Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Monday, January 14, 1861

Something of a snowstorm today. Tonight is more like rain freezing as it falls. The walks are a glade of ice. There appears to be a more hopeful feeling abroad today in reference to the affairs of the country. The Gov^t is geting into the hands of Union men. The Cabinet is now composed entirely of that class. Gen^l Dix taking the place of Thomas. His first assistant (Clayton) has also resigned to save himself from being turned out. It is rumored today that all “seceders” are to be turned out if they do not resign their posts in the different Dep^ts. Spent the evening next door, Mr Bartletts, clerk in State Dep^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., image 8.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Tuesday, January 15, 1861

Slippery, misty, foggy day. Good skating for the boys this morning in the street. A general impression seems to prevail that that [sic] the troubles of the Country are going to be healed some way, nobody can tell how. But there is a determination manifestly abroad that this Government shall not be broken up and that it will be defended and maintained at all hazzards and all costs. This determination on the part of the Administration and the whole United North seems to be felt by all. No particular news today. Spent the evening at Home reading first. Presidents Levee this Season, take little interest in them now.

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 8.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Wednesday, January 16, 1861

Another wet misty day. Splashy sidewalks and mudy crossings. Letter from Frank today through Cha^s dated Fort Kearney, N.T., attached to the U.S. Army acting as com^dt clerk, well & healthy. The “Secession fever” seems to me to be rather subsiding. The “Secession” Clerks in the Census Bureau were notified today that they could resign, otherwise they would be dismissed. The same thing should be done in all the Departments of the Govt. Went to the Assemblys church tonight to hear Mr. Collins Lecture on Japan, but the Lecture was on So. America. It was not uninteresting. There was also a Lecture at the “Smithsonian” on the Polarization of light, but it is too far off and the walking was too bad for 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 9.

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, Friday, January 18, 1861

The discussions in Congress are now very pointed and interesting. An attack upon Fort Sumpter is expected since the Pres^t flatly refuses to Treat with Col Hayne the last Com^r from S.C. for its peacable surrender. If the attack is made it will be no holiday job for the “fireeaters.” The weather today has been wet & foggy, nearly cold enough to freeze. Got letter from Julia. She is expecting to come if she has a good opportunity but seems to adapt herself to circumstances with much facility and will not complain if she stays there during the vacation. She seems contented & happy.

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, Saturday, January 19, 1861

This has been a warm and pleasant day, but the streets and crossings very muddy. No particular news is afloat but all classes are looking towards Charleston with much anxiety, as an attack is expected on F^t Sumpter. I went with the boys after office hours to the Navy Yard to see the new war Steamer Pensacola. We got permission to go on board and the boys were much interested. She is here for her Engines, &c, which were built at this yard. She is expected to exceed any vessel in the Navy in speed. Her Engines could not be excelled. Was at the Hotels in evening. Saw old Comodore Stewart at “National.”

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 10.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Sunday, January 20, 1861

Cooler today, and quite windy, but did not freeze till night. Did not go to church today. Took care of the house while the rest of the family went. Read the “Times” “Herald” and Partons last Vol of Jackson. There are so many villinous looking fellows roaming about the City, that that [sic] it seems necessary for some one to be on the watch all the time. Burglaries and incendiary fires occur every night. I sleep with a loaded “revolver” within reach every night. Took a walk with the boys round Lafayette Square this evening and did not go out again. The air was cool and bracing. It freezes 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 10.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Monday, January 21, 1861

Mr Yulee was in my room today and asked me if I thought it best to “coerce” the seceding states. I told him that I thought it best to protect the public property. But says he that is coercion in the opinion of the seceding States. I told him that it mattered little what the opinions of the Pirates and Freebooters were who now controled those states. The danger of a collision was imenent, but it soon passed off. I cannot restrain myself when talking with these fireeaters and Traitors. Weather delightful today, was down at the Hotels, bo^t a “Times,” read 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 10.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Tuesday, January 22, 1861

The fact there exists an extensive conspiracy to break up the Government, one of long standing, is growing more apparent every day. The Secession of Virginia and Maryland is a part of the program and the securing of this City accomplishes the desired end. Nothing but concessions on the part of the north will prevent the secession of those States. If no compromise is made, then nothing but a large force will ensure the Inauguration of Mr Lincoln on the 4^th March. The next month must settle a great question for this country.

