Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 1861.

A fine bright day. Went to the Presidents at 1/2 past 8. Many members of the Cabinet there to see him and officers of the Army. I was not able to see him in private. Genl McClellan was there and Col Baker and Col Duryee and Genl J.W. Denver and other distinguished characters. Rcd letter from C R Taft today. Called at Willards, officers plenty there. N P Willis there and Doct Russell, the corrispondant of the “London Times.” Went down to see the dress Parade of the “Regulars” with Julia and Chas and Sallie.

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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 22

Another rainy day. Went down to the Provost Marshalls Office, great crowd there for passes across the River. Saw Capt Fowler and Capt [Huron?] there (of the 12 Regt). Sent a line to the President by H N Jr — requesting a private interview. Will see him in the morning 1/2 past 8 o’clock. Was at home most of the day, but at the Pat office awhile. The 3rd Regt of the Regular Army is now on 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.

WEDNESDAY 21

This has been a fine cool day but bright with a feeling of Autumn in the air. I saw the Comr this morning but could get nothing satisfactory from him in reference to my restoration to the Pat office. Came home about noon. The Brazilian Minister wants to rent my House & furniture for one of his friends. I hardly know what to do. I called upon Mr Connoly on M St this eve’g. He has a daughter at the Mount Holyok[e] School where I may send Julia.

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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, AUGUST 20, 1861.

Many people in the City were much alarmed last night at a report that “the rebels had crossed the River below and were marching on Washington.” Similar rumors are constantly afloat. Went to the Express Office and sent off (as requested) Lieut Martins trunk which was left with me. Called at the “National” and also a[t] Bradys Photograph Gallery. Saw Maj Anderson there. I was at home most of the day contriving what course to pursue for the time being.

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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 19

This will pass for a rainy day and a disagreable one. I was at Genl Porters office (Provost Marshall), a great crowd there after “passes” to Virginia. The Court Marshall was sitting in the same building. I saw four of the mutineers of the NY 79th who were awaiting their trial. They were hand cuffed. Went to the P.O. and was awhile at the Pat office. Rumors of the “rebels” crossing the River into Maryland. Hard fighting expected soon near the City. Called upon Mr Reynolds to sell him my furniture, think of sending the family north 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.

SUNDAY 18

This has been a wet disagreable day. Did not go to church, have been reading & writing most of the day. E’d Dickerson and Owen Klink called today. They are just from the other side of the River. All quiet there. There seems to be an ominous stillness all round the City soon to be broken by a desperate battle near by. At least 200000 men are within a few miles of the City, rebels & all, probably more. Called at Doct Everitts this evening. Beauregard is quite a “bug bear” to many of the inhabitants just 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, AUGUST 17, 1861.

This day has passed off without any particular incident occuring. I was at the RR Depot. A Regt of Cavalry from P.A. came in while I was there. Troops are coming all the while but nothing is said or known about it publicly. Long trains of Army wagons were loading and leaving. Saw a vast quantity of Govt Stores there in Boxes — arms, harness, &c. At Willards in the evening. Chas Marriage with Miss Sally Woodward was published in the “Star” this evening. Married on the 23rd July.

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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 16

Went down to the Navy Yard this forenoon with F Sickels. The “Pensacola” Steamer is nearly completed. The little Tug Boat “Resolute” lay near her with three dead men on board who were killed near Mathias Point last night by the Rebels. Met Jas Westfall and Mr [Vanstetyne?] of Lyons, at the “Yard.” Went with Westfall to the Provost Marshall office (Col Porter) for “pass” to Virginia. Met Mr Redfield of Elmira at Willards. At home before dark. It has been cold today and somewhat rainy.

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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 15

The 3rd Regt of Regulars are cleaning up the Camp on F[ranklin] Square, “Camp Anderson,” for occupation. I was in the Pat office awhile today but staid at Home most of the day. The weather is quite cool and a fire in the dining room is comfortable in the morning. Doct Barnes was over from Alexandria and took dinner with us. No particular news afloat. All military movements are now kept as secret as possible by Genl McClellan.

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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.