WEDNESDAY 23
This has been another sour day, some rain and mist and some sunshine. I have staid pretty close and have not been out. Chas & Sallie were here an hour or two and Doct Smith (Rev) called in the afternoon. An important battle is expected to “come off” up the River soon. The Union cause looks a little brighter and the immense forces seem to be getting more into working order. The Potomac is now pretty well blocked with rebel batteries for some twenty miles.
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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, OCTOBER 22, 1861.
Col E D Baker was killed yesterday in the fight near Leesburgh. The event has thrown a general gloom over the City especialy at the “White House” where he was esteemed as an intimate friend. Saw Judge McCook today in the office of the Sec’y of the Interior. The Judge came out of the fight at “Bolivar” unhurt with the exception of the graze of a ball across his forehead. I did not see the Sec’y today. My health is improving but cough some yet. The weather is Damp and chilly. I have only been to the Pat office 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.
MONDAY 21
This day has passed much as yesterday did as regards myself altho the Dr did not “call” and I took a short walk round two squares just before night much against my wifes wish who insists that I am sick and must not “go out.” I told her that I was “determined not to be sick.” News of some fighting up the River. My friend Judge McCook is up there “on his own hook.” He is “on hand” where there is fighting (rebels) to be done.
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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 20
Have kept very close today confined to the house. Had a regular old fashioned ague sweat last night, feel quite weak but suffer no pain. Doct Piper called to see me and left some medicine. Ate my dinner with good appetite. Chas & Sallie were here in the evening. Julia & the boys all went to church. It has been quite warm during the week past, no fires necessary during the day. It is cooler today. There does not appear to be any news of particular interest.
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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, OCTOBER 19, 1861.
A dense fog all over the City this morning and it has been a misty damp day. I have not been out today yet do not feel very bad, had a restless night and some fever but feel better tonight. A great deal of heavy firing all day over the river, some fighting down with the Batteries last night and this morning. No particular news afloat. Everybody seem to be waiting like Mr “Micawber” for “something to turn up.”
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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 18
Wrote a note to Maj Watt this morning, sent it by “Bud.” He returned with a fine Boquet from Mrs Lincoln for the Sec’y of the Interior, C B Smith. Bud took it down to him when I called upon him about noon. He said he would confer with the Comr of Pats and see what could be done for my restoration to the office. I heartily despise the whole of them and would ask no favors in ordinary times.
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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 17
This has been another rather sick day with me, but I have not had much fever. My cough continues bad, did not sleep at all last night. My cough and the moskeetoes took up all my attention, did not go out except to walk down to Charleys on 11th St and back. The “Military” seem to be doing very little. The Rebels have been allowed to construct Batteries on the Virginia side of the Potomac for some months past at their leisure, and the Potomac is now said to be “closed.” I think that something will have to be done.
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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, OCTOBER 16, 1861.
I have not been out today but kept close in the house feeling quite miserable and coughing about half the time. We have had “calls” very frequent. Mr [Vanlbickel?] and Mr Blackburn from Lyons were here sometime, Dr Barnes of the 27th, and a good many Ladies. The Door bell has been ringing half the time. I have taken pills and castor oil, have not had so much fever today as I did yesterday, think I will get well soon.
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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 15
I have been quite ill today, had a slight chill, pulse up to 100 all the after part of the day. Must take some medicine tonight. I went to the Prests this evening (fever and all), saw Maj Watt. Think matters are in pretty good train for a post in Sec’y Smiths Dept. The weather is most delightful now and the nights beautiful with a full moon. No war news stirring.
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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 14
I have done but little today but attend to my cold, altho I have been round the City some. It is understood that there has been a general advance today of our troops over the River. Saw the Qr Mastr of the 27th Regt on the Ave. He said that Genl Slocums Brigade was moveing forward a few miles. I was at the Prests this morning a short time. Had an offer of a post in the Qr Master department at $1,200 salary.
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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.
