SUNDAY 14
This has been a cool day, almost too cold for comfort. Troops have been going over the River today and others leave early tomorrow morning. Something will be done soon. I went out to church with wife, heard Chaplin of the 2nd N H Reg’t. His Regt leave[s] in the morning for Virginia. Went down to Willards with Lieut. Swan. Saw Mr Pomeroy (MC) and other gentlemen, heard no particular news, quite a crowd there. House full of Military and (MCs).
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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 13
A cool rainy day, woolen clothes comfortable. In the office all day as usual, a crowd of soldiers in the office every day. Troops are pushing over the River now rapidly, and a crisis appears to be approaching. We have just been looking at the signal lights at the camps over the river and answered at the Camps back of the City. It is the Calcium light apparently, and very brilliant. Saw the Dress parade of the 27th. Capt Adams came home and took tea with us. I sent the “Lyons boys” a basket of onions this evening to eat with their bacon, they were much pleased with the present. The “boys” are all 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.
FRIDAY, JULY 12, 1861.
A pleasant cool day and apparently much enjoyed by all. A great many soldiers moveing, some just coming into the City, some going into camp back of the City, and some marching for Virginia. The Union Regt Col Slocum, Ny Y [sic] 27th Regt Volunteers, came in last night and occupy the camp on Franklin Square. The Lyons Co, Capt A D Adams, is along; the men all look well. Went with Julia to the RI Camp. It was the finest drill and parade I ever saw. Secy of War was there. There were two Regts or about 2200 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.
THURSDAY 11
This has been a cool delightful day with a little rain just before night, just enough to again prevent our proposed visit to the R.I. Camp. I went out and saw the Regt of Col Small parade, it is from Penn. More Removals in the Office today, one Examr (Reed)[?] and three or four Clerks. Rumors of fighting West and also of the Retreat of the Rebels from Fairfax Court House. We shall know tomorrow. More troops come every day, and go into camp back of 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.
WEDNESDAY 10
This has been a fine day but rather hot for the marching troops. Some Regts have gone over the River and some have arrived from the North. A move towards the rebels is now makeing, and a battle or a race is now impending. My impression is the Rebels will run. Myself and Julia had intended to go over to the RI Camp, but there came on another rain (a copious one) and prevented us. There has been nothing like a “dry time” yet this season. Staid in the House reading &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.
TUESDAY, JULY 9, 1861.
The hottest day yet. M. 94. The sun fairly burned. No important news afloat. A flag of truce arrived from Jeff Davis to the Prest but amounted to nothing as is now understood. The Funeral of two of the City Volunteers who were killed in a skirmish up the River passed the office. They were Germans. A fine rain commenced near night and continued two or three hours. The air is finely cooled and everything refreshed. Two of the RI Artillery men were killed today by the bursting of an amunition box, two others badly wounded.
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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 8
The excitement in the City is now increasing as the troops are moveing and battles expected. Various rumors are afloat from up the River but nothing more than skirmishes have as yet taken place. Four Examiners were removed today and some of the subordinates of the Pat office, other removals are expected. The business of the office is now small. I was on the Ave with Doct Everitt, called upon Genl Dix at Willards, was introduced to officers of the NY 14th Regt.
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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 7
This has been a hot day. M. 90. Lieuts Whitlock and [Monville?] took dinner with us and we sent down dinner to Sergeant Mandevilles mess at the camp. We went down at 1 o’clk to see them off. The Regt is bound for Harpers Ferry and Martinsburgh to reinforce Genl Patterson. We parted with them with much regret as we had become quite familiar with many of the officers and men, who were very gentlemanly. It looks quite lonesome at the camp tonight, only 30 men left to guard it. No particular news.
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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 6, 1861.
In the office all day as usual. Removals of Examiners expected shortly, great outside pressure for office, qualification a secondary consideration, Salaries are wanted. A general movement of troops is expected to take place tomorrow. Went down to the Navy Yard with Julia. Went on board of the new Steamer Pensacola. She is now nearly ready. Saw the gunners at the Yard firing at a target with shell. Was over to see the 12th, they are under marching orders.
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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 5
Hot in the sun but a good air stirring. Congress is fairly organized and ready to go to work. I was at the Capitol a couple of hours today. Saw many of the “Members” with whom I was acquainted, went on the floor among them before the call to order. The Halls looked clean and nice after being used for Barracks. Thousands of soldiers were there today as spectators. Went down to Willards and got the “Papers.” At the parade with wife & 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.
