Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Sunday, February 3, 1861

A little frozen this morning, but warm the rest of the day with plenty of mud. Wife and boys went to church. I did not go out till evening. Was in at “Willards” Hotel. Quite full of eastern and northern men. Was introduced to ex Gov Gardner of Mass. Very young man for an ex Governor. The “Peace Congress” meets tomorrow. Most of the Delegates are here. It is said that Virginia will demand as a preliminary that the U.S. troops now in this City be immediately withdrawn and that no State that “Secedes” shall be coerced. If such be the case it will make trouble & Virginia herself will be ignored altho she first called for the convention. It cannot mean Peace.

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., image 15.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Monday, February 4, 1861

The Peace Convention met today but all the Delegates had not arrived and but little was done. The ground was covered with snow again this morning, but nearly melted off during the day. Schuyler Colfax M.C. was at my table in the office attending to a “case.” At Willards tonight I met J F Starbuck of Watertown NY and his new wife. Spent an hour in their room in the Hotel. He was Clerk in the Constitutional Conv'ⁿ NY,1846. Willards Hotel is now about full and the Av'e is much crowded during the day. The Election for Delegates to State Convention takes place in Virginia today.

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., image 15.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Tuesday, February 5, 1861

The Unionists carried the State Virginia yesterday by a large majority and everyone has felt better today. I think the Secession Movement has reached its climax and a re-action will now take place, but perhaps the wish is Father to the thought. The Chief Engineer of U.S. Navy was with me an hour or two today in the office, had long conversation upon Steam and Steam Engines. He is a knowing man. Bot H N J^r suit of clothes tonight. Was in at Willards and saw numerous friends and almost innumerable strangers. Weather pleasant.

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., image 15.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Saturday, February 9, 1861

Mercury 20 this morning and the weather is quite moderate. The public mind seems to be much quieted and all seem to expect that a settlement will be made betwen the north and the border Slave States at least, in which case the “Cotton States” it is thought will ultimately come back. Seven have now seceded, Texas last. Business in the Pat office is increasing again. Some of the Examiners are quaking in their shoes for fear of being removed by the incoming Administration. I am quite indifferent about it. Was at “Willards” an hour tonight, 800 guests.

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., image 17.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Monday, February 11, 1861

It has been warm and pleasant today but is a little rainy tonight. Business in the Pat office goes on as usual and is now increasing. Went down to Willards and met my old friend J C Smith who is a member of the Peace Convention from NY. The Hotel is or appears to be quite full. It is said that the proffits are at least $1200 pr day. Went from Willards to the Adams Express office (sending trunk of clothing &c to Julia). Called in at the “National.” Came home and read papers and go to bed at 12 1/1.

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., image 17.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Saturday, February 16, 1861

A delightful and bright warm day, but muddy in the streets. Worked pretty busily in the office today. Prof Rogers was in with a working model of his Steam and air Engine operating upon the principle of the “Jefford Injector” for Steam Boilers. In Rogers Engine the Steam took in a current of air into the Steam chest. He claims a gain of nearly 100 pr cent over the Comⁿ [common?] S Engine. A boy brought a Box of excellent Cigars, present from W A Lighthall. Was in at Willards this evening. Saw W VanMaster from Lyons there, bot “Times.”

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., image 19.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Monday, February 18, 1861

The forepart of the day was bright but the air cold and chilly, the latter part cloudy, windy and cold, freezing a little. Gov Polk of Missouri was in our room this morning. He is M.C. now. I was introduced to him. Mrs & Miss Butterfield were also at the pat off this morning. Mr B. left them with me and I attended them round the building. Put stove up in our third story after dinner, have had some stove pipe stolen from the celler the past week. Went down to the “National” and “Willards,” bothe Houses seem quite full. Conversation much less excited than a month since.

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., image 20.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Tuesday, February 19, 1861

Rather a cold day. M. just below freezing with cold wind. Nothing in particular now attracts public attention. Mr Lincoln is slowly moveing towards the Capital and is expected here on saturday next. The Inaugural Speech of Jefferson Davis, President of the “Confederate States,” was published here today. The Peace Convention get on but slowly and not very harmoniously. I was at the office all day, had a good many calls. Was down at “Willards.” Saw W VanMaster, H B Stanton, Mr Butterfield & others, bot a “Times” and read aloud an hour to wife.

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., image 20.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Wednesday, February 20, 1861

It has been a pleasant bright day. M. 36. Rain last night and the Streets wet. Doct G P Eddy of Lewistown NY called upon me today, old friend. I was glad to see him. My old friend J C Smith of Canandagua NY, formerly of Lyons, spent the evening with me and my family at my house. He is member of the Peace Convention now in session here. I was down at Willards after dinner, great crowd there. Cha^s & Miss Sally Woodward called this evening and spent an hour. Mis Doct Everitt sent in a gold fish for our Aquarium. It is a “Whale among the minnows.” Bed at 11 o'clk.

