January 1st 1862
This has been a warm pleasant day, rather too warm in the middle of the day with an overcoat on. Called in the morning upon Rev J C Smith, our pastor, and went from there up to the Presidents, found an immence crowd there outside. Could not get in on account of the crowd, found my Jersey City friend J Burrows Hyde there. We left and began our calls on the Secys, Mr Seward first, Cards rcd below four policeman at the Door. Cards rcd below and the Reception upstairs. Mr S., Frederick S. & Lady name announced at the parlor door. Mr S in good spirits and received us very cordialy. No refreshments at any of the Secretaries. Called next upon Comodore Wilkes of the San Jacinto. Then Sec’y of War, D[itt]o Navy, and all the rest of the Cabinet officers. Then at Genl McClellans, he was sick, confined to his room. Genl Blenker and Staff in the most Brilliant Uniforms I have seen today. Went the “rounds.” Refreshments were furnished at all the houses of those who rcd calls, the “ardent” generaly found. I called upon Comr Holloway before I came home. Col Merrick was not able to go out with me today. There was a heavy cannonading heard last night and it was thought that there was certainty [sic] a “fight” over the River. It proved to be a wake up of a German Regt for the New Year. It is said that they sent over and purchased 150 lbs powder and 200 kegs of “Lager” for the occasion. The Regt of “Lancers” presented a marked feature of the day in the City as it marched through. Lances about 9 ft long, carried upright with a small red flag to each, 1000 strong. Went down 7th street with Willie after his Magic Lantern. Got home after dark. Willie & “Tad” Lincoln were here to dinner and the boys H N & Holly went home with them. The day has passed off pleasantly and peacefully all over the City.
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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.
TUESDAY 31
The old year goes out today, bright and dry. I have been in the office nearly all day. The boys called about 1/2 past two. I came home with them, stopped and bought Bud a cap. After dinner, bought some coal, and went down to the Ave with Holly and bought him a suit of clothes, and an overcoat for Bud, paid $12.00. Paid my fuel bill for Dec $9.00, grocery bill $24.00. Bud (H N Jr) went up to the Presidents this evening. The boys have a Dark lantern to exhibit. The President looked in at the boys show. Genl McClellan is sick abed. A fight is expected over the River now anytime. The Army seems to be getting ready. The Banks in all the Cities and also the U.S. Treasury have suspended specie payments today. No particular excitement in the City tonight, but the Ave & 7th St are swarming with people and business was never so brisk. I have been over to Mr Hartlys after Julia. The Band of the Regulars on Franklin Square are performing now and do every night. VanMaster called today, Col is improving. The health of our family is now good.
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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.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1861.
We have had no winter weather as yet. No snow at all to lay on the ground. Today has been cool and fine. Troops are moveing some across the River, and we may soon expect lively times. I have been in the office as usual today. Col Merrick is improving, has been out doors today. I was on the Ave this evening at Willards, Browns & the National Hotels. Nothing new in particular. At almost every corner on the Ave the mounted guard (Cavalry) stand as still & immovable as the Bronze statue on Lafayette Square. Their business is (principaly) to prevent rapid riding & Driving.
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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.
SUNDAY 29
A mild cool day. All the family went to church but myself. I staid with the Col who is improving and has spent most of the day down in our family room. It has been quite a still day. No soldiers (in bodys) have passed and but little druming and Bugle blowing has been heard. I went out awhile this evening. Called at Charleys, eat some pear preserves in cream, a little rich cake, a pickel, and drank a cup of milk, besides a [sic] eating a little mince pie. If my stomach dont rebel at such treatment it will be well for my rest tonight. I do not often treat it so badly.
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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.
SATURDAY 28
A good deal of excitement in the City in reference to the surrender of Mason and Slidel. I suppose it was the only way to avert a war with England, which at this particular juncture would be an increase of business for the Country not very desirable. But a War with England on the “Trent affair” question would be very popular and unanimously supported by the Country. We shall have to have a fight with England before long, no matter how soon, after the Rebellion is crushed out. Col Mirrick is a little better today, will be well by Monday.
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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.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1861.
Rather cooler today and windy this evening. Col Mirrick has been in bed all day and complains of his head very much. I think it originates from a billious stomach, it may be congestion. A fire last night destroyed some Govt Stables and burned up some 150 230 horses. Genl Scott has arrived at N York from France, will be here tomorrow. Nothing new from the army but news expected all the time. The game now seems to be with the Govt troops and they have only to move to meet with Success, as our soldiers are now up to the fighting pitch. They have made up their minds that the War is no holiday affair, and that it is necessary that “somebody” should be “hurt.”
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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.
THURSDAY 26
Another moderate day, went to the office as usual. About 10 a.m. Col Ira Merrick from Lyons called with Ed Dickerson. E. went on to Baltimore and I went to the Capitol with the Col, visited both Houses of Congress. The Col came up to Dinner with us in the evening, he was taken quite ill with a dizziness in the head and is quite ill yet. We have spent the evening at home. Matty Hartly has spent the evening with Julia. Mr & Mis [Barlte?] called and spent an hour or so. Nothing new today.
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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.
WEDNESDAY 25
This has been “Christmas day” and a very pleasant day, not cold enough to freeze, but the air clear and braceing. I have spent the day at home fixing up things and did not go out till evening when I spent a couple of hours at Chas room with Mr Copersmith, Mis Wells and Chas & Sallie. It has been quite a noisey day about the house. Our three boys and the Two Lincoln boys have been very busy fireing off Crackers & Pistols. Willie & Thomas Lincoln staid to Dinner at 4 o’clock. Julia has been practiceing some with her pistol.
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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.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1861.
A fine Cool day, just freezing. Everybody preparing for “Christmas.” Turkeys from $1.75 to $4.00 a piece, rather “strong” that. Office not open tomorrow, it will be a general hubbub all over the City. The day will open with guns and fire crackers. Were it not for the shoulder straps one meets on the Ave and at the Hotels, the War would almost be lost sight of. The Army of at least a quarter of a million of men near this City remain very quiet. The long trains of Army wagons how[ev]er remind one that there is Something unusual going on. The boys stockings are stuffed with nuts, candy, fire crackers &c., past 11 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.
MONDAY 23
Cold and windy with some snow but not enough to remain on the ground. News from England looks squaly. England is seeking a pretext for engaging in the quarrel on the Side of the rebels. We are likely to have our hands full. Our people are “fighting mad” with England whether the fight comes off now or not. Nothing new from the War. Genl Scott has returned probably on some important business connected with the matter with England. He comes from Paris. I have been home all the evening puting the boys through their lessons, &c.
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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.