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, 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, Thursday, January 24, 1861

There was a little snow last night and this morning it rained and the streets were in an awful condition. I did not go to the office until 10 o'clock. No news stirring. Was down at the “National” this evening. It seems to be filling up, as do all the Hotels. People seem less excited than they did, but await the events of the next month with much solicitude, but confidence is in a great measure restored and the Govt is expected to go on as usual. The Presidents Peace policy is generaly approved of as best for the time being.

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, Saturday, January 26, 1861

A regular snow storm today, snow four or five inches deep. Nothing important occurs from day to day here. But the Gov^t is posting troops in different parts of the City for its protection. We were just startled by hearing two pistol shots and a cry of Watch Watch on Franklin Square near our house. Did not go down to the “Avenue” this evening on account of the snow. Usualy do go down to the Hotels and get the “Herald” or “Times,” sometimes the “Tribune.” I take the City papers (two). The Bal^t “Sun,” Home J[ournal]^l, N.Y. Lyons paper, Scientific American, &c. I read daily a number of other papers and a good deal in Books, mostly relating to Steam. Business in the Pa[ten]^t office is very dull this winter as might be expected.

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, Monday, January 28, 1861

It has thawed only in the sun today but it has been bright and pleasant overhead. The day has passed without any startling news. The committee in Congress resolved to investigate the conspiracy said to exist to seize the City, or at least as far as Gov^t officials are concerned. Some persons in our office are said to be implicated. Many officials from States that have “seceded” are employed in all the Dep^ts. I was at the “National” this evening. The Hotels and the Streets on the Ave. seem quite crowded at present. A collision at Pensacola (or Fort Pickens) is now expected daily. No Blood has yet been shed.

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 13.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Tuesday, January 29, 1861

There are indications today that the Republicans are “coming down” from the Chicago Platform and that something like the Crittenden proposition will be accepted by them. Secession seems to be now a fixed fact and we have to look Disunion in the face, while a subversion of the Government is threatened. This City is still considered in danger. There is a thousand U.S. Soldiers now quartered here. An armed guard now tramps through the Halls of the Patent Office every night and the other Public Buildings are guarded in the same way. Warm & pleasant 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 13.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Wednesday, January 30, 1861

A pleasant cold day, freezing in the shade, Streets muddy. Another Company of Flying Artillery arrived last night — 90 men & four “pieces.” They are quartered in the old W^m Wirt House where Mrs Smith had her Young Ladies Select School or “Institute,” something of a change on those premises. The southerners here are greatly offended and pretend innocence. But in truth these preparations thwart their plans for seizing the City. No news of importance today, but some compromise seems more likely to be made now than heretofore. Did not go down to the Av^e 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 13.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Thursday, January 31, 1861

Mercury this morning 20 above zero, cold and pleasant all day. Interesting debates in Congress now. Cha^s Francis Adams took high conservative ground today in the “House.” There now seems to be a disposition in Congress to do Something. Attended the meeting of the “Raven Club” this evening at Prof Whitakers on 11^th St. J. S. Willson delivered an address, The Ideas of the I^st & III^rd Napoleon. Ended by paying a fine tribute to the Founders of our Govt and the Value of the Union. Mr Fuller of N.C. followed in a few very eloquent remarks. No particular news. Doct John C. Smith, 4^th Pre^s[byterian] Ch[urch] called on me today at office.

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 13.

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Saturday, June 16, 1860

Warm day. Attending Court. After tea called at Mr Strother Browning's to see Miss Ella Browning¹ of Lagrange, who arrived here this morning in company with a Mr Ratcliffe

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¹Strother Browning and Miss Ella Browning were not near relatives.

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 416

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Sunday, June 17, 1860

Very warm day. Attended Dr Brown's Church in the morning     After tea called at Mr Ridgelys, and went to Mr Jennings Church at night

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 416