TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 1861.
This has been one of the disagreable days of Washn cold, very windy and the atmosphere loaded with dust. It has not frozen, but warm clothing necessary. Brother C R tried to go to Mt Vernon but there was such a crowd on the Boat that he backed out for the day. The Pat office has been crowded all day with visitors. Judge W H Davis returns tomorrow morning home. Called at the Hotels with Bror this evening, great crowds there yet. Cabinet appointments just out. Lincoln is fairly in the harness, he can now “go to work.” Got the NY Papers, read at home till 1/2 past 11 o’clock.
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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 4
This has been an eventful day in Washington. A Lincoln has been Inaugurated Pres of the U.S. His address seems to give general satisfaction. I stood near him and heard it distinctly. The crowd was very great at the Capitol, probably Thirty Thousand people stood before Mr L, and all were very orderly, and nothing has occured during the day to interupt the proceedings. Was at Willards this evening with Brother C R, great crowd there still. Wife & boys saw the procession pass and went to the “White House.”
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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 3
Warmer than ever today, quite oppressive walking. Went up to the Depot at 6 o’clock for the Baggage, walked there and back. Went to the Capitol with Brother and Judge D., but there was no Services there today as we Expected to hear Mr Stockton the Chaplin. Fell in with Chas and brot him home to dine with us. Went to hear Doct Smith in the afternoon but heard Mr Collins. Went with Julia in the Evening to call on Miss Butterfield at Mis Mannings and we then went to Doct Gurleys church and heard Mr Haskel of Boston. Got home 1/2 past nine o’clock.
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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, MARCH 2, 1861.
A warm summer day, quite uncomfortable in the sun. Brother C R Taft came this morning direct from Wmstown. I went to the Presidents with him and to the Capitol, was not much in the office today. Julia also came this evening about 8 o’clock with Judge Davis from Batavia NY. She was put in his charge by my friend Redfield of Elmira and arrived through the crowd rushing to witness the Inauguration. The Judge will stop with us till it is over. Our Lyons Friends have disappointed us. Went to the Hotels with C R in the 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.
FRIDAY, MARCH 1
The weather has, today, been warmer still. No fire in the house except to cook with, and no fire in the office. The Patent office has been crowded with visitors and in fact the same may be said of the City generaly. I was down at the Hotels this evening, all crowded as more than ever, “and still they come.” Spent an hour with Col Paine at the Kirkwood House and another with Jas C Smith at Willards. He thinks that Mr Lincoln is a man Equal to his position and the crisis. It seems doubtful now whether anything will be done in Congress with the “Peace” Recommendations.
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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 28
Another Spring day rather too warm in the sun. I took the shady side in coming from the office. One Hundred Guns were fired at noon on account of the result of the Peace Contn by order of Genl Scott. Interupted a good deal today in the office, could not do much business. Went on to 7th St after dinner and made some purchases, 2 looking glasses and Holly a Jacket. Have been at home this evening Drafting — a Condenser and also a Decalorator or water cooler for Steam Ships, plans of my own. I think I could get them Patented if I was out of the office, cannot while I am in. I have other improvements relating to the Steam Engine.
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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, FEBRUARY 27, 1861.
Weather warm, and air soft as May. The Peace Convention did not adjourn yesterday, but did today, Sine die, after voting for compromise resolutions which are deemed very satisfactory to all parties. At 1/2 past ten o’clock today most of the Govt Employees paid their respects to Pres Buchanan at the “White House.” We were rcd by the Pres in the East room. The Prest announced to those assembled that the peace “Con’n” had come to an agreement, and adjourned & that the Country was saved. Took tea with Col Paine at Kirkwood House, and then went with him to see the Exhibition of Rarey, the famous Horse Tamer.
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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 26
Another fine day, air soft and warm as May. The “Peace Convention” adjourned today having passed resolutions which are said to be satisfactory to all except the extremists of both parties. Strangers are pouring into the City, and the Patent office is thronged from morning till night. Wrote to Julia today to come home if she can get good company. Wrote to Mr Redfield to provide it — for [her] if he can. Fixed up some bedsteads after dinner, got pretty tired, did not go out this evening as usual. People are indignant at the conduct of Genl Twiggs in Texas.
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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 25
It has been a delightful day and the streets are nearly dry. Nothing in particular has occured in the City. Everything moves along as usual only there is getting to be a great crowd here. Called tonight with my wife on Mrs & Miss Butterfield at Willards Hotel. Mr & Mrs Lincoln were holding a Levee in their parlors and we went up and were introduced. Mrs L in one room and Mr L in an adjoining room. They are both quite ordinary looking people. I hope He is equal to the crises. To my Mind, appearances do not favor the conclusion that he is. A brilliant assembly at the Hotel, staid there two hours.
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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, FEBRUARY 24, 1861.
A very windy day and rather cool but not freezing. The mud is drying up in the streets. The Lincolns are all here and it is understood that satisfactory terms have been agreed upon for a settlement of the difficulties as far as the North and the border Slave states are concerned. There is a week (at least) of excitement in prospect in view of the Inauguration on the 4th. No Trouble is now apprehended then. Mr Lincoln did not stand upon his dignity yesterday but called upon the Prest, Genl Cass, and the Cabinet who returned his in evening at Willards. There is a full moon and it is very pleasant out tonight.
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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.
