Washington City
Feb 14 1867
Mary,
I believe I am at present the oldest
debtor to you for a letter. Tell Harriet I have
recd. hers (without date) and was much pleased
with its domestic character and presume the
children have before now recovered of the
colds which were then upon them.
The weather, which so mild at my
last writing, has again become cold and we
have had several days quite cold but no snow.
The city is now quite full of people, most
of who are here to obtain military appointments
in the new regiments to be raised. Among
others Gen. Ransom has been here after the
appointment of Col. Whether he will succeed
I know not but think he might if he could
succeed in raising a regiment.
Dr. Childs or Gov. Childs is here for the
appointment of his son as Assistant Surgeon
in Col. Cushings Regt. of Massachusetts Volunteers
and he succeeds.
Dr. Clark is here and has spent the evening
in my room. He has been out west and is
on his way home and will be in Woodstock
before I can leave here. He has been here
several days and had opportunity to attend
the last levee of the season at the white house.
As he is associating with the democracy he
can tell you as to their parties &c.
We are at this moment in a state
of great political commotion, as the Calhoun
branch of the democratic party is considered as
being severed from the body, and there is
great confusion in the ranks, but I presume
Mr. Polk will make peace with the
more by agreeing to the river and harbor bill
and so get along without the Calhoun men.
This I write for Mr. Johnson and William.
As I left here last session before it closed
I must not his session until the 4th of
March, although I am desirous of being present
at the session of the Supreme Court, but I intend,
if well, to reach home so as to attend the second
week of the court.
Tell William to write me whether
the stage rang to meet the rail road at
Franklin every day and what time of night
it actually reaches Woodstock.
As we approach the close of the session
and business crowds us my mind becomes fully
occupied with it, but endeavor not to let
it worry me; and I think myself quite as well
as at the commencement of the session if
not better.
I am sorry to trouble you so much
in my letters about myself but I have no one
else here to write about as the objects of my
earthly care and affection are all with you
and I hope well and happy under the care
of a kind Providence.
Good night and my
love to you all, in both houses
Your Father
J. Collamer