THURSDAY 5 It has rained nearly all day and there has not been much stir in the streets. Soldiers were moveing all last night, it is said that fifteen thousand passed over the River. Fresh troops are coming in all the time and going into camp. There does not appear to have been any “fight” [...]
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1861. Beautiful day, rather hot in the sun. Called on Doct Smith which amounted to nothing. I think he likes to have people think that they are under great obligations to him. Got glass and glazed the broken windows, saved $1.50 by doing it myself. Paid my Ice bill $3.70. It is [...]
TUESDAY 3 Bright day. Firing heard over the river nearly all day, supposed to be fighting going on. collisions betwen the pickets occur every day. A Battle cannot be far off. Death of Jeff Davis reported in the papers. Doct Barnes, Lieut Swan and Qr M Hamilton called upon us today. Tried my combined door [...]
MONDAY 2 Pleasant day and has passed off with but little excitement. People feel better since the success at Hateras Inlet N.C. If we are successful on the other side of the River we shall be all right again. Took a long walk after dinner with wife & Julia out to the “Park” (7th St) [...]
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1861. Another delightful day. Went to church with wife and boys in the morning and read at home nearly all the rest of the day. Good news today rcd from Genl Butlers naval expedition which sailed from Fortress Monroe. It will be reviveing to all after our recent disasters. Watched a smoke [...]
SATURDAY 31 This has been a delightful day, cool and bright. Large numbers of troops crossed the river last night, 30,000 at least, but we have heard nothing of any fight as yet. I have been model making part of the day. Was at the Pat office awhile. Went to market before dark. In the [...]
FRIDAY 30 Excitement is again on tiptoe as a general battle is expected now day by day on the other side of the River. The entrenchments of the rebels can be seen from the top of the Capitol dome with a good Spyglass. Skirmishing among the sentries occurs daily. The Newspapers here say nothing. I [...]
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 1861. It has rained almost incessantly today and I have done but little but stay in the house. Mr Brownson and myself went down to the Pat office and found that the “knapsack” had passed. Mr B. left for home on the 21/2 train. I went to the Depot with him. The [...]
WEDNESDAY 28 Went to the Patent office this morning with Brownson to help him along with his knapsack application. We got it before the Examr in an hour. Went then with him up to the War Dept to see the Qr Master Genl about knapsacks for the Army. Then went up to see the Washington [...]
TUESDAY 27 A tent was pitched expressly for Julia which she occupied alone during the night with a sentinel pacing before her tent all night. I occupied a couch in Doct Barnes tent where we had taken tea. Julia was very much “lionized” by the officers while we staid in the camp. We took dinner [...]
MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 1861. Went to the Provost Marshalls with Julia this morning and after much trouble got a “Pass” to go on the Boat to Alexandria. Took the Boat with Julia at 1 o’clock. Went directly to the Camp of the NY 27th 3/4ths of a mile back of the City and near Fort [...]
SUNDAY 25 Went to church this morning with Julia & Brownson. The day has been delightful, quite a show of soldiers up 14th St., Infantry, Cavalry & Artillery of the Regular Army with a fine Band and Drum Corps. A long train of Army wagons also passed the house. Mr B & wife [Mrs Taft] [...]
SATURDAY 24 Saw the President this morning 1/2 past 8. Applied for a Pay Mastership in the Army. Too many already appointed, gave me a line to Mr Seward. Came home and found Mr Brownson of Lyons at the house. Went with him and Julia up to Camp Cameron to see the “Anderson Zuaves.” Col [...]
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 1861. A fine bright day. Went to the Presidents at 1/2 past 8. Many members of the Cabinet there to see him and officers of the Army. I was not able to see him in private. Genl McClellan was there and Col Baker and Col Duryee and Genl J.W. Denver and other [...]
THURSDAY 22 Another rainy day. Went down to the Provost Marshalls Office, great crowd there for passes across the River. Saw Capt Fowler and Capt [Huron?] there (of the 12 Regt). Sent a line to the President by H N Jr — requesting a private interview. Will see him in the morning 1/2 past 8 [...]
WEDNESDAY 21 This has been a fine cool day but bright with a feeling of Autumn in the air. I saw the Comr this morning but could get nothing satisfactory from him in reference to my restoration to the Pat office. Came home about noon. The Brazilian Minister wants to rent my House & furniture [...]
TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 1861. Many people in the City were much alarmed last night at a report that “the rebels had crossed the River below and were marching on Washington.” Similar rumors are constantly afloat. Went to the Express Office and sent off (as requested) Lieut Martins trunk which was left with me. Called at [...]
MONDAY 19 This will pass for a rainy day and a disagreable one. I was at Genl Porters office (Provost Marshall), a great crowd there after “passes” to Virginia. The Court Marshall was sitting in the same building. I saw four of the mutineers of the NY 79th who were awaiting their trial. They were [...]
SUNDAY 18 This has been a wet disagreable day. Did not go to church, have been reading & writing most of the day. E’d Dickerson and Owen Klink called today. They are just from the other side of the River. All quiet there. There seems to be an ominous stillness all round the City soon [...]
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 1861. This day has passed off without any particular incident occuring. I was at the RR Depot. A Regt of Cavalry from P.A. came in while I was there. Troops are coming all the while but nothing is said or known about it publicly. Long trains of Army wagons were loading and [...]
FRIDAY 16 Went down to the Navy Yard this forenoon with F Sickels. The “Pensacola” Steamer is nearly completed. The little Tug Boat “Resolute” lay near her with three dead men on board who were killed near Mathias Point last night by the Rebels. Met Jas Westfall and Mr [Vanstetyne?] of Lyons, at the “Yard.” [...]
THURSDAY 15 The 3rd Regt of Regulars are cleaning up the Camp on F[ranklin] Square, “Camp Anderson,” for occupation. I was in the Pat office awhile today but staid at Home most of the day. The weather is quite cool and a fire in the dining room is comfortable in the morning. Doct Barnes was [...]
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 1861. Got up this morning and went to market. Doct Barnes and Lieut Gould to Breakfast. Doct Vanslyck to dinner. The “27th” left this morning for V.A. I was at the Pat office awhile & on the Ave. Witnessed this evening the quelling of a mutiny among the 79th Regt. A strong [...]
TUESDAY 13 News today of the battle at Springfield Missori and death of Genl Lyon. My son Frank was in his Army, Co. E, 2nd Regt US Infantry, Capt Steel. Have been at the Camp much of the day seeing the soldiers pack up and get in readiness to leave. They go tomorrow morning. Doct [...]
MONDAY 12 Went down to the Pat office this morning and saw the Comr, could get nothing definite from him in reference to my restoration to the office. Business there is still dull. Few soldiers are seen in the streets now and none without a “pass.” The 27th Regt have rcd orders to cross the [...]