Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Tuesday, January 1, 1861

Washington D.C.     The old year passed away in gloom and sadness and the new one opens today without affording one hopeful ray of light in regard to the future. There seems to be a determination on the part of nearly the whole south to break up the Government. The Com^rs from S.C. are still here and little is known in the City about what is taking place betwen them and the President & Cabinet. The “receptions” today as well as the “Calls” were few and rather solemn affairs. Pleasant day, just freezing.

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 4.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Wednesday, January 2, 1861

Matters look more hopeful for the Country today. It is now known that the President refused to acknowledge the Commissioners as being anything more than distinguished citizens from the State of S.C. Their last communication to him yesterday was returned to them unanswered. It struck them like a bomshell it was so unexpected. They and their secession friends here were in great consternation. The “Embasendors!!” left for home immediately, and now that the Pres^t has taken a stand. Every body feels better altho a war is ahead. The weather is cold and unpleasant 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 4.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Thursday, January 3, 1861

The affairs of the Country appear so desperate that the subject engrosses the attention of all men in all places. Public questions are discussed in my room at the patent office full as much as applications for Patents. It is frequently asked what patents will be worth if the Union is dissolved. But applications continue to be made from both north and south, altho there is something of a falling off. Tomorrow is the Fast day recommended by the Pres^t of the U.S. Offices closed.

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 4.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Friday, January 4, 1861

A Mild and pleasant day but I think people feel much like wearing sackcloth and observing the day as recommended. There has been services at most of the churches which were crowded. Myself and wife went to the Capitol to hear Doct Stockton the Chaplin at the “House.” The Hall of Congress was crowded to excess and the services were very solemn. The “Rattle Snake” and the “pitiful Palmetto” even alluded to in connection with the “Eagle” and the glorious “Stars and Stripes.” Stores &c all closed.

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 5.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Saturday, January 5, 1861

People were startled today to hear that the U.S. Forts and Arsenals at Savannah & Mobile had been taken possession of by the Revolutionists. Where this is all to end God only knows. It looks dark for our Country at present. But there is still a strong feeling that the Government will be upheld. This City is threatened and the Citizens do fear that a Mob will have possession of it unless measures are taken to defend it; incendiary fires occur every night and we feel very unsafe.

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 5.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Sunday, January 6, 1861

It has been said that “there are no Sundays in revolutionary times” and this has been a dark and anxious day. The Members of Congress have been together in small companies trying to agree upon some plan that will satisfy all sides. The news from the South is bad as it can well be. It looks as tho the North must prepare for a fight. If nothing but a fight will satisfy the South they can have one probably if it comes to Gov^t or no Gov^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 5.

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, Tuesday, January 8, 1861

The weather has been moderate today M[ercury]. 44 — Streets muddy, and the crossings bad. Statements that troops have been sent to reinforce Maj Anderson at Fort Sumpter created much excitement, a collision is expected. It is reported tonight that the Sec'y of Interior Mr Thompson has resigned, and also that a collision has occured at Charleston. U. S. troops have been ordered to this City to defend it if necessary. Gen^l Scott is here and will remain until after 4^th March. 100 guns were fired today in remembrance of the Battle of New Orleans. I was at the “National” this evening, called with wife at Mr Fenwick's on I St.

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 10, 1861

The weather is a little colder tonight, just freezing. Exciting news from Charleston. The Steamer “Star of the West” with troops to reinforce Maj Anderson was fired into yesterday and she turned off to Sea. Maj Anderson threatened the City with Bombs if she was again molested. We hear that she is in the Harbor landing her troops and stores at Fort Sumpter. It has been rumored this afternoon that the Gov of Virginia had ordered two Regiments to Harpers Ferry to take possession of the U S Arsenal &c, and that their passage through this City will be resisted by the Gov^t. I have not been well today, and have not been out of the house since dinner.

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 7.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Friday, January 11, 1861

Yesterdays Telegraphic news was incorrect as to Maj Anderson. The “Inteligencer” this morning publishes a letter from an ex-Congressman from the south exposing the treasonable proceedings at their Secret meetings of the Senators from the Cotton States now here. Yulee (brother of the Senator from Fla) in my room today said they were acting from patriotic motives. I denounced them as conspirators and traitors. Y “looked daggers” but was silent. Whitaker (from S.C.) looked blank. He is our 2^nd assistant and is emphaticaly a “literary know nothing.” No particular news today. Treason is rife in the City, and we know not what a day may bring forth. A pretty cold day. M. about 20.

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 7.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Saturday, January 12, 1861

Mr Sewards Speech is the great event of the day. Did not hear it. The Senate Chamber was crowded by 9 o'clock. Got letter from Julia through Cha^s. Wrote her today. Hardly know how to get her Home, or (in fact) whether it is best for her to come here to Washington at this Crisis. Went round to the Hotels this evening. Gave Mr Hoard M.C. from N.Y. name of ex^mr in Pa^t office who got pay in advance and then “Seceded” (R. R. Rhodes of Mississippi). Pay Clerk Hugh M^cCormick, all unlawful. The indications now are that Virginia & Maryland will both “secede.” Cold and windy today. Temperature about the same as yesterday.

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 7.

Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, Sunday, January 13, 1861

It has been a fine winter day. M. this morning stood at 12. Went to church with wife and boys. Heard a Mr Black of Covington K.Y. a near relative of Mr Sec'y Black. He has evidently mistaken his occupation. Wrote a letter this evening to Col. Paine and took it to the P.O. Walked fast down and back without stoping. It took 28 minutes exactly. Requested the Col. to stop in Elmira for Julia as he is coming to Washington. Wife has been reading “Partons Life of Jackson” aloud and it is now 11 o'clock and time to go to bed (rather later than common).

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, 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.