THURSDAY 12 This has been a delightful day. I was at the Pat office and at the Treasury Dept, did not see Mr Chase. The fight near the Chain Bridge yesterday proved to be only a rather severe skirmish, two of our soldiers killed. Went with Julia after dinner up to Camp Cameron to see [...]

WEDNESDAY 11 Was at the Pat office this morning with Doct D, visited the Hospital there. Called upon Mr Seward, got letter of introduction from him to Mr Chase, could not see Mr C today. There has been heavy firing over the river all the afternoon. The report tonight is that there has been a [...]

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1861. Went to the Navy Yard today with Doct David and Julia. Chas & Sallie were also along. Quite lively times there but nothing doing excepting preparing war material, shot, cannon, &c. The Steamer Pensecola is nearly completed and was taking on her stores. 400 sailors for her were landed at the [...]

MONDAY 9 A little rain this morning. Went down to the Post Office and then to the State Department to see Mr Seward, he was not in. Have been at home most of the day, have not felt very well. Capt Meeks of the “Anderson Zuaves” dined with us today. He was formerly in the [...]

SUNDAY 8 Pleasant day, cloudy, not hot. Went to church in the morning. Edward Dickson called before Church and Doct David went over the River with him. Everything quiet among the military today, no movements of troops noticed. Chas & Sallie called in the evening and we went down to the Camp to hear the [...]

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1861. Very hot sun today and the atmosphere oppressive. I was down to the P.O. Pd my gas bill for the month 95 cts. Came home about noon and found Doct David. Went to market before dark. Went with Julia down to the Camp (the Doct and wife had gone to the [...]

FRIDAY 6 Beautiful day again. No particular news afloat but expected every hour to hear of a battle. Spent part of the day at the pat office, wrote a letter there to Brother C R. Found that an application was [sic] had been made, or two rather, for my old invention, the rotary trigger, for [...]

THURSDAY 5 It has rained nearly all day and there has not been much stir in the streets. Soldiers were moveing all last night, it is said that fifteen thousand passed over the River. Fresh troops are coming in all the time and going into camp. There does not appear to have been any “fight” [...]

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1861. Beautiful day, rather hot in the sun. Called on Doct Smith which amounted to nothing. I think he likes to have people think that they are under great obligations to him. Got glass and glazed the broken windows, saved $1.50 by doing it myself. Paid my Ice bill $3.70. It is [...]

TUESDAY 3 Bright day. Firing heard over the river nearly all day, supposed to be fighting going on. collisions betwen the pickets occur every day. A Battle cannot be far off. Death of Jeff Davis reported in the papers. Doct Barnes, Lieut Swan and Qr M Hamilton called upon us today. Tried my combined door [...]

MONDAY 2 Pleasant day and has passed off with but little excitement. People feel better since the success at Hateras Inlet N.C. If we are successful on the other side of the River we shall be all right again. Took a long walk after dinner with wife & Julia out to the “Park” (7th St) [...]

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1861. Another delightful day. Went to church with wife and boys in the morning and read at home nearly all the rest of the day. Good news today rcd from Genl Butlers naval expedition which sailed from Fortress Monroe. It will be reviveing to all after our recent disasters. Watched a smoke [...]

SATURDAY 31 This has been a delightful day, cool and bright. Large numbers of troops crossed the river last night, 30,000 at least, but we have heard nothing of any fight as yet. I have been model making part of the day. Was at the Pat office awhile. Went to market before dark. In the [...]

FRIDAY 30 Excitement is again on tiptoe as a general battle is expected now day by day on the other side of the River. The entrenchments of the rebels can be seen from the top of the Capitol dome with a good Spyglass. Skirmishing among the sentries occurs daily. The Newspapers here say nothing. I [...]

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 1861. It has rained almost incessantly today and I have done but little but stay in the house. Mr Brownson and myself went down to the Pat office and found that the “knapsack” had passed. Mr B. left for home on the 21/2 train. I went to the Depot with him. The [...]

WEDNESDAY 28 Went to the Patent office this morning with Brownson to help him along with his knapsack application. We got it before the Examr in an hour. Went then with him up to the War Dept to see the Qr Master Genl about knapsacks for the Army. Then went up to see the Washington [...]

TUESDAY 27 A tent was pitched expressly for Julia which she occupied alone during the night with a sentinel pacing before her tent all night. I occupied a couch in Doct Barnes tent where we had taken tea. Julia was very much “lionized” by the officers while we staid in the camp. We took dinner [...]

MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 1861. Went to the Provost Marshalls with Julia this morning and after much trouble got a “Pass” to go on the Boat to Alexandria. Took the Boat with Julia at 1 o’clock. Went directly to the Camp of the NY 27th 3/4ths of a mile back of the City and near Fort [...]

SUNDAY 25 Went to church this morning with Julia & Brownson. The day has been delightful, quite a show of soldiers up 14th St., Infantry, Cavalry & Artillery of the Regular Army with a fine Band and Drum Corps. A long train of Army wagons also passed the house. Mr B & wife [Mrs Taft] [...]

SATURDAY 24 Saw the President this morning 1/2 past 8. Applied for a Pay Mastership in the Army. Too many already appointed, gave me a line to Mr Seward. Came home and found Mr Brownson of Lyons at the house. Went with him and Julia up to Camp Cameron to see the “Anderson Zuaves.” Col [...]

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 1861. A fine bright day. Went to the Presidents at 1/2 past 8. Many members of the Cabinet there to see him and officers of the Army. I was not able to see him in private. Genl McClellan was there and Col Baker and Col Duryee and Genl J.W. Denver and other [...]

THURSDAY 22 Another rainy day. Went down to the Provost Marshalls Office, great crowd there for passes across the River. Saw Capt Fowler and Capt [Huron?] there (of the 12 Regt). Sent a line to the President by H N Jr — requesting a private interview. Will see him in the morning 1/2 past 8 [...]

WEDNESDAY 21 This has been a fine cool day but bright with a feeling of Autumn in the air. I saw the Comr this morning but could get nothing satisfactory from him in reference to my restoration to the Pat office. Came home about noon. The Brazilian Minister wants to rent my House & furniture [...]

TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 1861. Many people in the City were much alarmed last night at a report that “the rebels had crossed the River below and were marching on Washington.” Similar rumors are constantly afloat. Went to the Express Office and sent off (as requested) Lieut Martins trunk which was left with me. Called at [...]