“This morning I saw that our efforts are noticed in _The World_ and _The Tribune_. You have seen, I suppose, that we have been mentioned several times in _The Times_. This is particularly satisfying as the papers threatened once to be down on us, which would lose for us the confidence of the soldiers.” The letters all give vivid accounts of his experiences, differing in interest. He speaks of General Wadsworth, the grandfather of our present United States senator, and says that the general “helped to make my bed when I spent one night with his division.” In an interim of work, on February 7, he writes of his invitation to Mrs. Lincoln’s ball, at which he says he had a delightful time. “Mrs. Lincoln in giving the Ball, stated that she gave it as a piece of economy in war time, and included those diplomats, senators, congressmen and others, that it had been previously the habit to invite at a number of formal dinners. No one lower in the army than the Division General,--not even a Brigadier, had an invitation to the Ball, and of course there was much grumbling and a proportionate amount of envy. Some complained of the supper, but I have rarely seen a better, and often a worse one. Terrapin, birds, ducks, and everything else in great profusion when I was in the dining room, although some complained of the delay in getting into the room, as we went in parties. “I spent all of yesterday kicking my heels in the ante-room of the Secretary of War, and in making out an order for him which he promised to sign and afterwards refused. [How history repeats itself!] I was with him about two hours, altogether, and received any number of the highest kind of compliments, but I wanted a more important proof of his good feeling which I did not get. I still hope that I may get it through the President.” On February 12, 1862, comes this description of the delightful visit to Newport News and he says: “All the officers received us in such a hospitable spirit and the weather assisted in making our stay agreeable. I passed two of the pleasantest days that I have enjoyed when away from home. General Mansfield suggested some practice with the parrot gun, and one of those sad accidents occurred, for a gun burst and two men were killed. “We have been treated like princes here. The steamboat was put at our disposal and when, through a misunderstanding, it left before we were on board, another one was immediately sent with us. I enclose several things to keep for me.” Amongst the enclosures was a note which is sufficiently interesting to give in facsimile. EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON MR. ROSEVALT. _Dear Sir_: I very much regretted that a severe headache confined me to my room on yesterday, this morning I find we are expected to hold a noon reception which will be over by three and a half o’clock at which time I will be very happy to have you ride with us. Very truly yours MRS. A. LINCOLN.