THURSDAY 3
This has been a hot day for the season. M. at 86 in the middle of the day. It has passed away without any particular incident occurring. Met John T McKenzie on the Ave. He agreed to meet me at Willards this evening, but he probably took the 6 o’clock train, as I did not see him. Met Genl Scheopf there. Called at the Treasury to see the Sec’y but did not succeed. He has just returned from the East. Feel quite “used up” with the heat.
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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 2
Called at the Treasury, could not see the Sec’y. Was at the Pat office an hour or so. Mr Scheopf has got his Commission as Brigadier Genl of Volunteers for the War. Troops keep coming from the North and some are moveing over the River every day. Unpacked our Boxes today and have been settling matters in the house somewhat, bought a few articles of furniture but as little as possible. Nothing new in 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, OCTOBER 1, 1861.
Have had a hard days work moveing down our Furniture. Had six wagon loads left after our sale but I take back some articles from Mr Peck which he bid off having concluded [to] remain in the City awhile longer. We are in a very pleasant neighborhood and pleasant part of the City. Our troops have advanced somewhat within a day or two on the other side of the River but no fighting yet of any account.
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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 30
We have been all day hard at work getting ready to leave our residence on L St. I have rented a house on 9th St next door to Comodore Smith, No. 346, having 9 rooms and back buildings, rent $200.00 pr year. House in tolerable repair and convenient, shall move in tomorrow. The House belongs to the old “Douty Estate” and is one belonging to “Douty Row” betwen Mass Ave and L St, West. Weather is delightful.
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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
Went to church in the morning with the boys. Dr Smith preached “Unless the Lord keep the City the watchman wait in vain.” From the way he handled the Text it was to be infered that the Army now here was of little account. He does not believe that the Lord is usualy on the side of the “heaviest Battalions” as old Napoleon did. The Sunday[s] are very quiet here even now, but the long wagon trains keep moving. We too expect to move tomorrow.
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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, SEPTEMBER 28, 1861.
A cool delightful day. Have been looking for a residence some. Houses very scarce at present. The fact indicates confidence in the stability of our Govt. The Hotels are not overcrowded but but the City is unusualy full for this season of the year. I was on the “Island” today, also called at the Presidents. Julia is staying at Mr Hartlys with “Matty” by invitation. Quite a movement of troops today in the City, but all seems to be quiet over the River as yet. We hear the booming of cannon every day at the Forts (practicing).
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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 27
It has rained nearly all day and is very windy tonight. Called at office of Sec’y Chase. He and the Assistant Sec’y (Harrington) have both gone to NY. I was at the “White House.” Mr Scheopf, who is soon to be a Brigadier Genl, was there waiting to see the Prest. I had a conversation with Maj Watt. He says that Mrs L. always succeeds, and is enlisted in my behalf. I was at the pat office an hour, business very dull there. Spent evening at 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.
THURSDAY 26
We have thought considerably today of taking another house and remaining in the City. But decent houses for rent are extremely scarce now. Two months ago half the houses (almost) were empty and for rent. I was at the “White House” last evening. Saw Maj Watt and called at the residence of Gov Chase. He was not at home. Today have nearly finished packing up. It has been the National Fast day, business suspended all over the City & stores closed. Julia has gone to stay with Matty Hartly. Chas & Sallie called just at Dusk.
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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, SEPTEMBER 25, 1861.
Busy packing boxes most of the day. We expected [to] give up the house on Friday morning but have concluded not to do so until Monday. My wife went today to pay her respects to Mrs Lincoln before leaving the City. Was very graciously received by Mrs L. and assured that if she could do anything to keep our Family here she would do it as she was anxious to have our boys come there as companions & playmates for hers. She gave my wife a very strong letter in our favor (with a Boquet) to Mr Chase, Sec’y of the Treasury.
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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 24
This has been a delightful day and our sale of furniture has passed off. It mostly sold at a low rate, but it was mostly purchased at Auction two or three years since. We sold nothing but the bulkey articles amounting to only $140.00. Fires seen tonight on the Virginia hills. Julia was at the Presidents today, saw Mrs Lincoln, could see the rebel flag on “Munson’s Hill” with the Prests spy glass. Julia and the boys are treated with particular attention by Mrs L. J[ulia] brought home two beautiful Boquets.
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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.
