TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1861.
A delightful day. Went this morning with Lieut Gaul to the Pay Masters Office, and from there to the U.S. Treasury. From thence I went to the Pat office where I had an interview with the Comr. He requested me to call again on Thursday. The question is a place. He talked favorable. No more new[s] from the fleet. We do not know that Charleston has been attacked. The fire works last night were part of a Serenade to Genl McClellan by Genl Blenckers Brigade which was a splendid affair. Julias cough is very bad.
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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 11
A windy morning with a storm threatened. Tent rather airy but slept pretty well. Went round and bade my friends good bye and started for home with Lieut Gaul about one o’clock in a hack which took us to Alexandria where we took the Boat for Washington. Got home about 3 o’clock. The Lieut stops with us a short time. News rcd tonight of the taking of Charleston S.C. by our “Expedition” and fire works blazed for two hours. Julia has been quite sick and still coughs 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.
SUNDAY 10
A bright fine morning. Went out to the Sunday Inspection of the Regt. Saw all the officers afterwards. Visited the qrs of the men of the Lyons Co. The men were all extremely glad to see me at the Camp again. Chaplin Buck held services near his tent about 3 o’clock and a real Methodist meeting in the evening before his tent with a Bonfire in front made of brush. Walked over to the Fairfax Seminary with Lieut Swan. Went up on to the tower, had a most splendid view of the surrounding country, Potomac, Wn &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.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1861.
I was heartily welcomed by my officer friends of the Regt and took up my quarters with my old friend Lieut W. H. Swan. Found the “Boys” all in good condition and in fine spirits. Attended the Dress Parade this morning. Regts are quartered round in all directions. [Alek?] Scotts brass Band arrived for the “27th” last night and discoursed some fine music in the evening. It has rained all this afternoon but the tent is dry and the fare 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.
FRIDAY 8
A warm pleasant morning. Went down to Genl McClellans Head qrs. Saw him and his Brilliant Staff with the two French Princes mount their horses and gallop off to a Review. Stoped into Mr Sewards office & got a letter to the Provost Marshall which secured me a “Pass” to Virginia. Went on board of the Alexandria Boat about one o’clock on a visit to the 27th NY Regt about three miles (on the Leesburgh road) from Alexandria. Arrived there about dark.
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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 7
A fine pleasant day. I have not done much. Went to the office of the Sec’y of the Interior. Was told that I was certainly to be restored to office but must have patience. Well, patience is well enough, but it will not pay for provisions and fuel, and I am consequently rather impatient as near four months inactivity has naturaly reduced my finances to a low ebb. Oak wood from $10. to $11. pr cord, pine $9.00, coal $12.00 &c &c. No news of importance. A large Regt with a fine Band passed tonight. Just arrived P.A.104th.
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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, NOVEMBER 6, 1861.
A cool, cloudy, misty day. It is now pretty well known that the great fleet landed near Charleston S.C. Much anxiety is felt to hear direct from it. No new[s] today. J.C. Fremont is removed from the command of the Army in M.O. Genl Hunter takes his place. The 60th NY Regt arrived and passed up Mass Ave just before dark. It appeared in first rate condition. No news from Rosecrantz today. Capt Meeks of the Anderson Zouaves called last evening. He was well mounted and has command at the Chain Bridge. I was at the Pat office awhile. Julia has caught a severe cold.
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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 5
This has been a pleasant day. There has been some excitement in consequence of the report that Genl Rosecrantz had taken Floyd and his army in Western V.A. We think it is now pretty well ascertained that the “great fleet” has gone to Charleston S.C. There was a grand review over the River today of 45000 men. I was at the Presidents this evening. Genl McClellan and Genl Halleck were with the Prest. I called at Willards and also at the “National.”
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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 4
The E St Hospital, or the (Washington Infirmary) so called, was destroyed by fire last night. It contained over one hundred wounded soldiers, all were got out safely. Doct Barnes & Lady called this morning. Julia went out with them to different parts of the City. I walked over to Georgetown and back. Visited the Observatory, the Mule Corrall, and the great Horse Depot of the U.S. Workmen are now completing the Aqueduct Bridge betwen W. & Georgetown. The weather is very mild and pleasant. M. 60 in the shade. The boys have all been to see the burnt Hospital.
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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, NOVEMBER 3, 1861.
It has been clear and pleasant today. Yesterday Genl Scott resigned the command of the Armies of the U.S. and left the City for NY in the early morning train. He resigned the day before. He was old and infirm and about “used up” and considered an obsticle in the way of a vigorous prosecution of the War. His vanity was flattered in being “let down” as gracefully as possible. Went to church this morning with Julia & Holly. Wife went in afternoon & brought home Doct Barnes & Lady to tea. They sat with her at church.
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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.
