Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-06-06
EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE,
NATIONAL HOTEL, WASHINGTON. D. O.,
Nav %. 1862,

NATIONAL HOTEL, WASHINGTON. D. Oh
May %, 1862. {
DEAR JOURNAL: Ny journey to this place
was by way of Chicago, Dayton, Columbus,
Wheeling, Pittsburg and Baltimore-not the
most direct route, but one which circum-
stances compelled me to take. My purpose,
on leaving home, was to come by the Balti-
more and Ohio railroad from Wheeling, but |
on arriving at the latter place, last Monday, I
found that the running of trains had been
suspended, and the widest rumors prevailed
concerning operations Of the rebels at Mar
tinsburg. The train which arrived that day
repor ted that the rebels had taken possession
of the road at Martinsburg Another rumor
was current that Mcclellan had surrendered
his entire army. Altogether matters looked
gloomy, and Washington seemed imperilled.
placed but little confidence in these reports,
and would not have hesitated in taking the
train for Washington over the Baltimore
road, but the officers of the road concluded
not to hazard the capture of their train. So
my only chance was to 60 to Pttsburg, geo
miles distant by railroad where close con-
nection was made with the Eastern Express,
and arrived in Baltimore at o'clock, Tues
day evening. This city, which had been in
q state of turbulence for some days, was then
quiet. The stars and stripes were flying
everywhere, and to the eyes of stranger
there was not more patriotic city in the
Union. But there is still q strong under
current of disloyalty in Baltimore, which only
waits favorable opportunity to manifest 1t.
SELF I would like to speak Of the fine ap-
pcarance of this city, its noble monuments,
and many other features of interest to the
traveller, but the limits of this letter will not
permit.
After stopping over night at Baltimore, l
arrived in this "City of Magnificent Dis
tances" at nine o'clock Yesterday morning.
Calling on our townsman, Mr.. j. o. Wilson,
at his office in the splendid marble structure
devoted to the use of the Post Office Depart
ment, found him busily engaged at his
desk. 1t is hardly necessary to assure those
who know Mr.. Wilson's business habits, that
he has the reputation of being one of the most
systematic, correct and expeditions clerks in
the Department. At his desk is transacted
all the business concerning appointments of
postmasters in the State of New York, and
recently he has charge also Of all such busi-
ness in New Jersey. A short time since
First Assistant Postmaster Gen. Kasson,
without the knowledge or solicitation OF Mr..
Wilson, raised the grade of his office and in
creased his salary to $1,000 per year.
At IL o'clock, Mr.. Wilson having arranged
his business for few hours absence, We re-
paired to the galleries of the Senate and
House, where / had, for the first time, the
privilege of seeing many of the notables in
Congress. During our visit to the Senate.
Gen. Sigel made his appearance, in company
with Senator Grimes, of Iowa, and was in
troduced, in the lobby, to number Of Sena-
tors, from whom he appeared to receive cor
dial greeting. The General has an Indifferent
appearance, but his generalship is praised by
everybody. He is here to report himself
ready for duty, and will be assigned some i'm.
portant commanded once.
The Iowa delegation at Washington is one
Of which our State may we'll feel proud. In
the Senate, Grimes and Harlan stand high
Mr. Grimes position, as chairman Of the Ma
val Committee, has brought his superior
abilities to light, and made him one of the
most prominent and influential men in that
body. Mr.. Harlan's opinion is also regarded
with great respect, and his influence is felt in
every measure on which he exercises it. Mr.
Wilson, our only Representative, at present
on the floor of the House, has already wor
the reputation of clear headed business man
and able statesman. Mr.. Kasson, First As
sistant P. NJ. General, continues to be re-
garded as the very model of a Federal officer
His uniform courtesy and ready dispatch Of
business admirably adapt him for the arduous
duties of his position. Old clerks in the
Post Office Department say his office has moi
been so ably filled before for thirty years.
The other Iowans at Washington, among
whom may be mentioned Wilson of Musca.
tine, Ingersoll of johnson, jackson of Louisa
Page Of Linn, and Boyd of Marion, arc gen.
tlemen of worth and character, whose citizen.
ship is az homer to any State.
will leave at noon to-day for New York,
from whence may write again if have an
opportunity. j. NJ.
fYg The rebel Com. TatnaI's official re-
port to the rebel Secretary of the Navy on the