelopes, books, &c. as usual. Took part in social meeting, with usual routine of business, to bless temporally & spiritually.
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Mar.
25. Heavy cannonading this morning at about 3 oclock. Enemy took 2 of our forts before Petersburg, & we immediately retook them. A battle now raging just on our left. Here come in six wounded, one at least, unto death, Hastended to [point] them to Jesus who alone [could] take away their sins & fit them to live or die.
Just prayed at the grave of a [departed] soldier for Chaplain Harrison - he was present. Halloe! Here go some 20 rebs just captured - their Capt. with them - & here again 500, & anon, 2000 taken before Petersburg. God save us. Memorable day this.
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26. Yesterday was the great battle day of the war. It lasted from three in the morning 'till after dark - it was awfully [terrific]. Today have visited a whole Reg. gave testaments, hymn books, paper, [papers], envelopes, 'housewives' &c. &c.
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27. Gave papers & stationary to soldiers all the forenoon, & talked with many of them on on the subject of Religion.
Found not a few willing to converse on that subject. [Several] professing Religion, a rare circumstance. Also went to the III Reg. of an errand - thence to the extreme front on the battle ground of the 25th, within a few rods of the rebel pickets - called back by our officers. Saw some of the dead lying then, & being taken [for] [internment].
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28. Visited two Reg. & as usual administered to their wants, both of body and soul. Remarks.
Alas. The horrors of war! Who can have any adequate idea of them who himself has not been eye-witness of the [untold] facts? [Each], enough to still the heart-blood of a tiger & cause the very stones to cry out. But who has witnessed whom? no one. Many a one has witnessed a few of those facts. But no man has, or ever can witness the ghastly whole. My Lord, save us from another war.
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29. Broke Camp & went to Humphry Station, about three miles.
The first gun fired was by a rebel sharpshooter, killing [Sven] Patterson of Mich. Very little firing during the day & night. Multitudes marchd forth during the day, [beside] multitudes of reserves all round us - then the wagons - 20,000-120,000 mules & more horses! Had [??t] we company?
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30. This morning [ushers] in a tremendous rain-storm. Well for us that we pitched a small tent last night, as thousands did not. A few heavy guns this morning. From 4 A.M. I have been giving hot coffee, cold water, & crackers to hundreds of wounded, suffering, & dying soldiers, until 3 P.M. To officers also. Had no time to take any dinner myself. All this time it rained hard. I was wet through & some wearied I think.
Heavy guns roaring, telling us that somebody is yet alive.
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Rained all night. All are wet, & almost everything in camp. What a time! At this moment, cannonading & musketry rend the air a tremendous [chasye] is [etremity] is near to many! It is in my 2nd Corps. 9 & a half A.M. & still it rains. Here comes a negro soldier, sick I administered to his wants as best I could. 5 P.M. I have just administered to nearly or [????] 100 wounded soldiers, that is helped to do it. Fighting still rages.
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April 1st. Have cannonading & terrible musketry, which commenced at 4 A.M. Hundreds & hundreds of wounded have come in today, to whom we have administered of the good things we have. Probably a thousand today & 300 more this evening. No April Fooling here, but unspeakably awful reality.
To witness a [chas??], one would be inclined to say, who can come out alive?!
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2. A most lovely morning, Heavy cannonading all night & half of the A.M. Some 5000 prisoners bro't in today. I saw several thousands of them, & talked with as many of them as I could. Read in bible. Pilgrims progress, white fields life &c. P.M. administered to the hundreds of wounded again. These soldiers were removed away by cars as fast as possible, to give places for new [???nates].
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3. All quiet this morning. Came back to Warren Station. Walked on the [wolden] railroad (all torn up) to the famous Petersburg. So much of my home prophesy fulfiled. I am in Petersburg! Met Lincoln & [L?it] going out as I came in. Two baptist preachers accompanyed me. Grant & company entered this morning - a little too smart for me, but I [hear] he has been in the service a little longer longer than I.
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4. Fine morning. Had an agreeable conversation with a methodist lady last evening in her parlor. Her elegant house has been hit a few times with northern shells, so that the inner doors were torn - a cannon ball had passed near her head in that same house. Saw the best of the city got by the [gard] & [enter] the finest flower yard in town - several acres. Returned to Mead's Station. Examined the conflicting Forts near Petersburg. Bushes & trees nearly all torn to splinters between them. Had a very sick-head ache at even.
