By Elaine Grublin

The following excerpt is from the diary of Stephen Greenleaf Bulfinch.

Jan. 2d. 1864

In regard to public events, the year has witnessed many calamities, through the rage of civil war; but God has sustained us, and it now seems as if the end, – and a righteous and permanent end, – was nigh. May He grant its speedy attainment!