Grand Review and Touring D.C.

Cp of the 89^th OVI Near Washington D.C. 
May 27^th, 1865
Dear Mary

Once more I attempt to drop you a few lines to let you know that I am well and that we are in Cp near Washington at this time. When I wrote to you last we were in Cp in Virginia near Alexandria.  Some important events have transpired since that time.  On the night of the 23d after I was in bed I was not a little surprised to hear Martin in camp inquiring for me.  I recognized his voice as soon as I heard him.  He stayed with me all night and returned to Washington early the next morning.  That same day we were reviewed in the city of Washington by the President, Secretary Stanton, Gen Grant and Sherman.

There was a great many spectators present and they appeared to enjoy it well.  Much better than we did for I assure you it was not very pleasant for us to march about 20 mls through dust and heat merely to be a show for comfortably situated spectators.  The next day, the 25^th, we moved up across the River and about 2 mls from Washington on the Baltimore R.R.  Yesterday, the 26^th, I went the City to see Martin but when I found his boarding home to my disappointment I found that he was gone to Alexandria.  It was a very raining bad day but I passed time very interesting.  I visited the capitol and went all through it.  I visited the Smithsonian Institute and from the Smithsonian Institute I went to the President’s Mansion and then to the Patent Office.  I went through a portion of the Patent Office until I got tired walking and looking and left without seeing one forth of what was to be seen and returned to Cp.  It rained all day and all night and has been raining up to this time.

Noon today.

I received your letter of the 20^th yesterday.  I also got a letter from Maggy dated the 18^th.  I think I have got all the letters you have written.  I also got the envelopes you sent.  Tell Maggy that she must not expect me to answer her letter as I hope to be at home before another mo when I can tell it all.  

Just how long we will remain here I cannot tell.  But I think they are doing all they can to get us mustered out and sent home as soon as possible but it may be a month yet before I see home.  But they cannot send me too soon to suit me as the war is over and there is nothing more for us to do and I am more anxious to get home than I ever was before.  It looks to me now too much like idling away time.  Dear one, I close as ever your affectionate husband.

Jacob Shively

P.S.  If you write to me again direct it to Martin as I may leave here before I get it.