Following the American Civil War Sesquicentennial with day by day writings of the time, currently 1863.

Post image for Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft.

February 8, 2013

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

Washington Sunday Feb’y 8th 1863.

A most delightful bright and warm day but wet and muddy crossings. I attended divine service at the Capitol again this morning, heard Dr Stockton. He was not as tedious as usual. There was a very good congregation present, a large portion Strangers. They go to the Capitol for the novelty of the thing. An elegant piece of Sculpture, a full length life size Washington in beautiful marble, stands fronting Leutzes picture of the Emigrants. It is by Powers and as a work of art it seems could hardly be excelled. The chiseling is most exquisite. Went up to the “Stone Hospital” again today after dinner. Robert White who I saw last Sunday has had his foot taken off just above the ancle. He appears to be doing well. Another NY Soldier, Rufus Chandler from Livingston Co. NY, with whom I talked that day some time died the next day. Rogers from Conn. 27th Regt, a Student at Yale, was in the fight at Fredericksburgh, got hit four times by bullets, twice wounded severely and twice slightly. I was there about two hours talking with the “boys.” I walked up there and back making a walk of near six miles altogether today. Met Edd Dickerson this morning. Alex Tower is still a prisoner in Richmond but will be back soon as arrangements have been made for the Exchange of the Sutlers. I have been over to Charleys an hour or two this evening. They all seem very well and very fond of each other and of the baby which is very pretty. The weather is warm enough to sit without a fire. It is past eleven and I must to bed.

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