Year: 1861

WASHINGTON, D. C.,


August Z, 1861.


Well, Congress has adjourned, and quiet
reigns once more at the Capital. The
"nOise and confusion" of Washington du-
ring the next four months must emanaie
from the other end of Pennsylvania Ave
nue.. think the verdict of the country
will be that Lords and Commons have
worked faithfully and Well-esch of us of
course would have changed some particular
thing; would have added to or perhaps
taken from some bills passed; but as q
whole, the loyal citizens Of the country
have no right to complain. The majority
of members came here to do their duty and
their whole duty; they have worked hard
and I think faithfully they have given
Government officers all asked for, while by
resolution and committees they have told
them that they are expected to make good
use Of the means given them, and render
to the country an honest and faithful ac-
count of their stewardship. 1t is true that
some few have shown q personal feeling
in their actions in the House not in accord
ance with true spirit Of patriotism. These
constituted the two extremes; one class
were for doing nothing, but giving every
thing to the rebels, having, like James the
Imbecile, an intense fear that the Consti-
JuUfUEs -s'sS svi-5 -A0 zinlatad The other
class represented the other extreme, end
we're for pitching in and a1laying smash
generally. Fortunately neither wing could
do harm further than in occupying time, as
the great majority came here to work, and
with an honest purpose to assist in carry
ing forward the great interests Of the coun.
try in this her most trying hour. The his
tory Of the country will not show as much
work done, and we'll done, by any one ses-
sion of Congress since the formation of our
Government as has been done during the
last thirty days. Yesterdays business was
of little interest, as it was kind Of finish
ing UP Of the work of the session. There
was scarcely quorum in either House,
and on the adjournment at half past twelve
! members hurried out to enable them to take
the evening train for the North, as the ex-
treme heat of the last week has made all
anxious to find cooler atmosphere than
Washington furnishes in August.


In military matters all is quiet. Since
the battle of Bull Run q new plan is being
made the order Of the day. The old plan
required only Infantry, while the new plan
depends almost wholly on Artillery and
Cavalry. We shall probably, within sixty
days, learn which plan works best in put
| ting down this rebellion. That We shall
need ell our strength and patience is pretty
certain. The news from Missouri assures
us that the enemy is numerous and power
fuI-they will destroy this government ol
be destroyed themselves. All can now SCI
that the question before the people Of th'
free North is, whether Freedom or Slavery
shall Be in the ascendant, for the one o.
the other must go to the wall The ques
ton must now be settled, whether the pre-
dominant influence in this country shall
be Freedom or Slsvery-a government o
the people or military despotism. TIL
men of to-day must settle this question TO
their posterity, for Christianity and re



fined civilization.


The adjournment of Congress and tn
present secresy Of all military movements
will leave little material from which &
gather news that will interest your read
ers further than such as you will receiv
by telegraph.


IT, during the last month, have fur
! nished your readers anything Of interes
to them, they are welcome to it, and if the


would like to gossip with me occssicnall
| hereafter, perhaps we will continue th
acquaintance In this your works mus
( decide. l knew but little of your city
: your section Of country, or the taste Of you
, readers, and they know less Of me person
| ally. 1 will, however, say to them that
intend to tell the truth, and call things b
, their right names. In doing this sha
: say many things that may not please then
( W.