Morse discusses his attempt to mail letters to his mother through the postal blockade. He describes that he arrived there in Long Island after hearing of Uncle John's sickness, helping nurse him. Uncle John's feet, legs, and stomach were swollen by dropsy. Morse states that public opinion is changing and capitalists are failing. If war continues, a merchant from New York said that every man in New York would be called in, banks were drained. Even those who wanted to 'crush' poor Southerners are realizing the price and are preparing to "imitate the action of the crawfish." The Peace party is gaining strength. Morse knows several people entering the Legislative Hall: Benjamin Wood (New York), Fallindigham (Ohio), May (Maryland), Bayard (Delaware). Morse thinks the war will end October 1st with the establishment of a Southern Republic, which is a desirable end to him, to teach the Federalists the lesson Napoleon learned at a cost in Russia. Morse thinks the Lincoln administration commit daily constitutional violations, and doubts Lincoln will serve all 4 years as president.

Morse's location: Long Island, New York.