TUESDAY 4
Cooler today with some rain. In the office nearly alone all day. The Highland Regt arrived early this morning (2 or 3 o’clock). They march through the Ave playing the “The Campbells are Coming.” They have a fine Band of music. No particular demonstration has yet taken place on the other side of the River, but there are frequent alarms over there and some of the Regts are called out sometimes twice in a night. They all sleep on their Arms. I was at Willards, some 250 Govt cavalry horses were driven by.
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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, JUNE 3, 1861.
Hot day. M. 88 — considerable excitement in the City. People seem to feel and think that affairs on the other side of the River as well as at other points are approaching a crisis. Troops are coming in and moveing over the river every day. We can see the tents of the encampments on the other side with the naked eye. Tonight, bright flashing signals were made from there about 10 & 11 o’clock, and answered from the City. I think that the rebels are approaching our lines in force. We did not go to bed till late, watching the lights and listening.
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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 2
This has been rather a hot day. M: 84. I did not go out to church, all the rest of the family went. The 12th Regt returned to their quarters on Franklin Square today. We attended their dress parade at 6 o’clock. I went down to Willards afterwards, many officers there of Army and Navy. Among the rest, I saw Comodore Hudson, Genl Mansfield, Genl Stone, Col Butterfield, and Lieutenant Slemmer. Col DeUttasy of the Garabaldi Guard has quarters there and his guard were at the East entrance on duty. Home at 9 o’clk.
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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, JUNE 1
Excitement today, fight at Fairfax C.H. this morning, brilliant dash on part of U.S. dragoons. Fighting also below at “Aquia Creek” betwen War Steamers and rebel batteries, firing heard this evening (before dark) over the River. The Artillery practicing, or a fight, every one now on the “qui vive” to hear news from the armies at the different points, Harpers Ferry, Fort Monroe, &c. Will the rebels stand up and fight and be crushed, or will they withdraw? Some think that there will be no general fight. I think there will be more than one, but I do not fear the result. At the “National” after dinner.
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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, MAY 31, 1861.
Weather very delightful. Boys some sick last night (much fever) but better today. Nothing of particular interest has occured. The 7th NY Regt returned home today, term (30 days) being up, other Regts are arriving every day. Went down to the N Yard after dinner with H N Jr, ten or twelve War Steamers there at the Dock. Thirty odd prisoners taken at Alexandria (Capt Balls troopers) were in confinement on the Powhattan. Saw the 71st NY Regt parade in the yard where they are quartered. Came home direct before dark, did not go out again.
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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 30
Did not feel much worse for “wear” today for my long walk yesterday. Attended to business in the office as usual, got my months salary $150. Came home about 1/2 past 2 o’clock and with wife and Juliet went to the Prests to see some troops reviewed by the Prest and Genl Scott. The 14th & 9th the German Regt and the Garabaldy Guards, 4000 in all. Went on to the Av’e, after was at the National. Saml Androus joined his Regt. Came home before dark, little boys sick.
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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 29
It has been a fine, cool, and airy day. Took a longer walk than I have for some time. Got a “pass” from Genl Mansfield and about 12 o’clock started with Mr Vansantvoord for Virginia over the Long Bridge. Visited the encampments of some 6000 men and their entrenchments. Was at “Arlington House,” “the Head Quarters” of Genl Sanford. Most delightful place, within fine view of the City. The NY 8th Regt are there. The 25th (Including the Albany Burgeses Corps[?]) are about one mile below or south, 3 miles from the River. Went to the 69th, Col Corcoran, opposite Georgetown. Extensive and strong “works” going up there. Crossed the Aqueduct (canal) to Georgetown, got Home about 6 o’c. Walked about 8 miles.
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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, MAY 28, 1861.
The weather Continues very cool, a fire in the house to sit by is necessary mornings. The Heights opposite here in Virginia are now thoroughly occupied by some 15000 soldiers. More are going over every day, and more are coming from the North. 3000 came today, 1000 from N.H. and 2000 from Ohio. Walked up to see the NY 7th parade after dinner and at 9 o’ck went to the Prests Levee with Juliet and Saml Androus. Not much of a crowd there and quite pleasant. The officers of the military were out in force. Mr Seward was there and some other notables. Got Home at 10 1/2 .
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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 27
Another hot morning but a terrible tempest of wind and rain came on before noon and raged for an hour or two after which it was cool and pleasant. Went down to the “National” after dinner with Saml and called upon Judge Grey & Lady from Coldwater Mich. Went down to Willards again in the evening, quite a crowd there but not many officers. All are anxiously waiting for news, and surmising what it will be. Came home at 9, read the papers, bed 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 26
Warm today, went to church with family. Chas and young Saml Androus are both with us, came up last night. Saml is somewhat sick, is geting better. His Regt is at Alexandria. The excitement of yesterday has passed off but troops are passing over the River today and the large Govt Wagons are taking over stores, tents, implements, &c., and the soldiers there are busy throwing up breastworks at “Arlington.” The rebels had the stakes all stuck for the entrenchment and would have had possession in a day or two more.
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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.
