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by John Beauchamp Jones

NOVEMBER 30TH.—Mr. Benjamin has been defeated for the C. S. Senate. Mr. Hunter has been named as a candidate for the C. S. Senate from Virginia. I thought he would not remain in the cabinet, after his relative was arrested (with no reason assigned) by order of Mr. Benjamin. Besides, the office is a sinecure, and may remain so for a long time, if the powers at Washington should “stint, and say aye” to the demands of England.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1861.

This day (the last of Autumn) has passed off without any particular event happening. I was in the office all day recording Patent Deeds. We were paid off today, my pay not being a very heavy amount having been in the office only six days. Did not get so weary as I did yesterday. J. N. Granger returned today from a visit home to Ontario County NY. He called upon me in my room this morning. Bought groceries & marketing. Went down to fire on 10th St, bot the papers at Shepherds, called for Julia at Mr Hartleys.

by John Beauchamp Jones

NOVEMBER 29TH.—Gen. Sydney Johnston has command of the army in Tennessee and Kentucky. I wish it were only as strong as the wily enemy is in the habit of representing it!

by Horatio Nelson Taft

FRIDAY 29

A wet day and quite warm, no fire necessary for comfort. Have been hard at work in the office all day recording Land Patent Deeds, find it very tiresome. Have spent most of the evening at Chas Room with him and Sallie. News from the south looks favorable and in fact we are looking for favorable news from our forces everywhere. Our troops are now begining to be in earnest. Rainy evening.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

THURSDAY 28

Rather a warm day with rain this evening. It being “Thanksgiving” I did not go to the office. Did some fixing round the house in the morning and then went to Church with all the family. After church and after dinner went with the three boys to the “Monument” pond after aquatic plants and fish for the Aquarium. On our return met four Regts of NY troops on their way over the River. It is said today that our troops have advanced.

by John Beauchamp Jones

NOVEMBER 28TH. —Nothing of importance to-day. There will be no such quiet time after this year.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1861.

A rainy morning. Went to the office as usual and was very busy writing all day. Got with my stationary today a new Pocket knife and a gold pen with which I am writing now but I do not think much of the Pen. No further news from Pensecola. It is “Thanksgiving” tomorrow and the Office is closed for the day. Turkeys are very scarce this year and we shall have rather slim “Thanksgiving” without one. I have spent the evening at home.

by John Beauchamp Jones

NOVEMBER 27TH.—Saw President Tyler to-day. He augurs the worst effects from the policy of permitting almost unrestricted intercourse with the enemy’s country in time of war.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

TUESDAY 26

In the office all day, weather rather cold and unpleasant. Wife and the two elder boys went to the Review of the Regulars, a little East of the Capitol, by Genl McClellan. News today comes through Norfolk of a Battle at Pensecola. Nothing definite known. I went down and spent an hour with Chas & Sallie. Came home and then went after Julia at Mr Hartleys.

by John Beauchamp Jones

NOVEMBER 26TH.—The enemy occupy Tybee Island, and threaten Savannah. Vice-President Stephens was in my office to-day, and he too deprecates the passage of so many people to the North, who, from the admission of the journals there, give them information of the condition of our defenses. He thinks our affairs are not now in a prosperous condition, and has serious apprehensions for the fate of Savannah.

edited by G.W. Cable

Nov. 26, 1861.—The lingering summer is passing into those misty autumn days I love so well, when there is gold and fire above and around us. But the glory of the natural and the gloom of the moral world agree not well together. This morning Mrs. F. came to my room in dire distress. “You see,” she said, “cold weather is coming on fast, and our poor fellows are lying out at night with nothing to cover them. There is a wail for blankets, but there is not a blanket in town. I have gathered up all the spare bed-clothing, and now want every available rug or table-cover in the house. Can’t I have yours, G.? We must make these small sacrifices of comfort and elegance, you know, to secure independence and freedom.”

“Very well,” I said, denuding the table. “This may do for a drummer boy.”

by John Beauchamp Jones

NOVEMBER 25TH.—Yesterday Fort Pickens opened fire on our batteries at Pensacola, but without effect. One of their ships was badly crippled.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

MONDAY 25

Coldest morning yet. M. down to 32. Went to the Pat office and got my appointment from the Comr after going to a Magistrate and taking the oath, in such cases prescribed by law. Have been engaged in filling out certificates of Lands to purchasers. Nothing new in the military line today or in the “papers” tonight. Doct Barnes was over from the Camp today with his wife. She returns with him being quite enamoured of Camp life. Regts have been moveing all day and Drums beating all the evening.

by John Beauchamp Jones

NOVEMBER 24TH. —Gen. Floyd has retreated from Cotton Hill, and the enemy threatens our western communications. Gen. Lee has been sent to Western Virginia, but it is not an adequate field for him. He should have command of the largest army in the service, for his is one of the most capacious minds we have.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1861.