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5. Walked to Pitkin Station, took cars for City Point. Am some better, but weak & poorly. Just recd 3 letters from home. Attended meeting in the larger chapel [????] preached & over 20 arose for prayer.
Visited black school - very interesting.
Little fellows 7 or 8 years old would walk out and strike up a tune for all to sing, & [regularly] beat time. Others came out & speak [pieces].
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6. Rains a litle this morning. Twenty eight minute delagates arived this morning from Brooklin, & forty more expected today. A perfect [humbug] through some miserable blunder of of some unspeakable. We stoped the [????] coming & soon sent these back. Just had a social meeting - they wished me to attend often. Attended another this afternoon - had a [reason] of deep interest. Had another appointment to preach in big chapel, but a Philadel. preacher who could stay only one night relieved me. 20 or more came forward for prayer.
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7. Fine weather. Rev. Rooney leaves for Richmond. Have distributed papers, to a portion of the 2nd Army Corps Hospital, & tried to [point] scores of the boys to Christ. Visited Miss Duncan's Boarding Establishment. Pittsburg [Penn]. She has 1000 cups, 15000 plates, 2500 lbs butter per day. &c. 16 servants. Just attended another social meeting, & preaching in the evening. Here's a Winchester Army wagon drawn by 56 mules!
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8. A splendid morning after a night rain. I am assigned to a position in the 2nd Corps. It is immediately here - very handy. A pleasing contrast to that position before the last battles, when I had to walk miles & miles every day. The president & wife, & two other ladies, together with Summner & some other gents were here today. The President shook hands with all the sick and wounded & almost everybody else. It was a charming scene. Attended publick meeting - refused to preach - prayed at the opening, also for the scores of penitents seeking Religion - Some of them converted. Praise God.
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9. Attended preaching, opened by prayer & reading hymn, I preached at 2 P.M. to the 3rd Maine Cavalry. Got accquainted with Rev. Fassington's new wife's son, an officer in the Army. Attended prayer meeting in the evening. News just comes of Lee's surrender to Grant. All is life - music of various kinds - Shouting - cheering - [?????] - yelling - praying - praising - cursing - swearing - dancing - & vast bonfires &c. &c. & [???????] [mess]. Now the large & almost [perfect] brass band is playing most sweetly. God be praised for some good in this wicked world.
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10. A rainy morning. I have a bad headache. The 25 [???] was a great day, but this is the greatest day politically, the world ever knew. The numerous war ships have just been roaring before our anxious eyes, as they never roared before. The dense smoke soon so covered the dark waters of the Appomattox as almost entirely to obscure the entire shipping [??]. Just returned from my work of mercy. Found a dying man, from a wound through the abdomen - after [passing] through a ward or two, a man came to me saying, he is dead. Another [very] sick - Dr. not called today [prob'] [drunk].
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11. Rain & mud in abundance. Visited half my 24 wards (24 beds in each ward) distributed my good things as usual. One of my sick boys removed to another ward. At evening I preached in the large Chapel. As ususal, it was filled to overflowing - usually from 12 to 20 ministers present. Soldiers as usual, too, arose for prayer. Then an interesting social meeting at the close. A [????] press to speak; so that [?] [????] [arose] time and again to close without success. Two or three on their feet as one to speak - so it went on 'till nine o'clock.
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12. Cloudy, but warm and pleasant. A thousand wounded just came in. God bless them. Have been among them & administered such consolation as I can. Just visited Gen. Grant at his head quarters where no one could go without business, yet I got there and literally shook hands with!. He is only a man; but is stern & thoughtful. 3 Reb in one of my wards, wounded. I gave them an orange or too & remarked to them that [that] was the kind of [????] they might expect from yankies. Pointed a dear young wounded soldier to Christ, from Oxford Co. Miss. Had no living relatives, except a [????].
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13. Came across a poor fellow badly wounded in the arm, left on the field among rebs, was 2 days & nights without any [????], & wound not [drest] [during] that time; but is doing well. This is my birthday. Pray that this year may be spent better than the last. Rains hard - mud to [????]. Been at my [appropriate?] Giving books & tracts &c. &c. & constantly warning the wicked to flee from the wrath to come. Checked one for profanity - said he could not help it - but finally promised to try to do better. Hope the Lord will do some good through my humble instrumentality [?] [in] the [field].
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14. Clear & beautiful weather. Have been among the wards of my sick and wounded & dying. One young man aapparently near the closing scene of human life, says he prays but is not converted. I turned his attention to the strong Hold, his eyes [?????d] [moist??] was not able to read. Found 2 brothers wounded, lying next each other. One of them promised to seek Religion. Attended preaching at evening, about the normal no. arose for prayer. I led in our large family devotion, 20 or 30 ministers present. Constant change in our wards & congregations by removal, death, &c. & constant new recruits.
