The White House
January 20, 1865
A month or so ago, I wrote General Grant on behalf of Robert. Now that Robert has graduated from Harvard, he insists on joining the army. I agree. Grant has replied and has given him a captain’s commission, and he is to become a member of Grant’s personal staff. Robert has not written me; perhaps he had learned of his mother’s parental concern and has included me as an obstructionist. Now he is less likely to be bayoneted or blown to shreds while on the General’s staff.
Another of Mary’s brothers has been killed in action. Her fears for Robert are understandable.
I must impress her that fewer White House levees are in order. I realize it was proper to honor Prince Napoleon but there are few such obligations. I shun ostentation. We have no right to ostentation these war times. That money that goes into ostentation can go into blankets for the soldiers.
A calm evening
Late
“Devoutly to be wished”...to have a woman, enjoy her physically; yet preserve essential private values.
A helpmeet, yes, but it has been my misfortune to never encounter such a woman who was also a woman.