FRIDAY 14
Fine pleasant day. The evacuation of Harpers Ferry by the rebels is the only news of importance afloat today. Many think that the combined forces will now move on Washington. But I do not think they will attempt its capture. They are evidently afraid of “U.S.” and have acted cowardly in all the little skirmishes which have occured so far. But they may be reserving their courage for a great effort. Saw the 12th Parade with wife & Juliet. Did not go on the Ave.
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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 13
It has been cooler today and quite comfortable. We are relieved today in reference to the “Bethel affair.” Our loss not more than first reported 25 or 30. Nothing stirring in the way of news of importance, but important events expected every day and people are on the “qui vive” all the time. Went out into the fields with wife & Juliet to see the 12th in their skirmish drill. H N Jr. has spent the day with Willie Lincoln at the “White House” and dined there with the Prest. Holly has been to the N[avy] Y[ar]d with his Sunday School teacher & took tea with him.
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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, JUNE 12, 1861.
Bad news today from Fort Monroe, a fight and a repulse with considerable loss of life. It is feared that the loss is much greater than reported, rumor says so. Our Friends E.P. & Capt Welling left on the 21/2 train for Home. I went with them this morning to the Genl P.O. and to McGuires Private Gallery of paintings. Was at the Parade of the 12th again this evening. It is realy an interesting show and costing nothing. Some of the soldiers are sick. My wife sends them tea & toast.
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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 11
Another hot day, much as yesterday. E.P. & W[elling]. today have been to Alexandria but the heat prevented them from going back to the entrenchments. There was a Review at the Prests this afternoon of five Regiments. The Scotch Highlanders was one, the 79th. They have a fine Band and make a fine appearance. Was at the “Drill” of the 12th, thousands of spectators witness their evening dress parade every night. Went down with wife & saw the “Highlanders” pass.
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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 10
This has been one of the hot days. M. 86 in shade. E.P.T. & Welling have gone (or rather have been) to Virginia, but the sun was so hot they did not go far. Some 4000 troops left this morning for Harpers Ferry, as is supposed. The RI Regt went with their fine Battery of rifled Cannon 6:12: pou[n]d[er]s. Hot work is expected. Saml Androus was up today from Alexandria, went back in evening. Was at the Parade of the 12th with Juliet and “Puss” W[oodward]., and then down to “Willards.” Got the NY papers and came home early.
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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 9, 1861.
Went down this morning to Franklin Square with my friends from the North to witness the weekly Inspection parade of the 12th Regt. Went from there to church. Doct Smith preached a Funeral Sermon upon Judge Douglass, a very fine effort. Went again in the afternoon with E.P. Introduced him to Doct Smith who is his Father’s friend. In the evening attended the Dress Parade of the 12th, a great concourse of people there. A movement seems to be on foot to move troops forward over the River.
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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 8
Left the office today at 12 and went down to the Navy Yard with E P and Capt Welling, saw all the sights there. Went on board the “Freeborn” and saw the effect of the shot &c, she was in four engagements within a week. Capt Ward is evidently a “fighting Cock,” had attended all the “balls” so far. Came home at 3 o’clock. At 5 went to market and while there one of the most tremendous showers occured that I ever witnessed, lasting about an hour.
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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 7
Offices all closed today in respect to the Memory of Judge Douglas. Took the occasion to visit Alexandria with my son H N Jr, and Mr Vansantvoord. We visited the “Marshall House” first where Col Ellsworth was killed. Got a pass there to go to the Camps of the Mich Regt and the Zuaves on [“Shooters Hill”?] about a mile back of the City. It is a very commanding position and the “works” well advanced, Ditch & Breastwork. Got home about 4 o’clock, found my nephew E.P. and Capt Welling from Lyons. Saml Androus also paid paid [sic] us a visit from the Camp. He returned.
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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 6, 1861.
News seems to be quite scarce just now, nothing of importance having occured today that I am aware of. But we are in expectation of hearing of fights, or battles, in various directions. Doct King has been sick for the last three days and I have been nearly alone in the office. I am suffering from a severe cold with sore throat and some cough. Went down to the Parade of the 12th with Julia and Miss Hartley, then down to Willards and got the NY papers. Got some groceries at Whites, and came home early.
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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 5
A cool drizzling day, raining right down much of the time. Alone in our room again today, Doct King sick, Mr Upton off as usual nearly all day. Yesterday I made out a Classified Report of the applications for Patents in our Room for 1860 for the Commissioner. Was on the Ave after dinner, no particular news. Rcd letter today from E P Taft, expects to be here this week on a visit to the City. I got the NY papers and came home from “Willards” before dark. It is full as safe to be at home after dark 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.
