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202 SAMUEL. ROYAL THURSTON

safety. At length the half fell over so far that the floor became like the roof of a house, so that it was dangerous to stand thereon. At length a little pause ensued, and I sprang from the side of the falling half to the other, and it seemed that others were doing the same. But as we were passing the chasm from the falling to the standing side, it seemed that some persons were leaving the standing and going to the fall- ing side. It seemed, as I have said, that those who were un- dermining the half that fell over were in that half to work, and that they were continually knocking away the basement, until the half they were in fell over. As I got across into the standing side of the Capitol, I was so grieved to see the edifice thus mutilated, that I awoke amidst the greatest anxiety. And as soon as I awoke, the dream seemed to be a foreshad- owing of the dissolution of the Union, and so wrought upon was I that I had no more quiet sleep for the night. May God grant that the wretches who shall attempt to knock out the basements from under this nation or from under any part of it, may be crushed with the ruins if it falls.

July 5, 1850 Time spent about as usual.

July 6, 1850 This day I found that Ewing had withdrawn the name of Elias Wampole as Indian agent and had got nominated a single man by the name of Saunders in New Jer- sey. This was a most mean act, for Wampole had been nomi- nated once, and was sent home on the assurance that he would be, sold part of his property to get ready, and is now disap- pointed. Spent the balance of the day as usual.

July 7, 1850 This day was Sunday and I wrote quite a number of letters to Oregon and read considerable on the His- tory of the Mexican War. Went to bed at 10 P. M.

July 28, 1850 Here all this time I have been so busy and sick that I have neglected to record. I now renew. I have learned the interpretation of my dream it was the death of Taylor. This day wrote to wife, letters of introduction to Bush, letters to Blain, and sundry other work. Am quite unwell. Franked quite a number of papers, received a letter from Nathl. Knight and one from J. A. Bolles, Boston. Sent