THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1861.
Nice, bright, cool day, a bracing air, and I have felt unusualy well, but I attribute it (partly at least) to a good cold bath this morning. I cannot get along well without a good wash, all over in cold water and a thorough rubbing with the flesh brush or a coarse towel, two or three times a week. I was at “Willards” and the “National.” Saw Lighthall, [Low. S Seely?] Ranslaer Van Valkenburgh of Albany & others. Came home before 9 o’clock. Tomorrow is a Holy day [Holiday] throughout the City and a great Military parade is expected. The city seems to be very quiet, but getting well filled up.
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.