THURSDAY 14
This day has passed off much as others have of late, nothing very startling having occured. J C Wright, a member of the “Peace Convention” from Ohio, died yesterday. His funeral took place in the Hall of the Convention today. We attended the Musical soire of Miss Douglass this evening. A great crowd there and some of the notables of this City, some Members of the Cabinet, some M.C.s, some Artists &c. Music was fine, refreshments very nice. The crowd very genteel but quite too large. Got home 1/4th past 11 o’clock but left the crowd there.
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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 13
The Presidential votes were counted in Congress today without any disturbance which had been heretofore anticipated, but Genl Scott had all things ready. The Dragoons & Flying Artillery men were standing by their horses all accoutered, ready to mount at a moments warning. The Prest Elect is now on his way to the Capital. I was at the Hotels this evening. Nothing of importance stirring. Saw Mr Lighthall and Mr Lowe of NY at National. Miss Douglass called at my office today and invited myself and wife to a Musical entertainment at her School Rooms tomorrow night. Have read the NY Times an hour, to bed at 12.
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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, FEBRUARY 12, 1861.
Have had rather a busy day of it and it has been quite warm. Packed Julia’s trunk and then went to the Pat office. Went up to the Navy Dept by request of Chief Engineer Saml Archibold to inspect some Drawings and Models of Engines, Valves, &c. Went to Express off and pd charge on trunk $2.00 and then back to Pat office. Have not done much office work today, a good many in the room talking over the affairs of the Nation. Went this evening to the Levee (the last of Pres Buchanans). A great crowd there, many Army & Navy officers in uniform. H N Jr went with me and was introduced to the Prest & shook hands 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.
MONDAY 11
It has been warm and pleasant today but is a little rainy tonight. Business in the Pat office goes on as usual and is now increasing. Went down to Willards and met my old friend J C Smith who is a member of the Peace Convention from NY. The Hotel is or appears to be quite full. It is said that the proffits are at least $1200 pr day. Went from Willards to the Adams Express office (sending trunk of clothing &c to Julia). Called in at the “National.” Came home and read papers and go to bed at 12 1/1.
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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 10
Warm spring day and very pleasant in the street. Went to Ch. with wife this morning. Doct Smith is something of a “fossil” in Theology, but is eloquent and earnest and a very industrious man, has preached in the same church (4 Presn) twenty one years. Took a walk with the boys round Lafayette Square this evening. The boys were much interested in the U.S. Soldiers which we frequently met, over one thousand now in the City. Very little trouble is now apprehended at the Inauguration, or before that time. There are four Batteries of flying Artillery here. Washington presents at the present time quite a military appearance.
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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, FEBRUARY 9, 1861.
Mercury 20 this morning and the weather is quite moderate. The public mind seems to be much quieted and all seem to expect that a settlement will be made betwen the north and the border Slave States at least, in which case the “Cotton States” it is thought will ultimately come back. Seven have now seceded, Texas last. Business in the Pat office is increasing again. Some of the Examiners are quaking in their shoes for fear of being removed by the incoming Administration. I am quite indifferent about it. Was at “Willards” an hour tonight, 800 guests.
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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 8
Mercury down to 8 this morning, the coldest so far. It is 18 tonight, but no snow on the ground. The wind last night was terrific. It did much damage. Quite a fire occured on 7th St. (Incendiary). Went down to the Ave, bot Paleys Philosophy for twenty five cts, the New York papers. Heard no particular news and came home, found our next door neighbor Mr Bartlett, he staid an hour or two. He is in the State Dept and a Virginian. Col. Hayne of S.C. (Commr) has got his reply from the Govt to his demand for surrender of Ft Sumpter. An attack on it is now Expected.
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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 7
The morning was bright with a fine and cool atmosphere, just freezing, but tonight the wind blows almost a hurricane. I like almost any kind of weather better than a cold wind, consequently I have not gone out tonight. Nothing of importance has occured today. More U S troops have arrived and the idea of taking Washington will I think be abandoned by all who have been so disposed heretofore. Had letters today from Julia and from [S A Dewey or Ducey?]. Sent off ten copies of Agricultural Report of Pt office to friends in different States north. Rejected a case which Hon Schuyler Colfax M.C. has in charge. The “Peace Convention” promises good results.
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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 6, 1861.
A pleasant day overhead but muddy under foot. Wm H [Burridge or Burniage?] of Cleveland Ohio dined with us today, Chas also. Public affairs look brighter than they did before the Virginia Election. The Peace convention now in Session here sit with closed doors, but as far as known everything with regard to it looks favorable to an adjustment. Had letter today from Brother C R. He will start for Washington 1st day of March. Did not go down to the Ave’e tonight. Willie was learning from me how to write his name and to add up figures. The other boys, Halsey & H N, are drawing.
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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 5
The Unionists carried the State Virginia yesterday by a large majority and everyone has felt better today. I think the Secession Movement has reached its climax and a re-action will now take place, but perhaps the wish is Father to the thought. The Chief Engineer of U.S. Navy was with me an hour or two today in the office, had long conversation upon Steam and Steam Engines. He is a knowing man. Bot H N Jr suit of clothes tonight. Was in at Willards and saw numerous friends and almost innumerable strangers. Weather pleasant.
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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.
