Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Thursday, February 28, 1861

Another Spring day rather too warm in the sun. I took the shady side in coming from the office. One Hundred Guns were fired at noon on account of the result of the Peace Con^tn by order of Gen^l Scott. Interupted a good deal today in the office, could not do much business. Went on to 7^th St after dinner and made some purchases, 2 looking glasses and Holly a Jacket. Have been at home this evening Drafting — a Condenser and also a Decalorator or water cooler for Steam Ships, plans of my own. I think I could get them Patented if I was out of the office, cannot while I am in. I have other improvements relating to the Steam Engine.

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 23.

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Sunday, July 1, 1860

Quincy. Raining briskly this morning & continued at intervals till about 11 A. М. Attended Church A M & P. M. Very warm day.

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 418

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Monday, July 2, 1860

Very warm day. Sun shining with great power. *Preparing to start to Chicago tomorrow.

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 418

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Tuesday, July 3, 1860

At 5 this morning took the cars for Galesburg, where I arrived at 10 A. M. and went directly to the College to attend the annual meeting of the Board of Trustees of Knox College. Were in session all day, and quite harmonious. I dined and took tea at Mr Gales. Had meeting of the Board after tea, and I left them in session at near 10 O'clock at night, and took the cars for Chicago.

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 418

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Wednesday, July 4, 1860

Chicago. Went to bed at Galesburg last night, and got here this morning after a comfortable nights rest. Warm day, but pleasant breeze. Court not in session, and I have passed the most of the day in my room. Am at Briggs house No 203

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 418

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Thursday, July 5, 1860

Warm day. Attending Court. About 5 P. M. came up a thunder cloud—rained a little & turned cool.

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 418

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Friday, July 6, 1860

Attending Court.

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 418

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Saturday, July 7, 1860

Attending Court.

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 419

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Sunday, July 8, 1860

Very pleasant day. Attended South Presbyterian Church morning & evening. Mr Cunningham, the pastor, preached in the morning—a seceder at night

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 419

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Monday, July 9, 1860

Chicago. Very pleasant day. Attending Court and trying cases

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 419

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Tuesday, July 10, 1860

Cold—winter clothing necessary. Commenced to day the trial of the Eject: suit Kingsbury vs Fon du Lac or N Western R R Co: I am with Judge Scates¹ and Mr Coventry for Defendant. Merrick & Kales for Pltf

_______________

¹ Walter B. Scates, 1808-1886. Born in Virginia; came to Illinois, 1831, residing first at Frankfort, then at Vandalia, 1836; justice of the Supreme Court, 1841-1847, 1854-1857; served in the Civil War; appointed collector of customs at Chicago, July, 1866, and removed by Grant, 1869.

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 419

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Wednesday, July 11, 1860

Continues cold. Progressing with the trial we commenced yesterday.

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 419

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Thursday, July 12, 1860

Closed the evidence in the Kingsbury case, and adjourned the argument till tomorrow. In the afternoon Merrick for Plaintiff and I for Deft: took the deposition of Capt Johnson, he being too unwell to come into Court. Taken for Plaintiff

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 419

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Friday, July 13, 1860

Chicago. The Kingsbury case was argued to day by Mr Kales for Pltf, and by Judge Scates & myself for Deft. We were limited to an hour and a half each, but Judge Scates gave me 10 minutes of his time, so I had an hour & 40 minutes. I closed a little after 3 P. M. and Dick Merrick who is to conclude for the Pltf said he was sick, and begged the Court to give him till tomorrow, which was done.

Has been a beautiful day

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 419

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Saturday, July 14, 1860

Merrick made his concluding argument this morning; the Judge charged the Jury and about 1 oclock gave them the case. They had not agreed when Court adjourned at 4. Are to return sealed verdict     Fine day

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 419

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Sunday, July 15, 1860

Chicago. Fine, clear, warm summer day. Attended Mr Cunningham's Church A. M. & P. M.

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 419

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Monday, July 16, 1860

Attending Court. In the case we were trying last week, in which the jury went out on Saturday a verdict was returned for Defendant.

Warm day

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 420

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Tuesday, July 17, 1860

Warm day—Attending Court and trying cases.

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 420

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Wednesday, July 18, 1860

Rained this morning early. Very warm. Attending Court

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 420

Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Thursday, July 19, 1860

Delightful day. Attending Court.

SOURCE: The Diary of Orville Hickman Browning, Vol. 1, p. 420