Mary Elizabeth Wilson Sherwood

“ Equipages dashed out in foreign liveries; women dressed superbly; palaces began to go up into the air; New York looked as if she had inherited the wealth of the Indies; and so she had — on paper.
Pay-day came somewhat later on, and has recurred frequently since. But the way these two armies melted immediately into good citizens, how they took up the plough and the hoe — that is the strangest and the most inexplicable fact of all.
During the years after the war, and when General Grant had become President, I made many visits to Washington ”

“ I went to the great ball at the White House given by Mr. Lincoln to General McClellan. There were five thousand people at this ball, and ten thousand outside disappointed. All the upper grades of the army and navy, the diplomatic corps, the distinguished members of the two Houses, the Supreme Court, the cabinet, foreigners of rank, and that class of persons who, having none of these claims, are, by some subtle magnetism, among those who are always invited everywhere — all these were there.
The two French princes were, of course, most conspicuous and honored. ”

“ The thinking bayonets, the men fighting for an idea with no idea of conquest, nothing to gain, facing frightful loss, probable death — such men had different faces from the ordinary soldier. As one heard them chanting their hymns to the accompaniment of iron heels and clanking bayonets there was an expression so lofty, so touching, that no one who has heard it will ever forget. ”

“ Washington society has always demanded less and given more than any society in this country — demanded less of applause, deference, etiquette, and has accepted as current coin quick wit, appreciative tact, and a talent for talking. ”

“ Through many such a maze was the plain, honest, incorruptible soul of General McClellan bound to travel until it met relief in action. The plans of the army, however carefully prepared, however secretly conceived, became known to the enemy before they were known to the President. There were traitors in the most secret council-chambers. Generals, senators, and secretaries looked at each other with suspicious eyes. At length a woman discovered one traitor, and thus another was unmasked ”

“ Washington grew like a gourd in the night, and was then fast becoming what it is now, the most beautiful of cities.
Sir Edward Thornton was the English Minister; the Hon. Hamilton Fish was Secretary of State, and his dear accomplished wife was filling her place as it has seldom been filled. ”

“ People were only half sane. They went to the theatre madly, worked seven hours a day at the Sanitary Commission, and then danced all night. Young fops went off to the war and became wonderful soldiers. "The puppies fight well." Leaders of the german became good leaders of men, and one of the best drill-master generals had been a dancing-master. ”