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., image 20.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 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.

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., image 21.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Saturday, February 23, 1861

Another pleasant morning but rainy towards night. I had numerous calls today in the office from NY friends and two or three letters requesting me to attend to business for the writers. Mr Lincoln arrived today by the morning train direct from Harrisburg without stopping in Baltimore. It is said that a dispatch was sent him from here to come immediately. He is here at Willards and seeing his friends at his room. The Hotel seemed jamed full tonight. I went to market with the black “chattel” behind me, a feat on her part which seems to satisfy her ambition entirely.

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., image 21.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Sunday, February 24, 1861

A very windy day and rather cool but not freezing. The mud is drying up in the streets. The Lincolns are all here and it is understood that satisfactory terms have been agreed upon for a settlement of the difficulties as far as the North and the border Slave states are concerned. There is a week (at least) of excitement in prospect in view of the Inauguration on the 4^th. No Trouble is now apprehended then. Mr Lincoln did not stand upon his dignity yesterday but called upon the Pres^t, Gen^l Cass, and the Cabinet who returned his in evening at Willards. There is a full moon and it is very pleasant out tonight.

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., image 22.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Monday, February 25, 1861

It has been a delightful day and the streets are nearly dry. Nothing in particular has occured in the City. Everything moves along as usual only there is getting to be a great crowd here. Called tonight with my wife on Mrs & Miss Butterfield at Willards Hotel. Mr & Mrs Lincoln were holding a Levee in their parlors and we went up and were introduced. Mrs L in one room and Mr L in an adjoining room. They are both quite ordinary looking people. I hope He is equal to the crises. To my Mind, appearances do not favor the conclusion that he is. A brilliant assembly at the Hotel, staid there two hours.

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., image 22.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Monday, January 7, 1861

The weather is soft and rather foggy and some rain. I went to the Bank of the Metropolis today and bo^t a Draft on N.Y. for $40 and sent to Pres^t of Elmira College on Julia^s account. Called upon Doct Fife Dentist with the Note from D Chapman & Co got no money, but a good promise. Was in at Willards, people much excited and everybody talking about public matters. Talk today that Senator Toombs of Georgia will be arrested for high Treason. He Telegraphed to Savannah it is said, to “Seize the Forts.” The fire bells ring every night. — We hardly know what to look for next.

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., image 6.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Wednesday, January 9, 1861

Mr Thompson has resigned and another day has passed in the greatest anxiety of all classes to hear from Charleston, but there is no news from there today. The City is arming for self-protection and some Companys of U S troops are expected tomorrow. Fires and Burglaries occur every night. I sleep with a loaded revolver within reach. Was an hour at Willards tonight. Everything quiet but men look anxious. Met Mr Butterfield M.C. and a number of other gentlemen, all looking for 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., image 6.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Thursday, January 17, 1861

There has been no startling News today, but the right of Secession is contested by all northern men who with the president consider it Revolution. I have not hesitated to call it Treason. I was at Willards this evening. People generaly are less excited than they were a week ago, and since the Cabinet has been purged of Secessionists and the President has taken a stand for the Union and the Constitution we all feel much better. It is now thought that “secession” will be at a discount soon even in the South. Became acquainted with Mr Fitman (Sigma), Mr Cluskey &c.

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., image 9.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Wednesday, January 23, 1861

United States troops are quietly being brought here and are now quartered in different parts of the City. The President is undoubtedly informed of all the movements of the Traitors, and preparations are being made for the reception of any such visitors. The conspiracy has its ramifications through all the departments without a doubt. Men receiving pay from the Gov^t (as Clerks &c) but ready to turn against it at a moments warning. I can hardly hope that that [sic] all will be well six weeks hence. Heaven grant that it may be. Was at Willards an hour tonight.

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. , image 11.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Friday, January 25, 1861

The weather has been moderate today without rain, or sunshine. Political excitement appears to be subsiding in a measure. The conservative feeling in the border States is now relied upon to save the Union, or Civil War. Many prominent men are here now from different sections of the U.S. Kentucky has refused to call a convention as required by the secessionists. It is a good omen for the future. I was down at the “National” and at “Willards” tonight, could learn no news of importance. The condition of the country is still the absorbing topic of conversation.

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. , image 12.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Sunday, January 27, 1861

The snow is about 6 or 7 inches deep and some attempts at sleigh riding are made but there seems to be a sad deficiency in vehicles of that kind, but the ring of sleigh bells has been quite common today. It has thawed in the sun all day. I was in at Willards. The House seemed to be quite full. Called at Cramers and spent an hour. Mr Russell from Saratoga there, took tea there. The moon is at its full and it is almost as light as day out. Every one you meet looks grave and anxious.

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. , image 12.

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.