Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Tuesday, April 1, 1862

A fine pleasant day. Went down to the Ave in the morning, got Draft of $20, sent to Mrs Barnes Phil^a. Called at M^cClees Photograph Rooms. He told me that he had mounted 2300 pictures the day before. The call for Photographs by Army officers has been unprecedented the past six months. My wife and Julia called upon me at the office today. I went this evening with Julia down to the Church Festival, did not attend or go in tonight, intend to go tomorrow. I was in at Willards, about as many officers there as usual and the Av^e is crowded afternoons. Ed Dickerson gave us a call this evening. Holly has been to the Festival, has just come home. 11 o'clock. Julia is not yet in. “Bud” has gone to bed long ago, sick. The Fair was too much for him last night.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Wednesday, April 2, 1862

There is a great dearth of news here now, but a great looking for of great events about this time, but few soldiers are here now compared with what there has been. The forts over the River are all maned [sic] and probably 50,000 men besides. There must now be about 200,000 tending towards Richmond now in Virginia. Fortress Monroe seems to be the great rendezvous. I expect it will be Norfolk first, and then Richmond. “Bud” has had a fever all day and we fear he is going to have chill fever. All the rest of us are quite well. Wife rc^d letters today from Mrs Brownson (Lyons) and from B^d Hamton. Geo S Griswold of Lyons called upon me at the office. He is Lieut in the 2^nd Reg^t NY Artillery stationed at Fort Ward over the R.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Thursday, April 3, 1862

Today obtained and sent the Photographs to Tho^s [Bourne?]. They were finished while I was in the Gallery. I sent them by Adams Express. I was in the “National,” saw a number of my friends there. Went to the Festival with wife & Julia, staid till near 11. They had a Negro Band, four or five. It seemed like a Ball but there was no dancing. The place abounded [in] awkward men & Homely women the latter teasing for ones money.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Friday, April 4, 1862

A delightful day. Quite still times here now since the soldiers left, but there are still soldiers in every direction, but the great Mass have left. 130,000 have gone down to Fortress Monroe. A large army is out in Virginia and a number of Reg^ts are in the Forts over the River. I think there is but one full Reg^t now quartered in the City, the 91^st Pa on Franklin Square. Julia and the boys attended the Festival this evening. The Lion of the evening was Lieut Morris of the “Cumberland.” Julia had a long chat with him. The little boys were interested and shook hands with him and came home quite elated. I was at the “National” with S D Moody most of the evening. No particular news.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Sunday, April 6, 1862

A delightful morning. Hearing that the “27^th” were soon to move, I crossed the River to Alexandria and walked out to their Camp. But to my surprise found the Camp vacated. The Reg^t left on Friday. Lieut Gaul was left in charge of some Stores but he expects to leave tomorrow. The Reg^t went by RR to Warrenton junction and are on the Way to Richmond. God Speed them. A deserted camp is about the most desolate place imaginable. The tents were all standing but all was still and lonely where so lately all was life and motion. I got back to Washington about 5 o'clock. The Steam Boat was crowded both ways. The country over there looks desolate enough. “Poor Virginia” “put back half a century.”

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Monday, April 7, 1862

Rain last night and mud this morning. In the office as usual. A fire broke out this morning on the corner of the Av^e & 7^th Street, it has been burning most of the day. Six stores and one Hotel were destroyed before three o'clock. Willie came down to the office before three to go home with me. I took him down to see the fire, he was some frightened at the noise and confusion. It has snowed most of the day and no wind so the fire did not burn very rapidly. All the engines were there, but the efficiency of the fire department was not much. Went down to the “National” to meet some gentlemen with S Seely of NY to examine Models & Drawings in reference to Iron covering for Ships of War. Staid till ½ past 10. We had the corrigated Iron in question. We think that there must be “something up” down the River as since 9 o'clock two messengers have called at our door with Dispatches for Comodore Smith from the War Department, perhaps the “Merrimac” is out again.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Tuesday, April 8, 1862

This has been a most dismal day, rain or Sleet has been falling all the time. I am all the time thinking of the Thousands of Soldiers who are now out in the storm without tents or shelter. Such must be the condition of Gen^l M^cDowells Division, which has advanced into Virginia on their way to Richmond leaving their tents behind, and also those who are now besieging Yorktown. The news tonight is that Island No 10 and the Shore Batteries have been surrendered to our troops. We shall get particulars tomorrow, probably. Gen^l M^cClellan is having a desperate time of it at Yorktown. The Rebels under M^cGruder are, it is said, Thirty thousand strong, but they must capitulate or run and run they cannot very easily. We are expecting news of a great battle at or near Corinth every day betwen Halleck and Beauregard. Each have over a hundred thousand men. It will be the great Battle of the war I think. Nothing has been heard from the Merrimac as yet.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Wednesday, April 9, 1862

