The city is essentially under martial law, the whole of its military force having been since yesterday afternoon waiting orders at the armories, ready to march with ammunition and rations. But that is all. You see the uniformed men at the windows in passing and a small crowd of boys and tramps looking at them and nothing else, the streets being a little quieter than usual and no excitement apparent.

Dr Elliott called last night and had evidently been among people who were a little panicked. He thought the boys safer at Harrisburg than here and apparently came to induce me to telegraph Owen to stay there but agreed that Phoenixville would be better still, and I advised Owen accordingly.

I see that our neighbors are a little excited tonight and think we may have mobs tomorrow. Mr Carey is spending the night at the 7th Regt Armory, serving as a substitute, being himself an ex-member.

I have no fear, the precautions taken being I think adequate. However, after Dr Elliott left last night I doubled the sentries and directed the armorer to load the individual mountain howitzers.

He, (John) went off early this morning to Brooklyn & staid late, returning less tired than usual, though he says he walked all over the park.

We have heard nothing from Owen since yesterday morning. There was a little row at Harrisburg late last night very promptly and neatly put down by the citizens. In fact Harrisburg has behaved better than any other town.

The sultry weather continues.