When the troubles of 1860-61 rose I was literally doing "a land-office business," with money galore and to spare.

Somehow, I don't know how, I contrived to spend it, though I had no vices, and worked like a hired man upon my literary hopes and newspaper obligations.
Life in Washington under these conditions was delightful.

I did not know how my heart was wrapped up in it until I had to part from it.

My father stood high in public esteem.

My mother was a leader in society.