Pleasant. Business at the bank, rode to my farm to inspect the new seeding. Home early in the evening to do some writing. Agreeable to the solicitation of Doctor Wilson, an artist, I sat for my portrait. He noticed some of my landscape work, which he commended. I suppose my work would improve with practice, but it is now too late in life to hope for much proficiency. Some cavalry here this evening, to secure horses for Gen. McClelland's command. They hope to find two hundred by tomorrow evening. I fear Lincoln is a tool in the hands of the Abolitionists. We need a man of Jackson's iron will in our present emergency to hold our National Government together.