Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Friday, February 8, 1861

Mercury down to 8 this morning, the coldest so far. It is 18 tonight, but no snow on the ground. The wind last night was terrific. It did much damage. Quite a fire occured on 7^th St. (Incendiary). Went down to the Av^e, bot Paleys Philosophy for twenty five cts, the New York papers. Heard no particular news and came home, found our next door neighbor Mr Bartlett, he staid an hour or two. He is in the State Dep^t and a Virginian. Col. Hayne of S.C. (Comm^r) has got his reply from the Gov^t to his demand for surrender of F^t Sumpter. An attack on it is now 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 16.

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, Sunday, February 10, 1861

Warm spring day and very pleasant in the street. Went to Ch. with wife this morning. Doct Smith is something of a “fossil” in Theology, but is eloquent and earnest and a very industrious man, has preached in the same church (4 Presⁿ) twenty one years. Took a walk with the boys round Lafayette Square this evening. The boys were much interested in the U.S. Soldiers which we frequently met, over one thousand now in the City. Very little trouble is now apprehended at the Inauguration, or before that time. There are four Batteries of flying Artillery here. Washington presents at the present time quite a military appearance.

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, Tuesday, February 12, 1861

Have had rather a busy day of it and it has been quite warm. Packed Julia's trunk and then went to the Pat office. Went up to the Navy Dept by request of Chief Engineer Sam^l Archibold to inspect some Drawings and Models of Engines, Valves, &c. Went to Express off and p^d charge on trunk $2.00 and then back to Pa^t office. Have not done much office work today, a good many in the room talking over the affairs of the Nation. Went this evening to the Levee (the last of Pre^s Buchanans). A great crowd there, many Army & Navy officers in uniform. H N J^r went with me and was introduced to the Pres^t & shook hands with him.

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 18.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Wednesday, February 13, 1861

The Presidential votes were counted in Congress today without any disturbance which had been heretofore anticipated, but Gen^l Scott had all things ready. The Dragoons & Flying Artillery men were standing by their horses all accoutered, ready to mount at a moments warning. The Pres^t Elect is now on his way to the Capital. I was at the Hotels this evening. Nothing of importance stirring. Saw Mr Lighthall and Mr Lowe of NY at National. Miss Douglass called at my office today and invited myself and wife to a Musical entertainment at her School Rooms tomorrow night. Have read the NY Times an hour, to bed at 12.

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 18.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Thursday, February 14, 1861

This day has passed off much as others have of late, nothing very startling having occured. J C Wright, a member of the “Peace Convention” from Ohio, died yesterday. His funeral took place in the Hall of the Convention today. We attended the Musical soire of Miss Douglass this evening. A great crowd there and some of the notables of this City, some Members of the Cabinet, some M.C.^s, some Artists &c. Music was fine, refreshments very nice. The crowd very genteel but quite too large. Got home ¼^th past 11 o'clock but left the crowd there.

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 18.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Friday, February 15, 1861

This has been a peculiar day as regards the weather. Sunshine and rain alternating all day with high wind and threatening Cloud occasionaly. No particular news. The Peace convention will not I fear amount to much in the end. As it regards the question of Slavery, I think, it & Congress may agree upon terms of settlement. But as regards what the south Claims viz the right of Secession the north will never agree with the south. Hon M Butterfield M.C. from NY, wife & daughter, Doct Everitt, wife & Brother, spent the evening with us. All very pleasant. Bed 11½ o'clock.

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, 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, Sunday, February 17, 1861

A very pleasant morning. M. 40. Colder the middle of the day and quite a snow storm in the afternoon. Went to Church in the morning with wife & Boys, heard Doct Smith preach. Sunday School performance in the afternoon. Wife & Boys went. Myself and Willie staid at home. Took a walk with the Boys in evening. Tea at 7 o'clock. Spent the evening at home reading and explaining portions of Revolutionary History of U.S. Wife has played on the piano some and the Boys have read aloud & written some.

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, Friday, February 22, 1861

This has been a delightful day, rather cool, but pleasant. The celebration of Washingtons birth day called out a grand display of the Military of the District in the morning. The U.S. troops paraded afterwards by themselves. The order for their appearance in the morning with the Militia was for some reason not now understood countermanded. Wife and family went to the Av^e at 10. o'clock and witnessed the display from C Woodwards Balcony. I dined by invitation at the National with some Gentlemen from NY City. A salute of 34 guns was fired, and the “Stars & Stripes” were flying from every point today. Spent the evening at home.

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, Tuesday, February 26, 1861

Another fine day, air soft and warm as May. The “Peace Convention” adjourned today having passed resolutions which are said to be satisfactory to all except the extremists of both parties. Strangers are pouring into the City, and the Patent office is thronged from morning till night. Wrote to Julia today to come home if she can get good company. Wrote to Mr Redfield to provide it — for [her] if he can. Fixed up some bedsteads after dinner, got pretty tired, did not go out this evening as usual. People are indignant at the conduct of Gen^l Twiggs in Texas.

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, Wednesday, February 27, 1861

Weather warm, and air soft as May. The Peace Convention did not adjourn yesterday, but did today, Sine die, after voting for compromise resolutions which are deemed very satisfactory to all parties. At ½ past ten o'clock today most of the Gov^t Employees paid their respects to Pre^s Buchanan at the “White House.” We were rc^d by the Pre^s in the East room. The Pres^t announced to those assembled that the peace “Con'ⁿ” had come to an agreement, and adjourned & that the Country was saved. Took tea with Col Paine at Kirkwood House, and then went with him to see the Exhibition of Rarey, the famous Horse Tamer.

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.