SATURDAY, MAY 25, 1861.
Another most exciting day. Rumours of fighting on the other side of the river were rife all over the City the middle of the day but were without foundation. The Funeral of Col Ellsworth took place from the Prests House. His remains were in the East room where thousands passed through and saw them, among the rest myself, wife, Julia, and the two elder boys. Genl Scott was there in Uniform. (Willie will not be tempted to go into a crowd for anything). During the middle of the day soldiers were seen running with muskets in hand to join their companies, many being ordered out today.
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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 24
This has been a day of excitement. 10,000 troops crossed the Potomac this morning early at different points near the City. Col Ellsworth with his Zuaves went to Alexandria on Steamers. . . He was shot dead at the “Marshall House” where he had taken down a “Secession” Flag, by a man named Jackson, who kept the House. There was no opposition in the town. Ellsworths death created intense excitement here. Our troops are throwing up entrenchments opposite. I saw them today with a Glass from top of Pat office.
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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 23
Nothing in particular going on today here. The War seems to assume greater proportions every day, and a contest seems to be inevitable soon. Troops ar[e] arriving all the time from the North and generaly going into camp. Chas and Saml are better today, have been there twice today; tonight with wife, staid an hour. Troops drilling and marching in every direction through the streets. Quite a crowd at Willards tonight. Got the “Times” 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, MAY 22, 1861.
No particular occurence has marked this day here except the raising of a fine National Flag on the Genl Post office. Mr Lincoln handled the cords. Mr Seward, Mr Blair (the P.M.), and Mr Smith the Sec’y of the Interior spoke on the occasion. Was down today to see Chas and Saml Androus, who are both somewhat sick, at rooms on the Ave. Think they will get up in a day or two. Spent an hour or so at Mr C Woodwards in the evening with 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.
TUESDAY 21
Today the weather has been fine, quite still times in the office. Matters and business there are now assuming their usual channels, but applications for Patents have much fallen off of late. Went with Juliet up to the camp of the 7th NY Regt (“Camp Cameron”), a great crowd of spectators there. We went all round among the tents. After the Parade the soldiers had gymnastic exercises equal to a circus performance. Came back at dark, did not go down town.
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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 20
Another cool day, a fire comfortable to sit by all day. It has rained most of the day. Troops a[re] mostly gone from the Pat office. Went down to the Parade of the 12th with wife this evening. Afterwards went on to the Ave. Was at the “National” an hour or so. People are expecting great events will take place soon. A Battle at or near Norfolk probably. Got the NY papers and came home early and read till near 11 o’clock. Accidents among the soldiers occur frequently, three or four have been shot.
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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, MAY 19, 1861.
Cool today, fire in Parlor in the morning. Went with Juliet to the camp of the 12th Regt in the morning and heard Rev Mathew Hale Smith (the Chaplin of the Regt) deliver an eloquent discourse to the soldiers. Got to church in time from there and heard Doct Smith, a good many soldiers in the house. Lieut [Millward?] of the 12th called in the evening. He lives in NY, an Englishman by birth. Went down onto the Ave at 6 o’ck and saw the Mich Regt parade. Their Band of Music is very fine. Back before dark, Juliet was with me.
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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 18
Fine cool day. Very pleasant for the soldiers to drill. “Squads” being seen all over the City marching to and fro under a drill officer. Had letter today from Brother C R. Wrote him in reply after going over to the Genl P.O. Was introduced to Mr Lewis Clephane, the City P.M., by Mr Vansantvoord of the Pat office. Was down to see the Dress Parade of the 12th. From there to “Willards” Hotel and then to Kirkwoods. Saw the officers of the Mich Regt who stop there. Came home about 9 o’clock, 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.
FRIDAY 17
Another fine day. The Michigan Regt got in last night, Col Wilcox. Young Saml Androus is among them from Coldwater. He called upon me at the office this morning. The Regt is for the Present quartered at Woodwards Building. Attended the Parade of the 12th with Wife and Doct Everitt & Lady. Afterwards I went on to the Av’e, and was at Willards. Hotel full. Things are looking to an attack upon Norfolk, but nothing is known to the public. At “Drum beat” (1/2 past 9.) the soldiers must all be in quarters.
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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, MAY 16, 1861.
The weather has been fine today and nothing in particular has occured to vary the past routine in the office. My health is excellent this spring. I have made use of cherry bitters occasionaly and perhaps it has kept off my usual billious attack at this season of the year. Attended the Parade on Franklin Square this evening. Called down to Willards for an hour, bot the NY papers, and came home about 9, read the “Times,” 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.