It has stormed all day, rain, sleet and snow falling incessantly. News today of a great Battle West. Beauregard defeated and Island No 10 taken with all the land Batteries. Our armies everywhere victorious, more prisoners, guns, and munitions than our troops know what to do with. The City is in wild excitement over the news. A Salute of 100 guns ordered by the Sec'y of War. The great “Anaconda” is drawing in his coils tighter and tighter around the rebels. They have behaved most cowardly in every instance where they did not have the advantage in numbers or position. The proud “Southerners” had better strike the word chivalry from their vocabulary. I think they are a race of bombaster cowards and events are proveing it every day. We have had one Bull Run. They have a “Bully Run” every time they meet our troops.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Thursday, April 10, 1862

The weather is more settled today. Nothing in particular has occured. We are getting more of the particulars of the great Battle at Pittsburgh Landing, it was the most desperate fight of the War so far. There is nothing from Yorktown, to which all eyes are now turned. Both parties are in great force there. There must be another desperate encounter there. Our troops are flushed with Victory. The rebels are desperate.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Friday, April 11, 1862

Fine pleasant day. The Event here has been the passage of the Bill by the House abolishing Slavery in the District of Columbia. It had passed the Senate. No particular War news today. I was down to the Hotels. They are all full and quite a crowd at Willards. Went to the “Festival” to call for Julia about 10, staid an hour, it is the last night. We got home about 11½ o'clock. The nights are now bright and beautiful.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Sunday, March 16, 1862

Has not rained today. A Reg^t passed this morning with Band playing &c just as people were going to church. Co^l Dutton had his horse sent down and he left for the Camp (as he said) cured. Co^l Durkee left early this morning. Co^l Dutton had an ambrotype of his family, self, wife & five children. I noticed that he was very attentive to it this morning. We think him a very fine warm hearted man. It is probable that he will be called into active service very soon. Maj M^cCamby of Oswego and Q Master Francis of Bridghampton LI called today, they belong to the 81 NY Reg^t.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Monday, March 17, 1862

Nothing new has transpired today that we know of. The Telegraph announces that a Battle is in progress on the Miss. Com Foote is Bombarding the Rebels at Island N^o 10 with his gun boats. Troops are embarking on the Steam Boats to go down the River. The long trains of Gov^t Wagons which used to obstruct our Streets have nearly all left, and are over the River having followed the Army. I called down to Mr Morrisons on D st this evening for Julia. It is now 10½ o'clock, the children are all in bed since ½ past 8. A fine Band of music is playing in the street, some Seranade I presume.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Tuesday, March 18, 1862

News from Gen^l Burnside today. He has taken Newbern N.C. after a severe battle, 100 killed & 400 wounded, rebel loss not known, the Victory decisive. No news today from Com^d Foot, only that he was bombarding Island No 10. Julia is selling tickets for the Church Festival, Pres[byteria]ⁿ 4^th (Doct Smiths). I gave the Ladies committee $2.00 to assist in getting it up, the church is in debt.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Wednesday, March 19, 1862

No news today. Nothing from Foot yet. Troops are embarking down at the Arsenal to go down the River. It is supposed that an attack is to be made upon Norfolk. An overwhelming force is going down. This afternoon we rode up to the Camp of the 98^th NY, Col Duttons Reg^t — Saw the Lyons officers. Saw two Batteries of Artillery and five Regiments on parade near by — Got home before sun down. The Regiments up on “Meridian hill” all have orders to be ready to leave in twenty minutes after orders are rc^d. They all embark. A great many Reg^ts from the other side of the River are embarking at Alexandria. The 27^th is there & going.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Thursday, March 20, 1862

Wet drizzling day, as uncomfortable as need be. No news yet from Comodore Foot. I fear he has met with a repulse. Doct David & his Brother James were down and dined with us today. James is not attached to the Reg^t but is going down with it. It is expected to go tomorrow, but uncertain. Prof Sparks was here this evening hearing Julia recite her Spanish. He brought he[r] up a Spanish Dictionary & other books in the Spanish language. She seems to be making some progress. I have not been out of the house tonight, looked at the boys writing Books &c, & read the papers.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Friday, March 21, 1862

No definite news from Foot yet, the 19^th he was still bombarding Island N^o 10 — people are now waiting again to hear from Gen^l Burnside — an immense force is moveing down the River. Norfolk & Richmond now. Stirring times these. Our arms are successful everywhere. The great “Anaconda” is closing its coils and wo[e] to those who do not escape in time. It is said that the traitor W L Yancy has been taken prisoner, he ought to be hung.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Saturday, March 22, 1862