This has been rather a cool Sunday with the first Snow of the season this evening. We have seen no ice yet, and no very hard frost. Wife and all the Children were out to church this morning. Myself and Julia went this afternoon. Chas & Sallie called and spent an hour or two this evening. The boys went to bed at 8 o’clock. Wife is writing to her Aunt Reeves. We occupy the Parlor evenings with airtight Stove.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

SATURDAY 23

Rained last night and was a rainy morning, but it cleared off about noon. I went to the Land office today and was examined as the law directs for all clerks, but it is very much of a “humbug.” If it is wanted to keep an applicant out, it is a very easy matter to do it. I go again on Monday to learn the nature of the report in my case. Perhaps I am to be humbuged as a Democrat does not, in reality, stand much chance for a place in that Department. “We shall see.”

by John Beauchamp Jones

NOVEMBER 23D.—J. C. Breckinridge and Humphrey Marshall, of Kentucky, have been here; and both have been made brigadier-generals, and assigned to duty in the West. Although the former retained his seat in the Senate of the United States for many months after the war began, no one doubts that he is now with us, and will do good service.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

SATURDAY 23

Rained last night and was a rainy morning, but it cleared off about noon. I went to the Land office today and was examined as the law directs for all clerks, but it is very much of a “humbug.” If it is wanted to keep an applicant out, it is a very easy matter to do it. I go again on Monday to learn the nature of the report in my case. Perhaps I am to be humbuged as a Democrat does not, in reality, stand much chance for a place in that Department. “We shall see.”

by John Beauchamp Jones

NOVEMBER 22D.—We have information that the enemy have invaded and taken possession of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Accomac and Northampton Counties. They invaded the two counties with a force of 3000 men, and we had only 800 to oppose them. Of course there could be no contest against such odds. They carried my tenant to Drummondtown, the county seat, and made him (I suppose) assist in raising the United States flag over the court-house.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

FRIDAY 22

Saw the Sec’y this morning and presented Mr Lincolns letter. He was rather obstinate, could not restore me to the place I occupied in the Patent office at present possibly, but would give me a 2nd Class Clerkship in the Land Office for the present if I would accept of it. It is $1400 pr year. That is certainly better than no business in this extravagant City and I shall take it till I can do better. In that office I can take out patents.

by John Beauchamp Jones

NOVEMBER 21ST. —My mysterious lieutenant was arrested this morning, on the western route, and proved, as I suspected, to be a woman. But Gen. Winder was ordered by the Secretary to have her released.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1861.

Cloudy morning but rather a pleasant day. I have been engaged most of the day at home, heard the boys recite their lessons. Went to the Ave, bot some oil cloth for our Parlor stove and cut it down to fit. Wife went up to the Presidents to see Mrs Lincoln, did not see her. She however got a strong letter from the President to the Sec’y of the Interior in my favor. I shall present it tomorrow. Maj Watt acted for her in the matter with the Prest.

by John Beauchamp Jones

NOVEMBER 20TH.—I had a protracted and interesting interview to-day with a gaudily dressed and rather diminutive lieutenant, who applied for a passport to the Mississippi River, via Chattanooga, and insisted upon my giving him transportation also. This demand led to interrogatories, and it appeared that he was not going under special orders of the adjutant-general. It was unusual for officers, on leave, to apply for transportation, and my curiosity was excited. I asked to see his furlough. This was refused; but he told me to what company he belonged, and I knew there was such a company in Bishop or Gen. Polk’s command. Finally he escaped further interrogatories by snatching up the passport I had signed and departing hastily. But instead of the usual military salute at parting, he courtesied. This, when I reflected on the fineness of his speech, the fullness of his breast, his attitudes and his short steps, led me believe the person was a woman instead of a lieutenant. Gen. Winder coming in shortly after, upon bearing my description of the stranger, said he would ascertain all about the sex.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

WEDNESDAY 20

Another fine day, much as yesterday. The great event of the day is the Grand Review which took place at Balls X roads some six or eight miles from the River in V.A. 75000 men or eighty Regts of Infantry, seven of Cavalry, and twenty Batteries of Artillery or 120 pieces. The Prest and most of the Cabinet were with Genl McClellan, his Staff was very Brilliant. No news of any particular importance afloat in the City today.

by John Beauchamp Jones

NOVEMBER19TH. —To-day Monsieur Paul, French Consul, applied in person for passports on behalf, I believe, of some French players (Zouaves) to Norfolk. Of course I declined granting them. He grew enthusiastic, and alleged that British subjects had enjoyed the privilege. He said he cared nothing for the parties applying in this instance; but he argued vehemently against British subjects being favored over French subjects. I sent a note concerning our interview to the Secretary; and while Monsieur Paul still sat in the office, the following reply came in from the Secretary: “All you need do is to say to the French Consul, when he calls, that you obey your instructions, and have no authority to discuss with him the rights of French subjects. J. P. B.” Monsieur Paul departed with “a flea in his ear.” But he received an invitation to dine with the Secretary to-day.

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