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15. Rains powerfully & has all the long morning, so that we mostly remain indoors. But our present Capt. Rev. Geir, having been out, came in suddenly & enquired if any of us know a man by the name of Dolittle. The company took it as a kind of joke, or rather reproof for our idleness, & not having [????] the storm. And after having a real [????] over it, Our dear Br. informed us that he meant nothing but to enquire for a real man by that name, when the [cheer] became doubly cheerful & the [??????] joke became really [jocond]. In my appropriate work this afternoon, I related a very serious anecdote to too percells of card players, with
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apparent good effect.
[???] [leader] thought God must have sent me, for he had not played before since he came to the ward, that he could not [???] a single game without a Chap. or delegate catching him at it. He seemed a well-bred man. I hope he'll play no more. This P.M. I have given 4 shirts, 3 pairs drawers & 2 pairs of good home made socks to poor wounded soldiers. It does me good to be permitted to do so. One man who was playing cards wanted me to give him a pair, his having holes in them.
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I told him he ought to be mending them instead of playing cards, that I had none for him. I found a boy near the river of death whom I approached on the subject of religion; supposing him like the multitudes, I was happily disappointed to find him in sympathy with Christ. I have spoken to whole wards at once this P.M. (one at a time) Warning them & inviting them to Christ. With fervent prayers, I leave them in the potent hand of God. Attended preaching this eve. New comer-old school Pres. preached pretty well but went out of his way to prove final [?????ane]. Closed by quoting a fearful [?????]. O Moses!
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Sunday,
16. This day I was to be at home in New York. A.M. attended preaching in chapel. Hovey, a New England Cong. preacher, first rate fellow. At 2 1/2 P.M. preached to the Cavalry Corps Had a good time. May God bless the effort [to] their good. President Died this morning at 8 oclock. Shot by Booth! All the numerous flags are at 1/2 mast. O how sad the scene! Just returned from Mt. Kells, preached well but too long. An officer in the congregation whispered loud that Lincoln's murderer ought to be hung higher than [heaven] & sunk deeper than hell.
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17. Led in morning prayer. Have visited 14 wards; talked to most of the inmates on Religion. Just returned from preaching - excellent social meeting. [Nearly] 20 arose for prayer, & I with others, prayed for them. Many of them spoke. It was a time of deep [interest]. I even had a desire to tarry longer than my 6 weeks. This almost constant revival in the army, mainly through the labors of the Christian Com, as well as the hearty thanks of many thousands of [benefitted] soldiers, materially tend to its [highest] encomium.
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18. Cloudy but warm. Passed through some 12 wards. Gave gifts & preached to hundreds.
Tho' sent to take care of bodies of the soldiers, yet the more important work of caring for their souls was specially attended to. The Chaplains, I think, did little, comparatively for the souls of [men]. Whether their office lifted them [???], or what, I cannot say. I don't say but they labored hard, but this getting down among soldiers & pressing them to seek Religion, was done by Chris. Com.
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19. Passed through my 24 wards - gave out all kinds of our store as the most needy needed. At 12 M. Met in larger Chap. to attend to the solemnities of the funderal of the President. I had a part with the several on the occasion. Smith preached well tonight. I had part again.
So passed the most eventful 2 weeks in our history as a nation. The great & good work of putting down the rebellion, was most conspicuous - & the great, & low, & mean work of sacrificing the great & good Lincoln.
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20. Attened morning prayers. Led the singing. Went to the Point after a letter - not any! Afternoon walked out about a mile & saw a fine looking young married negro shot & fall into his box for the grave! His last words were, 'farewell to all.' Visited 20 wards today - shed some tears & saw some shed by others. Corrected several for swearing - One said it was the first time he had been checked for four years in the war. Said he did not blame me.
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21. Gave out perhaps forty dollars worth of clothing to soldiers with all other things they happened to need. Went to see some rebels executed - false alarm. Went out 2 miles on horseback & preached to a thoughtful congregation of batteries. Went back alone, lost my way I supposed, but in fact did not. Overtook an irish soldier (so he said), inquired the way to the Point - he said follow him. Thinking I was only of the way & that he, (being a rough swearer) was leading me toward destruction, I was afraid; but most certainly manifested no fear - talked as cheerful as tho' I had been at home in my own room, & as bold as a lion.
