MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1861.
Another delightful day, but no troops yet. We are in a beleaguered City with enimies on every side and and [sic] at our doors. The ratling of musquetry and the booming of cannon may startle us any moment. Many have left the City, but all communication with the North is now cut off. No NY mail since friday last. Myself and family are [sic] have concluded to stay and see it out for the present at least. The Govt is now taking very decided measures to protect the City and thwart the designs of the enimy. Was at the office all day, took the “strong oath” required at the department.
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.