Dec

31

December 31, 1861, Diary of a Yankee in the Patent Office

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by Horatio Nelson Taft

TUESDAY 31

The old year goes out today, bright and dry. I have been in the office nearly all day. The boys called about 1/2 past two. I came home with them, stopped and bought Bud a cap. After dinner, bought some coal, and went down to the Ave with Holly and bought him a suit of clothes, and an overcoat for Bud, paid $12.00. Paid my fuel bill for Dec $9.00, grocery bill $24.00. Bud (H N Jr) went up to the Presidents this evening. The boys have a Dark lantern to exhibit. The President looked in at the boys show. Genl McClellan is sick abed. A fight is expected over the River now anytime. The Army seems to be getting ready. The Banks in all the Cities and also the U.S. Treasury have suspended specie payments today. No particular excitement in the City tonight, but the Ave & 7th St are swarming with people and business was never so brisk. I have been over to Mr Hartlys after Julia. The Band of the Regulars on Franklin Square are performing now and do every night. VanMaster called today, Col is improving. The health of our family is now good.

Dec

31

December 31, 1861, A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

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by John Beauchamp Jones

DECEMBER 31ST.—Northern papers, received in this city, show very conclusively that the enemy are pretty accurately informed of the condition of our defenses and the paucity of the numbers in our regiments.