Milder—I had my customary attendance of applicants for office, but I perceived a difference in this, that they did not bring in so many petitions. The effect was very materially to reduce the amount of my subsequent work. I was by this means enabled to despatch all this sort of business with the Departments by night time. I expected to receive some intelligence from Washington but was again disappointed. I think I must start for that place on Monday at farthest. The crowd of things to be done before I can leave is appalling. And the transfer feels like pulling up an oak by the roots.