SATURDAY 16
The coldest day yet but no frost, a cold strong wind. The 11th Maine Regt passed through the City, just arrived. Capt Rogers of the 27th called today, brought letter from Doct Barnes enclosing $50.00. The City was thrown into quite an excitement by the news of the arrest of Mason & Slidel. They were taken from the English Mail Steamer from Cuba to England. I have been at home most of the day, have purchased some wood and shoes for the boys, and attended to their lessons in the forenoon. They take to their studies at home very well.
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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.