THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 1861.
The 7th Regt is at last here, came at 12 o’clock and created much enthusiasm. We breathe a little free now. Self and wife attended the funeral of Mr Danl Douglass at 4 o’clock and then went to the Ave and took an Onibus and went to the Capitol. The Mass Regt were drilling in the East grounds. There were many spectators on foot and in carriages. The Prests Carriage with Mrs Lincoln and Mr Seward with himself, wife & son. On our return we saw the whole 7th Regt drawn up on the Ave near the National. We stoped at Gautiers and took tea. Got home at 9 c.
______
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 24
Another warm day with some rain in the afternoon. The day has passed off much as yesterday. No troops from the North. No mails since Friday, and in fact no news at all from the North. It is thought that there are troops enough here now for the safety of the City, as matters now look. But large bodies of Virginians have gathered near Alexandria and also north of us, and a decent may be made upon us anytime, but we are geting used to strange things now. I am alone in the room at the office now and have to do all the writing. Charley dined with us today.
______
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 23
This has been a warm day. M. 83 in shade. Some 800 Marines were landed about noon at the Navy Yard. Nothing can be learned of the northern troops yet. Some say they are coming by water and some that they are fighting their way from Anapolis. Went with Julia to the Capitol to see the Mass. Regt. Was in the Senate Chamber. That seemed to be the Officers quarters. Have been in office all day alone. Doct King has leave of absence. The excitement has been less today. I have now but little apprehension of an attack upon the City at present.
______
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, APRIL 22, 1861.
Another delightful day, but no troops yet. We are in a beleaguered City with enimies on every side and and [sic] at our doors. The ratling of musquetry and the booming of cannon may startle us any moment. Many have left the City, but all communication with the North is now cut off. No NY mail since friday last. Myself and family are [sic] have concluded to stay and see it out for the present at least. The Govt is now taking very decided measures to protect the City and thwart the designs of the enimy. Was at the office all day, took the “strong oath” required at the department.
______
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 21
This has been a pleasant but anxious day. We seem to be surrounded by enimies, and enimies in our midst. No troop have yet arrived since the Mass. Regt. How anxiously have we looked for the 7th Regt of NY today. I left the National tonight at 11 o’clock but could get no reliable information. We may be in the midst of bloodshed any hour, and I am looking for an outbreak or attack all the time. Famine stares us in the face unless the routes are kept open. Where are the expected troops?
______
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 20
A fine pleasant day. No troops today, all stoped beyond Balt. Bridges destroyed, track torn up and the Steam Ferry Boat over the Susquehannah scuttled and sunk. Balt in the hands of the mob. A critical time for Washington. A large body of Rebels at Alexandria and an attack upon the City may be expected any hour. I went to the Depot and to the Capitol again tonight. The Mass. Regnt marched out and through Pa Ave to 15 st making a fine appearance and being cheered frequently by the people. The Hotels are full and all seem agreed that Balt is a doomed City. 12 o’c.
______
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, APRIL 19, 1861.
Another cool pleasant day but one of great excitement. Reports from various quarters indicate that danger is iminent of an attack upon the City. Harpers Ferry Armory and arsenal was destroyed this morning by Govt troops. The Steam Boats on the River have also been seized by Govt order. I went to the Depot to see the arrival of the Mass. Regiment. They came at last, after fighting their way through Baltimore loosing two men killed and firing upon the rioters, killing a number. A splendid looking set of men. They were marched directly to the Capitol and quartered there. I was at all the Hotels, home at 10 o’ck.
______
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 18
Cool pleasant day, fire comfortable. Business in the office goes on as usual and is increasing this month. Business there does not seem to be much affected by the excitement in the City. The rumor today that Virginia had “seceded” and seized Govt property at Norfolk & Harpers Ferry caused intense excitement. There seemed to be a great anxiety to fight manifested all round. Soldiers are arriving from the North tonight and an attack is expected upon the City from Virginia. The City is apparently pretty well prepared. Wo[e] to the invaders.
______
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 17
Cold and windy day, fire in the office and as much in the house as on a winters day. Soldiers are now met with at every turn and the drum and bugle are heard almost all the time from some quarter of the City. Went down to the Hotels after dinner (Chas dined with us), the crowd not so great tonight and less excitement. All the papers from the North indicate but one feeling in reference to the coming contest. Men and money to any extent are offered to sustain the government. Came home before 9, City very quiet. Bed at 11.
______
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, APRIL 16, 1861.
Another rainy day, a continuation of the Easterly Storm. The public buildings are all strongly guarded, from 150 to 300 men being quartered in each. There are now about three thousand men under arms in the City, all in the service of the U.S. Some thousands more from the North will be here this week The excitement at the Hotels is not quite so great tonight. I was at the “National” and “Willards.” NY papers scarce, could get only the Tribune. Came home about 9, read till 11. Cold wet evening. Everything looks gloomy.
______
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.
