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

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Post image for “It is understood that Fort Sumpter is to be evacuated.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

“It is understood that Fort Sumpter is to be evacuated.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

March 12, 2011

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.,The American Civil War

TUESDAY 12

Fine day and quite warm tonight. The streets are quite dry. The City is quite full of strangers yet mostly office seekers I suppose. Not many removals have as yet been made in any of the Deptts. It is understood that Fort Sumpter is to be evacuated. It may be policy to do so if it is not a matter of Necessity. Went with C R to Georgetown after dinner. Visited the Aqueduct Bridge, the High Resivoir, and the Oak Hill Cemetery. Went with Julia this evening to the National to see one of her friends and from there to Willards to meet Bro. C. R. & all came home.

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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.

Post image for Order to re-enforce Fort Pickens.—Operations in Florida

Order to re-enforce Fort Pickens.—Operations in Florida

March 12, 2011

The American Civil War,War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, March 12, 1861.

Captain VOGDES,  U. S. Army,

On board U. S. sloop-of-war Brooklyn, lying off Fort Pickens

SIR: At the first favorable moment you will land with your company, re-enforce Fort Pickens, and hold the same till further orders. Report frequently, if opportunities present themselves, on the condition of the fort and the circumstances around you.

I write by command of Lieutenant-General Scott.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

Post image for At the Court of St. James

At the Court of St. James

March 12, 2011

Diary of George Mifflin Dallas, United States Minister to England 1856 to 1861

1861. March 12.—Letters and newspapers, both in abundance, from home are gloomier than ever. We may yet pass through a convulsion only less frightful than the revolution of 1789 in France.

Post image for A Diary of American Events – March 12, 1861

A Diary of American Events – March 12, 1861

March 12, 2011

The American Civil War,The Rebellion Record—A Diary of American Events; by Frank Moore

—The London News of to-day publishes a strong protest against a recognition of the Southern Confederacy by the British Government.—(Doc. 45.)