I preached in Rev.Frederick Hinckley's church the previous Sunday afternoon.
From Providence I hurried home, to meet my son Theodore and his bride, who had just landed from France.

We decorated our house and grounds with Chinese lanterns and national flags for their reception.

As we had not time to send to New York for bunting, our flags--French and American--were all made of bright red and blue cambric.

The effect was fine when they arrived; but, unfortunately, there came up a heavy thunderstorm in the night and so drenched our beautiful flags that they became colorless rags.

My little maid announced to me early in the morning that "the French and Americans had had a great battle during the night and that the piazza was covered with blood." This was startling news to one just awakening from a sound sleep.