; but Dr.
Reed's (Presbyterian) was in ruins. The leaping and lapping flames were
roaring in Main Street up to Ninth; and Goddin's Building (late General
Post-Office) was on fire, as well as all the houses in Governor Street
up to Franklin.

The grass of Capitol Square is covered with parcels of goods snatched
from the raging conflagration, and each parcel guarded by a Federal
soldier.

A general officer rode up and asked me what building that was--pointing
to the old stone United States Custom House--late Treasury and State
Departments, also the President's office. He said, "Then it is
fire-proof, and the fire will be arrested in this direction." He said he
was sorry to behold such destruction; and regretted that there was not
an adequate supply of engines and other apparatus.

Shells are still bursting in the ashes of the armory, etc.

All the stores are closed; most of the largest (in Main Street) have
been burned.

There are supposed to be 10,000 negro troops at Camp Lee, west of my
dwelling.

An officer told me, 3 P.M., that a white brigade will picket the city
to-night; and he assured the ladies standing near that there would not
be a particle of danger of molestation. After 9 P.M., all will be
required to remain in their houses. Soldiers or citizens, after that
hour, will be arrested. He said we had done ourselves great injury by
the fire, the lower part of the city being in ashes, and declared that
the United States troops had no hand in it. I acquitted them of the
deed, and told him that the fire had spread from the tobacco warehouses
and military depots, fired by our troops as a military necessity.

Four P.M. Thirty-four guns announced the arrival of President Lincoln.
He flitted through the mass of human beings in Capitol Square, his
carriage drawn by four horses, preceded by out-riders, motioning the
people, etc. out of the way, and followed by a mounted guard of thirty.
The cortege passed rapidly, precisely as I had seen royal parties ride
in Europe.

APRIL 4TH.--Another bright and beautiful day.

I walked around the burnt district this morning. Some seven hundred
houses, from Main Street to the canal, comprising the most valuable
stores, and the best business establishments, were consumed. All the
bridges across the James were destroyed, the work being done
effectually. Shells were placed in all the warehouses where the tobacco
was stored, to prevent the saving of any.

The War Department was