Norton, Levi W., fl. 1861-1862 to wife

Meeting a man named Church at 9AM; Church promised to be his tour guide for the day. They went to the Smithsonian Museum. Saw so many things that it would be impossible to even attempt to describe them all. Saw the coat, pants, and gloves that John Franklin, the British Royal Navy officer and Arctic explorer, wore on one of his expeditions to the Arctic region. One room is devoted to paintings and sculptures, and another room is a gallery of Indian paintings and portraits. Went for dinner at a restaurant and Church suggested they go to Alexandria if it is not too late. Greatly wanted to see George, so they started the journey to Alexandria at once. Walked about a mile and a half to the boat, paid a quarter, and arrived in Alexandria half an hour later. Soon found some men from the 94 Regiment, which George belongs to. Sees George, marches over to him, and extends his hand, without speaking. George shakes Norton's hand and continues to look at Norton. Norton asks George, "don't you know me?" George sings out, "Levi Norton," and slaps Norton on the shoulder; they are very glad to see each other. Went to a hotel to sit and have a long talk; George said that he has no money. He gave George some postage stamps and money. Thinks that George wishes he was at home. Although George may abuse the gift, Norton could not bear to leave without giving him something. Sunday at noon he went to the church where the Reverend Dr Morsell preaches. As he approached the church, a boy of 15 or 16 asked him if he is a chaplain. Norton replied yes, and the boy asked Norton if he is an Episcopal clergyman. Norton also answered yes to that question. The boy told Norton to come with him because his father would like to see Norton. Norton was introduced to Dr Morsell, who wanted to know if Norton had a sermon. Colonel Taylor and his daughter, whom Norton met at Camp Caldwell, were at the church. Dr Morsell gave a very good sermon; it reminded Norton of going to the Old Church in Richfield with his mother. Dr Morsell is planning to take everybody to Trinity Church in the evening. Colonel Taylor met with Dr Morsell to discuss his situation. Colonel Taylor had about 20 slaves and "when he heard of this bill [probably the Emancipation Proclamation] he called them up and told them about it and that it would probably be passed and that he would give them notice of it. He did so and while they said they would not leave him, he now has only one old man left." Will send for his wife by telegraph and will meet her in New York or Jersey City. Writes that tomorrow is the last day of the month so he hopes to know his status and future very soon. Wants to get his payment and then come home immediately. Asks his wife to tell George that he will "try hard to get the seeds he speaks of but cannot promise of a certainty." Writes that the news from the Siege of New Orleans (April 25 - May 1, 1862) is very good. Concludes his letter by stating his love for his wife and children.