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67 The houses of the wealthy chicaliers fell a prey to the "Vandal foe." And truly the rebel papers were not far from right when they characterised us as Vandals. But they were as great barbarians as we and consequently had no right to complain. Books of every description were found and duly scattered some were carried off in triumph by the lucky captors but others were wantonly torn and trampled under foot by men who could no more appreciate the value of a book that could the cock that of the jewel which he found in the dunghill. For my part I secured a copy of "Campbels Pleasure of Hope" and a small "History of Rome." And Decker saved an abridgement of Blairs Lectures which he presented to me for a "New Years Gift." Fine musical instruments shared the fate of the literature. A piano worth $500 was wantonly beat with the butt of a soldier's musket. Whiskey, wine, ale, beer, and brandy, being plenty men were soon drunk, find silk dresses being plenty men were soon dressed for the "ball." As violins were cheap we had no lack of music. And when our disguised ladies were ready the sets were formed the midnight rebel[revel?] begun, Ladies and gentleman musicians and waitors[?] alike were drunk. "Honors all!" and the dance begins. O! mortal man! Why art thou so nearly allied to demons? Why at this sacred hour when all nature is sleeping? Why when honesty deems it right to rest wilt thou act like a fiend, witch, ghoust, or ghoul at this sacred hour with more than hellish revelry. I could always dead the disturbance of the night. That time when even the lower animals become quiet, except