.NDM5.Mzc0Ng

� 46 February 22. Washington's Birthday Camp Franklin, Va.

At 11 ok a.m. today there was a regimental formation and certain exercises prescribed by Genl Orders No. 16 from HeadQuarters. I, being Adjutant pro. tem, had to read the extracts from Washington's Farewell Address. It was an exceedingly pleasant task. At the same time probably similar exercises were going on at the head of hundreds of regiments throughout the country. All is rejoicing everywhere -- except at the White House. There one Chief Magistrate sorrow stricken at the untimely death of his little son can only in part feel the happiness which thrills the land.