Burlington, Vt., August 21, 1885. I have had a very pleasant visit with a number of my friends and relatives in Massachusetts and New York. I am now the guest of Governor Woodbury and family, who are entertaining us by driving through the country, showing us everything to be seen around Burlington. The Governor drove us to Dr. Webb's place, Mr. Vanderbilt's son-in-law, who has one of the most attractive country seats in the United States.

September 22, 1885. Spent last evening with Judge Carter, who has authorized me to sell his house for $30,000.

October 29, 1885.

Mr. Levi P. Morton has authorized me to try and purchase the whole block on H street between Vermont avenue, Fifteenth and

Senator McPherson, with Mr. and Mrs. McCarey, went through the house again. He advanced his offer to $75,000 cash, but the Senator declined and went back to New Jersey.

November 12, 1885.

Mr. McCrarey made his final offer of $76,000, which I telegraphed Senator McPherson, but he declined. I then took Mr. McCrarey to see Colonel Ingersoll's house on K street, which I offered for $50,000, with horses and carriages. He was very much pleased with the house, and not needing horses and carriages, made an offer of $45,000 cash, which I telegraphed to Colonel Ingersoll, and he accepted.

Gen. M. A. Reno:

Washington, D. C., November 25, 1885.

Dear Sir-Having been informed that you were a member of the court which tried Captain Lauffer some years ago in New

Mexico, I desire to know whether Maj. Lewis Merrill was the Judge-Advocate, and the particulars as to how he conducted the case and any facts as to his character and reputation as an officer and gentleman.

Yours truly,

Maj. G. A. Armes:

Washington, D. C., November 25, 1885.

Dear Sir-I was a member of the court-martial in Santa Fe, N. M., and of which Maj. Lewis Merrill, Seventh Cavalry, was JudgeAdvocate, and which tried Captain Lauffer, A. Q. M., on charges preferred at the headquarters, Department of Missouri. During the session of the court I called its attention to the fact that the prosecution was not being prosecuted with energy, and that documentary evidence in the case was suppressed by Major Merrill, Judge-Advocate. Being unable at the time to substantiate my charges, no action was taken by the court. I afterwards, and when too late for action, was informed that Captain Lauffer had paid to Merrill several hundred dollars to secure his acquittal. This I could have proven by documentary and parole evidence. Major Merrill was never a gentleman, and is a notorious coward and shirk.

Hoping that my letter conveys to you the desired information, I am, etc.,

Mr. Morton came over last evening with Justice Carter and closed the transaction for his house for $25,000, allowing him a free rental of it for one year before taking possession.

December 23, 1885.

Met General Strong last evening, who went over my long list of property. Mr. Moses gave me 28,000 feet of ground to sell today at $30,000.

December 29, 1885.

Had quite an interview with Dr. Vanreypin (now SurgeonGeneral of the Navy) last evening about a lot next door to him. Mr. Post of Wyoming Territory wishes to purchase. Congressman Post is a very popular gentleman, and owns one of the largest ranches and stock farms in Wyoming.

CHAPTER XXIV.

January 1, 1886.

I reported at the War Department and marched with the rest of the Army officers in full-dress uniform to the President's house, General Sheridan leading. We remained in the East Room after shaking hands with the President, meeting many friends whom I had not seen for over twenty years.

Had a very pleasant interview with President Cleveland this afternoon.

January 8, 1886.

Mr. William Walter Phelps authorized me today to sell his square near Dupont Circle for $125,000. Called on AttorneyGeneral Garland and Colonel Lamont in relation to Major Merrill.

January 23, 1886.

Closed the sale of Sixteenth and L streets lot to Gen. Henry Strong. He will remain in Washington and build, instead of going to Florida this winter.

January 25, 1886.

Met General Strong at 9 o'clock A. M. at Mr. Warder's office, who ordered the deed made out for L street lot.

February 9, 1886.

Met Colonel Carpenter at the Ebbitt last evening, whom I had not seen for fifteen years. He pretended to be a very true friend, and seemed glad to see me. General Hancock died at 2.50 this P. M. His death was quite a sudden shock to me. I had parted from him at Wormley's Hotel a few evenings since. I shall not forget the circumstances of his coming into the hotel with the blood running down his neck. I pulled his silk handkerchief out of his coat pocket and tied it around his neck to keep the blood from running down his shirt, when he remarked, "Oh, Mr. Armes, that is nothing; it is just a little lancing of a carbuncle." While walking with him to the carriage to bid him good-bye I suggested that he be very careful and not catch cold, when some gentleman friend who was with him remarked that the General was too old a soldier to pay any attention to a little scratch of that kind. It turned out very seriously, as he caught cold, from which he died.

The following is from my friend, the celebrated and famous engineer, Capt. L. T. Eads:

A. E. Touzalin, Esq.,

Washington, D. C., February 10, 1886.

President C., B. & N. Ry.:

Dear Sir-This will introduce to you Maj. Geo. A. Armes of this city, who wishes to see you in reference to introducing an improved stock car on your road.

(From Washington Star, February 16, 1886.)
NOMINATIONS WITHDRAWN.

The Army Promotions Owing to the Retirement of Colonel

Hatch.

The following Army nominations, made on the 8th inst., have been withdrawn by the President: Lieut.-Col. Nelson B. Sweitzer to be Colonel; Maj. Lewis Merrill to be Lieutenant-Colonel; Capt. Edward J. Spaulding to be Major; First Lieut. Colon Auhur to be Captain, and Second Lieut. Alonzo L. O'Brien to be First Lieutenant. The action of the President in withdrawing the nominations of Army officers for promotion, owing to the retirement of Colonel Hatch, Eighth Cavalry, practically settles a very important question in military promotions. The President in effect maintains that an officer who has been found incapacitated for active service, though not yet retired, is not competent to fill a higher position than the one for which the question hinged, which was that of Major Lewis Merrill of the Seventh Cavalry, to be Lieutenant-Colonel of the Eighth Cavalry, to succeed Lieut.-Col.