FRIDAY 22
Saw the Sec’y this morning and presented Mr Lincolns letter. He was rather obstinate, could not restore me to the place I occupied in the Patent office at present possibly, but would give me a 2nd Class Clerkship in the Land Office for the present if I would accept of it. It is $1400 pr year. That is certainly better than no business in this extravagant City and I shall take it till I can do better. In that office I can take out patents.
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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, NOVEMBER 21, 1861.
Cloudy morning but rather a pleasant day. I have been engaged most of the day at home, heard the boys recite their lessons. Went to the Ave, bot some oil cloth for our Parlor stove and cut it down to fit. Wife went up to the Presidents to see Mrs Lincoln, did not see her. She however got a strong letter from the President to the Sec’y of the Interior in my favor. I shall present it tomorrow. Maj Watt acted for her in the matter with the Prest.
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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 20
Another fine day, much as yesterday. The great event of the day is the Grand Review which took place at Balls X roads some six or eight miles from the River in V.A. 75000 men or eighty Regts of Infantry, seven of Cavalry, and twenty Batteries of Artillery or 120 pieces. The Prest and most of the Cabinet were with Genl McClellan, his Staff was very Brilliant. No news of any particular importance afloat in the City 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.
TUESDAY 19
A delightful day, bright but cool. Called up to the “White House” this morning to see Maj Watt, did not find him. Walked into the “East room” to see the New Carpet and papering, all very elegant. Called at Willards, met Doct Harris of the R.I. Brigade. He was released from Richmond on his parole. Got letters from Surgeon Barnes and Jas Bourne. Went to Wall Stevens & Co for Barnes and to [McCle[lle]n?] for Bourne. Made fire Board for parlor and spent the evening at home reading.
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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, NOVEMBER 18, 1861.
Cold, clear day but no frost. Went to Geotown in the morning to pay my rent. Got there an hour too early, waited in the Hotel (reading the morning paper) for Mr Bangs. Walked over and rode in the omnibus back. Bought a fine board for the parlor. Have concluded to discard the old grate and have got up a wood stove. Oak wood is $10.00 pr cord, pine $9.00, Hickory $12.00, all owing to the Blockade of the Potomac. Lieut McFarlan called this evening.
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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 17
Cool, pleasant day, did not go out to church. Wife and the boys went. Julia is still confined to the house and coughs a good deal yet. Took a long walk this evening, brought up at Willards Hotel. Saw Mr Stillson there from Rochester. Hotel very full, in fact the City seems to now be running over now. Where will the Congressmen go with all the hangers on. No News today of any importance.
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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 16
The coldest day yet but no frost, a cold strong wind. The 11th Maine Regt passed through the City, just arrived. Capt Rogers of the 27th called today, brought letter from Doct Barnes enclosing $50.00. The City was thrown into quite an excitement by the news of the arrest of Mason & Slidel. They were taken from the English Mail Steamer from Cuba to England. I have been at home most of the day, have purchased some wood and shoes for the boys, and attended to their lessons in the forenoon. They take to their studies at home very well.
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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, NOVEMBER 15, 1861.
A wet misty day and very chilly. Went down to Genl McClellans Head Qrs for Lieut Gaul in reference to his furlough. Went from there to the Post office and then home. Holms & [Vanamburgh?], privates of the 27th, called with letters from Lieut Swan. Elder Buck called with the furlough of Lieut Gaul, who started for Home on the 5 o’clock train. Aleck [Tower?] and Ed Dickerson called in the evening and spent an hour or two. They are Sutlers for the 35th Regt stationed in V.A.
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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 14
A cloudy day with rain tonight. Lieut Gaul is still with us waiting for his furlough. I was at the Pat office and saw the Comr, got not much satisfaction from him. Shall now look to the Sec’y for fulfilment of his promise. Have been at home most of the day. Julia is getting better slowly. All the rest of us are well. Letter from Mrs Brownson and the News is generaly favorable to our Army. Capt White called this evening on his way to Lyons recruiting.
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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 13
Another warm pleasant day. Went down to the War Dept with Lieut Gaul to see the Ajutant Genl, came back by the Post office. Have been at home the rest of the day, have exacted lessons from the boys in their school books. Positive news from the Fleet obtained at last, everywhere successful. An immense Union force now on the other side of the Potomac. The Camps extend back 8 or 10 miles from the River. Julia is rather better.
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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.
