Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 1861.

This has been a fine cool day and quite a stirring one round town. This afternoon three Regts were reviewed by the President at the “White House,” and other Regts were moving, coming in, and going out to Camp. The 12th Regt had a fine parade and were reviewed by Maj Genl Dix. Preparations for the 4th are makeing, guns are firing, Rockets are flying, and a general shouting all over the City. The unexpected Comet is quite brilliant and excites much interest being supposed a stranger.

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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 2

Everything connected with the War seems to be standing still as far as we know, excepting the arrival of troops and their movement across the River. The City is now swarming with soldiers who stay only for a day or so and then go into Camp in the suburbs of the City. The woods and groves back are alive with them. I was at the Hotels tonight, two Regts passed on the Ave. The City is filling up with politicians & others.

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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, JULY 1

This has been a fine cool day, but a heavy rain this evening. We all (the family) took a ride after dinner to the Camps back of us. We saw the Camps of fifteen Regts and went into a number. Saw the officers of most of the NY Regts in that vicinity, Col [Roger?], Col Clarks, Col Lansing, &c. Got home in the midst of the rain and got quite wet getting out of the carriage. Spent the evening at the quarters of Capt Fowler & Lieut Whitlock of the 12th. Mr Woodbury was there. Got home 1/2 past 10 o’clock. Retired at 11 — .

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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, JUNE 30, 1861.

Rained a little this morning but I went to church with wife in the morning. Took a walk up to the Depot in the evening, saw the arrival of the NY15 Regt (Col. McLeoud Murphy). Five Regts have arrived today. All the quarters (Buildings) on the Ave appear to be full, but they will go into camp by tomorrow and make room for more. Sixty thousand here now on this side of the River. Was in at Willards, Members of Congress are now coming in.

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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 29

It has been a pleasant comfortable day. Maj Genl John C. Fremont arrived last evening, and is at “Willards.” Much is expected of him in this contest. The Event of the day was the raising of the Stars & Stripes at tent on the Prests Grounds by the Prest. It caught in going up and was torn in among the Stars, which was taken by some superstitious persons as a bad omen. Our whole family was there, “Dr Pyne” officiated.

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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 28

Today the body of Capt Ward of the little Steamer “Freeborn” was brot to the Navy Yd. He was killed on board his Boat by a shot from shore at “Mathies Point.” He was a brave man. We are frequently startled by the booming of Cannon over the River, and the first thought is “the battle has begun.” Then we say, they are only practicing at the guns. Business has been quite dull in the patent office this month. Some dismissals are expected tomorrow. Was on the Ave after dinner, nothing new.

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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, JUNE 27, 1861.

But little of moment has transpired in the City today. Some little rioting on the part of the soldiers, many having been paid off. The most important event is the arrest of Marshall Kane of Baltimore for treason. No fighting has taken place recently to speak of. But it is expected every day. There is now probably 100,000 men on each side within short call of this City. Congress meets next week. Its proceedings are looked to with much interest. But no Peace or compromise with Rebels will be the order of the day. Three officers of the 12th took tea with us this evening.

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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 26

It has rained a little today, laid the dust and made everything look fresh pleasant. Nothing has occured. Everything appears to be quiet, although the elements of strife are all around us. I think the rebels are in favor of making peace, and are causing the slight movement north that way. But there must be no peace till they lay down their arms and return to their duty. I was at Willards. Hotel quite full, Congress coming!

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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.