FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1861.
I have been much of the day at the Treasury Dept waiting to see the Sec’y on business. While there saw Prof (now) Genl Michel, the Astronomer, who is now in the Army. Also saw and conversed with Genl Burnside of R.I. Genl Pomeroy of Kansas notoriety I saw also. It is reported that our pickets on the other side of the River have been driven in. There seemed to be signal lights there on the hills this evening, one very large fire. Called with wife on Chas & Sallie. Mr Kendig of Phila was there. Walked up to Franklin Square.
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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 12
This has been a delightful day. I was at the Pat office and at the Treasury Dept, did not see Mr Chase. The fight near the Chain Bridge yesterday proved to be only a rather severe skirmish, two of our soldiers killed. Went with Julia after dinner up to Camp Cameron to see the “Anderson Zouaves,” visited the Head Qrs, the old (“Madison House”), with Capt Meeks. Capt Lafarta of the French Zouave Company was very polite. He is an Italian. 1500 Cavalry passed our door last evn’g. Long trains of army wagons pass all day, 4 horse teams.
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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 11
Was at the Pat office this morning with Doct D, visited the Hospital there. Called upon Mr Seward, got letter of introduction from him to Mr Chase, could not see Mr C today. There has been heavy firing over the river all the afternoon. The report tonight is that there has been a very smart skirmish near the chain Bridge which is three miles above Georgetown. I was at Willards this evening but could hear no definite account, but large bodies of troops have gone up that way and we may have a battle 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.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1861.
Went to the Navy Yard today with Doct David and Julia. Chas & Sallie were also along. Quite lively times there but nothing doing excepting preparing war material, shot, cannon, &c. The Steamer Pensecola is nearly completed and was taking on her stores. 400 sailors for her were landed at the yard this morning. From the top of the Ship House we could see the secession flag at Munsons Hill, V.A., with a glass. Got Home to dinner and went down to see the Regulars Dress Parade & hear their music.
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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 9
A little rain this morning. Went down to the Post Office and then to the State Department to see Mr Seward, he was not in. Have been at home most of the day, have not felt very well. Capt Meeks of the “Anderson Zuaves” dined with us today. He was formerly in the 7th Regt NY. Doct David returned this evening from Virginia, he reports everything quiet over there. Troops have been coming in, the drums have been beating most of the day.
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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 8
Pleasant day, cloudy, not hot. Went to church in the morning. Edward Dickson called before Church and Doct David went over the River with him. Everything quiet among the military today, no movements of troops noticed. Chas & Sallie called in the evening and we went down to the Camp to hear the music of the regulars Band. Rockets seen over the river and signal lights, but there does not appear to be any commotion. But few soldiers at church and but few seen in the streets now.
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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 7, 1861.
Very hot sun today and the atmosphere oppressive. I was down to the P.O. Pd my gas bill for the month 95 cts. Came home about noon and found Doct David. Went to market before dark. Went with Julia down to the Camp (the Doct and wife had gone to the Presidents). Have been drawing some with Pencil, studying upon a self cocking and self loading gun with the rotary trigger. No news yet from over [there?]. The Union cause now looks much brighter and we are looking for success all round.
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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 6
Beautiful day again. No particular news afloat but expected every hour to hear of a battle. Spent part of the day at the pat office, wrote a letter there to Brother C R. Found that an application was [sic] had been made, or two rather, for my old invention, the rotary trigger, for guns. There is intoference declared betwen them. I must attend to it. Came home and found my old model. Attended Julia & Miss Hartly to Mrs Youngs Musical Soiree. Got home at 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.
THURSDAY 5
It has rained nearly all day and there has not been much stir in the streets. Soldiers were moveing all last night, it is said that fifteen thousand passed over the River. Fresh troops are coming in all the time and going into camp. There does not appear to have been any “fight” yesterday, but the report of cannon on the other side is heard almost every hour of the day. I spent an hour or two at the Pat office but have been at home most of the day.
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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 4, 1861.
Beautiful day, rather hot in the sun. Called on Doct Smith which amounted to nothing. I think he likes to have people think that they are under great obligations to him. Got glass and glazed the broken windows, saved $1.50 by doing it myself. Paid my Ice bill $3.70. It is supposed that fighting is going on this afternoon up the river where the rebels are attempting to cross. The Balloon was up over the River on the lookout. Large bodies of troops have arrived today, one Regt passed our door. The death of Jeff Davis is confirmed in the enemies papers.
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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.
