Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

“Mrs Everitt and Servt called this evening, she had her ‘white Slave’ child with her. The Servt is the mother.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

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TUESDAY 8 The great review came off today, 108 pieces of Artillery and the 6400 Cavalry. Julia went with Capt Mew, H N Jr went on his ow[n] hook. I was at the “White House” this morning with Doct Dyer of Chicago. Mr Lincoln passed us on the steps. He stoped and shook hands with [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

“…,pd for Apples at the rate of $3.00 pr Bushel, Potatoes $1.50, Butter 25 cts, Eggs 22 cts, Beef Steak (Surloin) 15 cts, (round) 12 1/2, corn[e]d Beef 8 to 10…,”—Horatio Nelson Taft

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SATURDAY 5 Very hot again today. M. at 90 in the middle of the day. Went to the Treasury again but did not see the Sec’y. Was at the Pat office awhile and at Charleys rooms. He has rented the Basement room of the house he is in for a Labratory &c. Got down the [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

“Prof Lows Balloon was high up over ‘Dixey’ this evening. Heavy guns have been frequently heard over the River.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1861. Another hot day. Much as yesterday “danced attendance” at the Treasury most of the day without seeing the Sec’y. It has been Cabinet day and he much engaged. Think some of getting a room for compounding various medicines and articles for sale with the assistance of Chas — Must do something [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

“Our troops have advanced somewhat within a day or two on the other side of the River but no fighting yet of any account.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1861. Have had a hard days work moveing down our Furniture. Had six wagon loads left after our sale but I take back some articles from Mr Peck which he bid off having concluded [to] remain in the City awhile longer. We are in a very pleasant neighborhood and pleasant part of [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

“The Sunday[s] are very quiet here even now, but the long wagon trains keep moving. We too expect to move tomorrow.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

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SUNDAY 29 Went to church in the morning with the boys. Dr Smith preached “Unless the Lord keep the City the watchman wait in vain.” From the way he handled the Text it was to be infered that the Army now here was of little account. He does not believe that the Lord is usualy [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

Mrs. Lincoln “gave my wife a very strong letter in our favor (with a Boquet) to Mr Chase, Sec’y of the Treasury.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1861. Busy packing boxes most of the day. We expected [to] give up the house on Friday morning but have concluded not to do so until Monday. My wife went today to pay her respects to Mrs Lincoln before leaving the City. Was very graciously received by Mrs L. and assured that [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

“Fires seen tonight on the Virginia hills. Julia was at the Presidents today, saw Mrs Lincoln, could see the rebel flag on “Munson’s Hill” with the Prests spy glass.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

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TUESDAY 24 This has been a delightful day and our sale of furniture has passed off. It mostly sold at a low rate, but it was mostly purchased at Auction two or three years since. We sold nothing but the bulkey articles amounting to only $140.00. Fires seen tonight on the Virginia hills. Julia was [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

“Troops keep coming and moveing about, last night the street by our house was full of Cavalry.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

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MONDAY 23 Have had a hard days work packing up and geting ready to evacuate these premises. It is one of the miseries of Washington life that few of its inhabitants feel at home. The population is constantly changing. At just at this time a residence here is less disirable than usual, although but slight [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

“Everything remains quiet over the River and nothing but the long wagon trains today would indicate anything unusual going on in or near the City.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1861. Went to ch. this morning with wife and the three boys. Wife & Julia went in the afternoon. Edd Dickerson called in the evening and took tea. Chas & Sallie also called about the same time. Went down to the camp to hear the music of the Regimental Band. It performs [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

“Heavy cannonading over the River almost every day is heard from the Forts, practicing and getting the range of their guns.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

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SATURDAY 21 Nothing new has occured recently although we are surrounded on all sides with elements which may be put in motion any how carrying destruction and death to thousands. Heavy cannonading over the River almost every day is heard from the Forts, practicing and getting the range of their guns. Have been at home [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

“Troops are pouring in rapidly now, from five to six Regiments pr day arrive by the Cars.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

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FRIDAY 20 At the Indiana Hospital (Pt office) today, 100 Patients. Made Box for Piano. Got a Deed from the Land Office for Mr Pollok of Lyons. Attended the Parade with Julia of the Regulars on F[ranklin] Square. Called with her upon the Woodburys, 12th St, refined educated people and much devoted to the sick [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

“Saw the Auctioneer in regard to my sale of furniture. Next Tuesday is the day, 1/2 past 10 a.m. Varnished over some of my furniture.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1861. Weather continues delightful. I spent some time at the Pat office. Saw the Comr, could get no decisive answer as to the precise time that I could go back into the office. It would not be long. Saw the Auctioneer in regard to my sale of furniture. Next Tuesday is the [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

“On my return purchased 6 dry goods boxes on the Ave for packing furniture, intend to have a sale of our bulky articles soon.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

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WEDNESDAY 18 Delightful day bright & cool. M. 70. Went over to the Depot to see about freight to NY. Went from there to the Western Wharves “Morgan & Rhinehart” on the same errand. Visited the Govt “Corrall,” 3000 horses and some 2000 mules there and acres of Govt Wagons. On my return purchased 6 [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

“But of all the mean business in the world, the most humiliating to a proud and independant man is dancing attendance upon and asking favors from those in power.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

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SATURDAY 14 Weather fine & bright but a little too hot. M. 82. Have been at the Pat office part of the day. Had an interview with the Comr and a long talk with him, and a pretty plain talk. But of all the mean business in the world, the most humiliating to a proud [...]

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.