March 3rd, 1861.—Father has volunteered. Mother was bitterly opposed but though Father yielded to her in many things he would not in this. I wish I was a boy; even if I am young, I could go with him if only I were not a girl. It will beak my heart if he goes.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
SUNDAY 3
Warmer than ever today, quite oppressive walking. Went up to the Depot at 6 o’clock for the Baggage, walked there and back. Went to the Capitol with Brother and Judge D., but there was no Services there today as we Expected to hear Mr Stockton the Chaplin. Fell in with Chas and brot him home to dine with us. Went to hear Doct Smith in the afternoon but heard Mr Collins. Went with Julia in the Evening to call on Miss Butterfield at Mis Mannings and we then went to Doct Gurleys church and heard Mr Haskel of Boston. Got home 1/2 past nine o’clock.
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The three diary manuscript volumes, Washington during the Civil War: The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865, are available online at The Library of Congress.
March 3d.—Everybody in fine spirits in my world. They have one and all spoken in the Congress¹ to their own perfect satisfaction. To my amazement the Judge took me aside, and, after delivering a panegyric upon himself (but here, later, comes in the amazement), he praised my husband to the skies, and said he was the fittest man of all for a foreign mission. Aye; and the farther away they send us from this Congress the better I will like it.
Saw Jere Clemens and Nick Davis, social curiosities. They are Anti-Secession leaders; then George Sanders and George Deas. The Georges are of opinion that it is folly to try to take back Fort Sumter from Anderson and the United States; that is, before we are ready. They saw in Charleston the devoted band prepared for the sacrifice; I mean, ready to run their heads against a stone wall. Dare devils they are. They have dash and courage enough, but science only could take that fort. They shook their heads.
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¹ It was at this Congress that Jefferson Davis, on February 9,1861, was elected President, and Alexander H. Stephens Vice-President of the Confederacy. The Congress continued to meet in Montgomery until its removal to Richmond, in July, 1861.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OF WAR,
Charleston, S.C., March 3, 1861.
Peter G. T. Beauregard having been appointed brigadier-general of the Confederate States of America, and having been ordered to assume command of the troops in and near Charleston Harbor, will be obeyed and respected accordingly, and all State officers of the volunteers, enlisted men, and militia, on duty, are commanded to obey all orders emanating from him.
D. F. JAMISON.
