Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

Horatio Nelson Taft

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SUNDAY 2 This has been rather a hot day. M: 84. I did not go out to church, all the rest of the family went. The 12th Regt returned to their quarters on Franklin Square today. We attended their dress parade at 6 o’clock. I went down to Willards afterwards, many officers there of Army [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

“Will the rebels stand up and fight and be crushed, or will they withdraw?”—Horatio Nelson Taft

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SATURDAY, JUNE 1 Excitement today, fight at Fairfax C.H. this morning, brilliant dash on part of U.S. dragoons. Fighting also below at “Aquia Creek” betwen War Steamers and rebel batteries, firing heard this evening (before dark) over the River. The Artillery practicing, or a fight, every one now on the “qui vive” to hear news [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

“Thirty odd prisoners taken at Alexandria (Capt Balls troopers) were in confinement on the Powhattan.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

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FRIDAY, MAY 31, 1861. Weather very delightful. Boys some sick last night (much fever) but better today. Nothing of particular interest has occured. The 7th NY Regt returned home today, term (30 days) being up, other Regts are arriving every day. Went down to the N Yard after dinner with H N Jr, ten or [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

Horatio Nelson Taft

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THURSDAY 30 Did not feel much worse for “wear” today for my long walk yesterday. Attended to business in the office as usual, got my months salary $150. Came home about 1/2 past 2 o’clock and with wife and Juliet went to the Prests to see some troops reviewed by the Prest and Genl Scott. [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

“Went to the 69th, Col Corcoran, opposite Georgetown. Extensive and strong ‘works’ going up there.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

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WEDNESDAY 29 It has been a fine, cool, and airy day. Took a longer walk than I have for some time. Got a “pass” from Genl Mansfield and about 12 o’clock started with Mr Vansantvoord for Virginia over the Long Bridge. Visited the encampments of some 6000 men and their entrenchments. Was at “Arlington House,” [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

“The excitement of yesterday has passed off but troops are passing over the River today and the large Govt Wagons are taking over stores, tents, implements, &c…,”—Horatio Nelson Taft

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SUNDAY 26 Warm today, went to church with family. Chas and young Saml Androus are both with us, came up last night. Saml is somewhat sick, is geting better. His Regt is at Alexandria. The excitement of yesterday has passed off but troops are passing over the River today and the large Govt Wagons are [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

“During the middle of the day soldiers were seen running with muskets in hand to join their companies, many being ordered out today.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

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SATURDAY, MAY 25, 1861. Another most exciting day. Rumours of fighting on the other side of the river were rife all over the City the middle of the day but were without foundation. The Funeral of Col Ellsworth took place from the Prests House. His remains were in the East room where thousands passed through [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

Horatio Nelson Taft

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 1861. No particular occurence has marked this day here except the raising of a fine National Flag on the Genl Post office. Mr Lincoln handled the cords. Mr Seward, Mr Blair (the P.M.), and Mr Smith the Sec’y of the Interior spoke on the occasion. Was down today to see Chas and [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

Horatio Nelson Taft

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TUESDAY 21 Today the weather has been fine, quite still times in the office. Matters and business there are now assuming their usual channels, but applications for Patents have much fallen off of late. Went with Juliet up to the camp of the 7th NY Regt (“Camp Cameron”), a great crowd of spectators there. We [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

Horatio Nelson Taft

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SUNDAY, MAY 19, 1861. Cool today, fire in Parlor in the morning. Went with Juliet to the camp of the 12th Regt in the morning and heard Rev Mathew Hale Smith (the Chaplin of the Regt) deliver an eloquent discourse to the soldiers. Got to church in time from there and heard Doct Smith, a [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

Horatio Nelson Taft

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SATURDAY 18 Fine cool day. Very pleasant for the soldiers to drill. “Squads” being seen all over the City marching to and fro under a drill officer. Had letter today from Brother C R. Wrote him in reply after going over to the Genl P.O. Was introduced to Mr Lewis Clephane, the City P.M., by [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

Horatio Nelson Taft

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 1861. The weather has been fine today and nothing in particular has occured to vary the past routine in the office. My health is excellent this spring. I have made use of cherry bitters occasionaly and perhaps it has kept off my usual billious attack at this season of the year. Attended [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

Horatio Nelson Taft

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TUESDAY 14 Warm today. Some of the northern soldiers fainted in the streets. 2nd Connecticut Regt got in today. The 2 Connt Regts are in camp on 7th st at the “Park” about a mile north of the Pat office. Went up after dinner to see the NY 7th Regt camp and Drill or dress [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

“Attended the parade of the 12th with wife on Franklin Square, then went down to Market with Willie, the black girl carrying the basket.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

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SATURDAY 11 This has been a fine day and the Military have been all alive. Regiments marching, Bands playing and Drums beating, Bugles sounding, and now and then the deep booming of cannon. I was in the office all day, but was writing & reading the news, having not much official business to transact. Attended [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

“I hope an army will not attempt to march to Richmond. Should one do so, I believe it would be destroyed if less than fifty thousand.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

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FRIDAY, MAY 10, 1861. A bright morning, but rain all day after 12 o’clock. Troops continue to arrive, 30,000 here now. They are now mostly going into camp in the suburbs of the City. Reports of large bodies of troops in Virginia indicate work near here before long. I should not be much surprised to [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.