Here I am in the same office, at the same desk, writing to you again—though the interval I know has been too long—but I will try not to let so long a time elapse in future.
There is not much difference with me, in any respect—I have been, & am quite well, considering—though I have had trouble from a cold during the winter & spring—My situation in the office continues the same—The new Attorney General, Mr. Hoar, treats me very kindly—He is from Concord, Mass. & is personally intimate with Emerson. Washington has been swarming with office-seekers—about half of whom have left—thousands in disgust—it is quite a curiosity to see them around the Departments, in the hotels, and at the White House & Capitol—
The O'Connors are well as usual—William is still in the Treasury Dept —I spent last Sunday evening with them, at their house—
I am still boarding at the same place—I expect to bring out the final edition of my book the ensuing summer—stereotyped—(positively last appearance for the season &c) as the play bills say—
Abby, I have been waiting till I felt in the mood to write a long, good [inter]esting letter to you [all?]—but it's no use waiting—so I write this. Don't be mad at me because I have been so negligent—You all have my love & "best respects" to boot—how I should like just to come in & spend the afternoon & evening with you—& Helen & Emily—& then have a good bouncing argument with Mr. Arnold, about finances, patriotism, &c &c—What do you think of Grant—his doings—especially some of his diplomatic appointments—Washburn, for instance?
Good bye, dear friends—Love to you all. Walt.