TUESDAY 5
The Unionists carried the State Virginia yesterday by a large majority and everyone has felt better today. I think the Secession Movement has reached its climax and a re-action will now take place, but perhaps the wish is Father to the thought. The Chief Engineer of U.S. Navy was with me an hour or two today in the office, had long conversation upon Steam and Steam Engines. He is a knowing man. Bot H N Jr suit of clothes tonight. Was in at Willards and saw numerous friends and almost innumerable strangers. Weather pleasant.
The three diary manuscript volumes, Washington during the Civil War: The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865, are available online at The Library of Congress.