TUESDAY 17
Most beautiful day, warm as May, in the office all day. Two dead Soldiers carried out of the Hospital. They say that there is about one death pr day there. Tonight myself and wife went to the Presidents Levee, first of the Season. Genl McClellan & Lady was there and we were frequently near him and had a good opportunity to observe him. He was the “observed of all observers.” Many other distinguished personages were there. The crowd was not very oppressive. Got home 1/2 past ten, took a cup of tea & and [sic] to bed at 11.
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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.