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He swore that it was dangerous for any one to be out alone after dark, expecially that the woods were full of stragglers who would as soon murder for money as not. I let him know that I had been out to preach Jesus & the resurrection, so that if any body killed me for money they would miss it - they would not find it. If he was a villain, the good Lord & I changed his mind, so he led me right finally, & did not molest me. We could not see each other only a shadow like. The first good hope I had was the glimpse of a gallows which I recognized, having noticed it as I passed out that night.
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22. Still no good hope of getting to Richmond - a part of my home prophesy. Have just passed around my wards & bid my hundreds of fellow soldiers a final 'good bye.' What! they would say, in apparent sorrowful surprise, you are going home are you? "I'm sorry, wont you call again?" &c. &c. I said I shall see you no more, try to meet me in heaven. "That's good advice - I will, I will, we will &c. &c. Many tears were shed, & I hope lasting good was done. I was not aware until leaving that so many among whom I had faithfully been, & to whom I had faithfully administered
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both the good things of this life & also of the life to come, that so much respect was had for me. It made me think of the old adage - bad as the world is, respect is always had to [virtue]. Now hope springs up at the very eleventh hour. A rare chance Richmond - this afternoon! By Steamer. 75 other ministers want the same privilege, but go home without the sight. The scenery up the river is most charming. What mighty preparations for war all along the river, & how fearfully desolated! Butler's celebrated 'notch' & 'lookout' were interesting items - the latter on a high bluff in the dense forest.
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Sabbath.
23. Attended morning prayers with some 30 delegates - Alabaster among them. Attend methodist sabbath school in an elegant edifice. Rather cool reeption. Preacher wants to know of me if he cant have his captured [horse] restored to him? I told him he must stand the chances of war customs. Attended his publick meeting A.M. None of us delegates were notised any more than as tho' we had been 'niggers'. He preached well - strange too. As Sabbath was the only time I could have, I looked around the city a little. Went to State house - the great [bronze] Washington Mounted, &c. Went into Jesff. Davis' [house].
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Four stories - I think built of stone. Large brick barn, high brick wall around it. It [??] last, or first on 12 & Clay Streets. The house is brown, or chockolate color. The whole on a bluff. Below a deep ravine & a running stream. It is very superior to Gen. Lees, which I also saw, & Lee in the door. A fire bell called him & a part of his staff & family just as I was passing, so I had the rare site. Davis' establishment is [Halleck's] [head] [quarters]. Attended meeting in Castle Thunder. One Dr. spoke to the prisoners, at least the few that would attend. For most of
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them acted more like demons than men. I sung & closed with prayer, & I was surprised to gain the attention of so many who fell upon their knees when I prayed. It broke my heart, & I really wanted to stay in that same earthly hell & point them to Christ. Tried to get into Libia prison, but the Capt. being absent, could not. God bless the miserably poor prisoners.
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24. Left Richmond at 6 A.M. reached City Point about 1/2 past 10 A.M. It was deeply interesting to arrive at this Point, six weeks ago yesterday, & a little more so to bid it good bye this morning. Tho' I am leaving hundreds of fond acquaintances & associates, & thousands of things & circumstances which I confess are somwhat endeared to me; so that I leave with commixed joy & sorrow. A long farewell to city Point & City Point scenes. Last night was cold, but no frost as I know of. Beans are big enough to hoe, &c. Here we pass Harrisons Landing,
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the veritable place, I suppose, of the long ago log house, rough & ordinary furniture & "hard cider". Somewhat celebrated, I was glad to have it pointed out to me.
It is not the log house now, nor the happy inhabitant of the passed & gone. O what changes are constantly going on everywhere!
Istead of the original, there now stands a stately residence.
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25. Arrived in Washington about 8 A.M. Have been active all day. Been to & through the Capitol. It is a vast & costly structure, but not yet finished. To the Smithsonian, where a world of everything is to be seen, with a little exception. To post Office, which is some. Washington Monument, not nearly finished; a shame to these United States - why dont they finish it? Found S. H. Bronson, nephew, all right, tho' shot 3 or 4 times, & badly wounded. He is Sargent. Went to Patent Office - the world collected. I led some 30 ministers in family devotion.
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26. Travelled all night to New York, took cars immediately for Canadigua, homeward.
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27. Took cars for Seneca Falls, & walked home to Tyre, Seneca Co. N.Y.
E. Hotchkiss.
Newman > Hotchkiss Diary
Last Modified: 7 July 2007
By: David Newman