Washington July 17 1863 Baker Dear Friends You have probably heard of the disgraceful Copperhead mob in N.Y. We are all very sorry for your family but are comforted to hear that some things were saved and to know that the city must in the end pay all your damage as far as money can pay. Sinclair [underlined] it seems [/underlined] was served in the same way, I hope John escaped. We have glorious news from our armies only dampened by the rebellion in N York. For the poor colored people my heart is sick. Mr [Leniard?] says “there will be a vacation and colored people will have more friends than ever” - perhaps is. Our contrabands are doing pretty well now - they were farming on the Arlington place but the army of Lee came a little too near to be safe so many have been with [drawer?] nearer to the river, We had a splendid estate alotted to us from Asylum, But it is not so successful as it should be. Breeds & others conflict too much. I wish you could stop how a few days on your way home when you go. We all send sympathy & love Yours [George E Baker]