211
from George Edwards describing the new pier
in process of construction at Hilton Head, under
his superintendence. Gave it Maverick for pub-
lication. (By the way, both the N. Y. Times and
the Post endorsed the Herald�s swindling propo-
sition � not a New York newspaper condemned
it.) Drizzle, sleet, mud and street excite-
ment. Saw Brightly at Crook and Duff�s.
At F. Leslie�s: heard that Bellew was there,
but didn�t see him. Up town. An afternoon�s
loafing over the English newspapers. Edge up,
rampant and deafening on the subject of the
success of the Federal side. Dinner. Edge
stayed till about 10; Watson and Boweryem
present part of the time. An hour�s quiet
scribbling when I was rid of them, with the
fire burning brightly and the sleet patterning
at the windows. Mary Anne�s boy may
have been in this fight, but I find no mention
of his regiment in the papers. If so, God
grant that the lad�s safe.
18. Tuesday. Finished Budget rot. To
Bellew�s with it by 5. P. M. Found him
dozy by the fire, read it to him at his re-
quest when he pronounced it �first rate� and
incontinently fell fast asleep. Returned, per
car to dinner. With Cahill to Clinton Hall,