We have been listening all day to the booming of Cannon and beating of Drums. Troops are constantly embarking at the Arsenal and marching through and about the City. But the tents on the hills back of the City do not seem to diminish in number, but most of the Reg^ts are under marching orders to be ready in a few minutes when called upon to go. I[t] rained nearly all last night and rains tonight and the mud is almost as bad as ever in the streets, and the boys are again levying toll upon passengers at the crossings. — Doct David called this morning with another Surgeon. I think the D^r is a little homesick (very little). Comodore Foot is still throwing shells among the rebels at Island No 10. Yesterday the land forces were to arrive and act in concert with him. Went down to the Av^e after dinner. Visited the “Ariated Bread” Bakery foot of 10^th st. Went into some Machine Shops. Penn Av^e was crowded to excess, Carriages, Hacks, Gov^t Wagons, stubborn mules refusing to go, drivers swearing, Soldiers marching, Drums beating, Bands playing, Dragoons and “orderlies” rushing through at great speed. Officers and Privates, Citizens & Congressmen, Negros & Newsboys, all hurrying to and fro on the broad Side walk without any order or regularity as regards turning “to the right.” All put together made a lively time of it, and I was not sorry to get away from the uproar and confusion of the Av^e to a more quiet part of the City. The two elder boys have been up to the camp of the 98^th today. They have gone to bed tired. Julia is reading her Spanish lesson. Wife has prepared a cup of tea & some ariated Bread & buter, and placed it invitingly near me on the table. We rarely get a regular “Tea” at night, dining past 4 renders it hardly necessary. It is usualy done in a sort of fugitive way about 8 or 9 o'clock, sometimes later. We cannot contrive to get to bed before about 11 o'clock, that is, myself and wife. Julia goes before 10 usualy, and the boys about 8.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Sunday, March 23, 1862

No War news public today. It has been rather pleasant and no rain. Our next door neighbor Comodore Smith had his house robed last night. The Thief went all over the house gathering up watches, money, spoons, &c, without alarming the inmates. He unlocked the back door with Burglers nippers. The Comodore seems to be in bad luck. He recently lost his son, Lieut Jos. B Smith, on the Congress in her fight with the rebel Iron Clad Steamer “Merrimac.” I have not been to church today, wife & the rest of the family went. Took a walk with the boys before dark, saw the Battalion of Cavalry which brot the Body of Co^l Slocum of the RI 2^nd who was killed at Bull Run in July. The Reg^t is now near the City and the body was just recovered and brought over to the Reg'^t. The Cavalry came over as an Escort and were on their return when we saw them.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Monday, March 24, 1862

A Review today at Meridian Hill, Gen^l Caseys Division about 20,000 men (none of his Division have yet left). Troops are leaving on board Steamers every day at the rate of ten or fifteen thousand pr day. News today of a Victory near Winchester V.A. by our troops under Gen^l Shields. The bombardment at Island No 10 still continued at last news, the Gun Boats throwing Shells some 1½ & 2 miles and out of range of the Rebel guns. Our fine old neighbor Com Smith now goes again to his office at the Navy Yard. When he heard by Telegraph that the “Congress” had raised a white flag, “Joe is dead,” says he. He knew that “Joe” would not surrender, and he was in command. “Joe^s” watch was taken from the dead body (running) after the battle, and a part of the plunder obtained by the Rober the other morning. The Com^d offers $150 Reward for the watch which will be paid if it is returned and no questions asked. I was at Mr Reynolds with Julia this evening. They are from Iowa City. Got home about 10.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Tuesday, March 25, 1862

This has been a pleasant day. The troops have been quite active, some five or six Regiments marched through the City to the River to embark. No particular news afloat. Nothing is allowed to be published relating to army movements except official dispatches from the War department. The news papers are consequently rather stale at present. After dinner we all went up to the camp of the 98^th NY to see the Lyons boys and bid them good bye. They expect to start tomorrow for down the River. They all seemed to be in good health and spirits. Surgeon David came down and took tea with us. We all regret to have him go. We are all much attached to him. He appears so amiable and quiet in his demeanor and so sincere in what he says. We got back from the camp before dark. After Dr David left, Julia and I called at Mr Hartlys on NY Avenue. I also called at the office of Maj A B Williams on 11^th street. Met Mr VanMaster of Lyons and Mr Underwood of Auburn NY. Gen^l Burnside has taken Beaufort N.C. & Fort Mason.

SOURCE: Horatio Nelson Taft, The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865. Volume 1, January 1,1861-April 11, 1862, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Washington D. C.