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 26, 2013

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

Washington Thursday Feb 26th 1863

O Mud Mud. I have waded over crossings today where composition was at least six inches deep and of the consistency of thick cream. The snow has all melted and the water is mostly still on the surface of the ground. I had letters from Julia and the boys this evening, and I wrote to my Sister Androus today. I am having my old Indigo blue cloak made into an over coat. I think the Tailor has stolen about one third of the cloth, for there is nothing left to speak of. I hardly know whether to submit to the cheat, or have a quarrel with him. There is a good deal of confusion tonight down below. It is past eleven, and the loud talk still keeps up. I think there must be whiskey there, for that is the origin of about all the disorders in the City. I must leave this house by Monday next. It is reported tonight that Genl Siegel has resigned. I hope the report is not true as such an officer cannot well be spared at this time. I attended the League meeting this evening. There was a large attendance and much enthusiasm. “Honest Truman Smith” of Conn. was initiated and afterwards made a speech query, Is any old polititian (as he is) entitled to the prefix “honest” to his name? The papers contain no particular news today. Gold 168. Yesterday 172.

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