FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 1861.
The weather has been moderate today without rain, or sunshine. Political excitement appears to be subsiding in a measure. The conservative feeling in the border States is now relied upon to save the Union, or Civil War. Many prominent men are here now from different sections of the U.S. Kentucky has refused to call a convention as required by the secessionists. It is a good omen for the future. I was down at the “National” and at “Willards” tonight, could learn no news of importance. The condition of the country is still the absorbing topic of conversation.
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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 24
There was a little snow last night and this morning it rained and the streets were in an awful condition. I did not go to the office until 10 o’clock. No news stirring. Was down at the “National” this evening. It seems to be filling up, as do all the Hotels. People seem less excited than they did, but await the events of the next month with much solicitude, but confidence is in a great measure restored and the Govt is expected to go on as usual. The Presidents Peace policy is generaly approved of as best for the time being.
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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 23
United States troops are quietly being brought here and are now quartered in different parts of the City. The President is undoubtedly informed of all the movements of the Traitors, and preparations are being made for the reception of any such visitors. The conspiracy has its ramifications through all the departments without a doubt. Men receiving pay from the Govt (as Clerks &c) but ready to turn against it at a moments warning. I can hardly hope that that [sic] all will be well six weeks hence. Heaven grant that it may be. Was at Willards an hour 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.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 1861.
The fact there exists an extensive conspiracy to break up the Government, one of long standing, is growing more apparent every day. The Secession of Virginia and Maryland is a part of the program and the securing of this City accomplishes the desired end. Nothing but concessions on the part of the north will prevent the secession of those States. If no compromise is made, then nothing but a large force will ensure the Inauguration of Mr Lincoln on the 4th March. The next month must settle a great question for this country.
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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 21
Mr Yulee was in my room today and asked me if I thought it best to “coerce” the seceding states. I told him that I thought it best to protect the public property. But says he that is coercion in the opinion of the seceding States. I told him that it mattered little what the opinions of the Pirates and Freebooters were who now controled those states. The danger of a collision was imenent, but it soon passed off. I cannot restrain myself when talking with these fireeaters and Traitors. Weather delightful today, was down at the Hotels, bot a “Times,” read an hour to wife.
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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 20
Cooler today, and quite windy, but did not freeze till night. Did not go to church today. Took care of the house while the rest of the family went. Read the “Times” “Herald” and Partons last Vol of Jackson. There are so many villinous looking fellows roaming about the City, that that [sic] it seems necessary for some one to be on the watch all the time. Burglaries and incendiary fires occur every night. I sleep with a loaded “revolver” within reach every night. Took a walk with the boys round Lafayette Square this evening and did not go out again. The air was cool and bracing. It freezes 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.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 1861.
This has been a warm and pleasant day, but the streets and crossings very muddy. No particular news is afloat but all classes are looking towards Charleston with much anxiety, as an attack is expected on Ft Sumpter. I went with the boys after office hours to the Navy Yard to see the new war Steamer Pensacola. We got permission to go on board and the boys were much interested. She is here for her Engines, &c, which were built at this yard. She is expected to exceed any vessel in the Navy in speed. Her Engines could not be excelled. Was at the Hotels in evening. Saw old Comodore Stewart at “National.”
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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 18
The discussions in Congress are now very pointed and interesting. An attack upon Fort Sumpter is expected since the Prest flatly refuses to Treat with Col Hayne the last Comr from S.C. for its peacable surrender. If the attack is made it will be no holiday job for the “fireeaters.” The weather today has been wet & foggy, nearly cold enough to freeze. Got letter from Julia. She is expecting to come if she has a good opportunity but seems to adapt herself to circumstances with much facility and will not complain if she stays there during the vacation. She seems contented & happy.
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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 17
There has been no startling News today, but the right of Secession is contested by all northern men who with the president consider it Revolution. I have not hesitated to call it Treason. I was at Willards this evening. People generaly are less excited than they were a week ago, and since the Cabinet has been purged of Secessionists and the President has taken a stand for the Union and the Constitution we all feel much better. It is now thought that “secession” will be at a discount soon even in the South. Became acquainted with Mr Fitman (Sigma), Mr Cluskey &c.
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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, JANUARY 16, 1861.
Another wet misty day. Splashy sidewalks and mudy crossings. Letter from Frank today through Chas dated Fort Kearney, N.T., attached to the U.S. Army acting as comdt clerk, well & healthy. The “Secession fever” seems to me to be rather subsiding. The “Secession” Clerks in the Census Bureau were notified today that they could resign, otherwise they would be dismissed. The same thing should be done in all the Departments of the Govt. Went to the Assemblys church tonight to hear Mr. Collins Lecture on Japan, but the Lecture was on So. America. It was not uninteresting. There was also a Lecture at the “Smithsonian” on the Polarization of light, but it is too far off and the walking was too bad for wife.
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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.
