WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 1861.
Got up this morning and went to market. Doct Barnes and Lieut Gould to Breakfast. Doct Vanslyck to dinner. The “27th” left this morning for V.A. I was at the Pat office awhile & on the Ave. Witnessed this evening the quelling of a mutiny among the 79th Regt. A strong force of Infantry and Cavalry and four pieces of Artillery were brought to bear upon them when they “fell in” and were paraded on 14th St, the ring leaders picked out, 36 in number who will be punished, some of them probably shot. Gov Stevens is now their Col.
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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 13
News today of the battle at Springfield Missori and death of Genl Lyon. My son Frank was in his Army, Co. E, 2nd Regt US Infantry, Capt Steel. Have been at the Camp much of the day seeing the soldiers pack up and get in readiness to leave. They go tomorrow morning. Doct Barnes here to tea. He presented Julia with a beautiful pocket pistol, “Elliotts self cocking” (very small) Six Shooter. I was at “Willards” an hour today, not a great crowd there. The City is patroled daily and nightly by mounted men.
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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 12
Went down to the Pat office this morning and saw the Comr, could get nothing definite from him in reference to my restoration to the office. Business there is still dull. Few soldiers are seen in the streets now and none without a “pass.” The 27th Regt have rcd orders to cross the River into Virginia and go into Camp. Troops are accumulating here and also at Mannasses Junction. Another collision must soon take place, it will be a life struggle with both parties. Doct Barnes to Bkfst & tea.
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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, AUGUST 11, 1861.
A very hot day. Went to church this morning with Julia, Willie, and Surgeon Barnes of the 27th. Doct Smith preached. It commenced to rain about 5 o’clock and rained till near night very hard, flooding the lower part of the City. Guns were heard over the River, some fighting probably. It would not much surprise us to hear a genl cannonade over there any day, as an attack may be expected anytime. The air is quite cool since the rain and more rain in prospect.
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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 10
We hear of no particular news today. The “papers” are not allowed to publish army news. We see Regts moving every day but hardly know where they are going to. It seems hard to realize that we are in the midst of a Civil War of gigantic proportions, that in fact within three miles of the City, deadly enemies are ready to cut our throats.
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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 9
This day has not been so hot, rather cloudy and rain tonight. I was on the Ave and at the Pat office, got a Hack and brot home my Books and papers from the office. Nothing new stirring in the City. Do[c]t Vanslyck was here today and Capt Adams gave us a Call. I finished of[f] my model and did not do much else today about the House. The boys have been playing soldier in their tent opposite the House — keeping guard &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.
WEDNESDAY 7
Heat still oppressive. M. 92, but a good air. Was on the Ave awhile this morning, soldiers not as plenty there as formerly. They are now kept in their quarters. The “Patrol” “nabs” them anywhere, officers and all, when found without a “pass.” Congress adjourned yesterday. I have spent most of the day at home doing some small jobs, looking over my drawings &c. The Lincoln boys were here again today. My three boys are now fited out in the Zuave uniform.
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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 6
M. at 92. at 10. this morning with but little air stirring. The Lincoln boys were both up here after mine by 9 o’clock, they make themselves quite at home in the house. Packed up my books at the Pat office today, shall try to get out some Patents on my own ac[coun]t. Saw the Comr again, cannot move him yet. He showed me the act current [?] for July, deficit $8000. Walked down to the Camp with Julia, saw the officers, returned about 9 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.
MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 1861.
Weather continues extremely hot. M. at 92 in the middle of the day. Surgeon Barnes took breakfast with us. He is attending the Lowry boy who fell (our neighbor). The boy is doing extremely well. I was at the Pat office awhile today, saw and talked with the Comr. He thinks he made a mistake in removing me but cannot retract just yet on account of others. Spent the evening at the quarters of Capt Adams, “Camp Anderson.”
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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 4
The heat has been greater than ever today. Went to Church with wife and the boys. Lieut Swan & Lieut Gould took breakfast with with [sic] us & Chaplin Buck took dinner with us. He preached at the Capitol this morning. It was too hot for any of us to go out to church this afternoon. The 27th Regt officers and men are now restricted to their own “lines.” The Col or rather Lieut Col must have a pass from Genl Mansfield.
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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.
