SATURDAY 3
Hot still. Went over to the Navy Yard with Julia and Miss Hartly. Went round the shops and on board the Steamer Pensacola which will be completed in a few days. Nothing but cannon, and shot and shells, fill the workshops. Everything there looks warlike. No troops are quartered in the Yard now, four hundred Marines in the Barraks. One of our neighbors boys Willie Lowry fell and was badly hurt today. The Father is at sea. Was down to the camp with wife.
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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, AUGUST 2, 1861.
The weather is hot now adays, the M. ranging about 90. I have been at the office part of the day writing letters &c at my old table. Doct King has been packing up his books. I have been cleaning out my drawers and throwing away unimportant papers and letters. Chas heard from Fort Leavinworth today. He wrote to one of the officers enquiring for Frank. He is with Genl Lyons Command near Springfield M.O. Wa[l]ked with wife up to Col Smalls camp, called on our return upon Mr & Miss Reynolds.
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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, AUGUST 1
My lameness is much better today. I have been down to the office where I remained most of the day writing &c. I think it quite possible that they will find it necessary to restore me to my Desk as Doct King was removed yesterday, among others. I was down to the Camp this evening with wife & Julia. The officers were very sociable, the Lieut Col a little drunk as usual. Wife & Chaplin Buck went to church.
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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 31
This has been a hot day. M. 92. I have been obliged to keep very quiet on account of my lameness. If I had been a “high liver” I should think it was the gout, but I am very clear of that. I have been in the house nearly all day, but went over to the “Camp” awhile at Major Bartletts quarters. More removals in the patent office today, only three of the old Exmrs left, so we go. G P Androus of NY called this evening. He is on a business visit to 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, JULY 30, 1861.
Another day has passed away and no particular thing has occured of note. Little Holly had his face pretty badly burned this morning. Chas dressed it and it seems to be doing well. Wrote to C R. Taft & Col Paine. Came home before 3 o’clock. My right great toe is very lame and sore from some cause, have not hurt it. It troubles me to walk. Doct [Vanslyck?] of Lyons, Surgeon of the NY 35th called today & left his trunk. Almeron Field also called, he is a “Regular” stationed at Arlington Heights. He stays with us tonight.
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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 29
Saml Androus and his Regt (Mich 1st) went home today. I am quite well today after my attack of yesterday. I went down town and staid part of the day. Nothing of importance occured today but the City is very full of strangers, besides soldiers. I went down to the Camp with wife & Julia. The Surgeon, A L Barnes, came home with us to tea. He was on the Battle field at “Bull run.” Quite a number of the Regt, 27th, are on the Sick list, but generaly doing well.
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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 28
I have been sick today with Cholera Morbus. Was very bad the fore part of the day, but am much better tonight. I have not been out in the street at all, nor have I eaten anything. Kept flannel wet occasionaly in hot water on my bowels all day and took a little of the Cholera Preventive and kept still and think I am cured. Swan & Gaul were in an hour this evening. Had a fine thunder shower just before dark with wind.
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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, JULY 27, 1861.
The day has passed off without any thing very remarkable taking place. I was at the office part of the day but at home most of the time. Lieuts Swan and White, Lieut Gould of Rochester, and Sergeant Major Chas Gaul dined with us today. I was at Willards this evening. Genl McDowell (the great defeated) was there. Genl McClellan is also there, having arrived this morning. He is supposed to be a man for the place.
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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 26
Was required to go before the Committee at the Capitol today at 10 o’clock (John F Porter Chairman). The Committee is investigating the cases of Clerks and others in the different departments who are said to be secessionists, or disloyal to the Govt. Went with Julia after dinner up to the camps on Meridian hill. Saw the Meridian Stone or pillar from which Longitude is computed. We took a long walk. I was very tired. Eddy Foster and McIntire of [Woolcut?] staid with us.
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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 25
Tho not engaged in the patent office officialy, my time has been occupied from day to day the past week in looking about and visiting the Regts encamped around the City. This evening, myself and Julia & H N Jr went over to the RI Camp and visited the officers, Col Burnside, Capt Dexter and Surgeon Genl Wheaton. The 1st Regt left this evening for Home. From there we went to the Old Capitol and visited the Secession prisoners (over one hundred). Col Boone and many others were interesting 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.
