Wednesday, Feb. 12

Dr. Hart came down on the morning train and extracted Kate's teeth.  The papers are full of comments on the recent grand party at the President's mansion.  It does seem strange that Mrs. Lincoln should think the present a suitable time for festivities.  Merry making in the midst of a national calamity is out of place.  Hundreds of thousands of families are today in a state of agonizing anxiety, not knowing what hour will bring to them intelligence of the death of some loved one whose life has been given an offering to his country.  Mrs. Lincoln evidently lacks good common sense.  It is ridiculous for a woman of her age, training and profession to attempt to be a leader of fashion.  If she had pursued an unobtrusive and dignified course she would have commanded much more respect at home and abroad.