Julia Wilbur

[RJNorton]

I really enjoyed reading the excerpts from Julia Wilbur's diaries in the April Surratt Courier. It's like a "you are there" experience to read her thoughts, observations, etc. She is a wonderful writer. She was in the "vast throng" at the March 4th inauguration and could only hear the President say, "The progress of our arms" and "with high hopes for the future." She describes the Illumination of April 4 and says "the War Dept. exceeded everything else." She walked by Seward's home and writes, "every window was occupied with a flag just the size of the window & with brilliantly lighted rooms the effect was very beautiful."

Very interesting reading.