Monday Jan’y 6th 1862
Got up this morning before 5 o’clock and went down to the “National” with Col Merrick. Got there too late for the Omnibus and he had to take a Hack to get there in time for the cars. “Mel” Goodrich called at the House and at my office today. He has recently been promoted and is now Ajutant of the 27th & ranks as 1st Lieutenant. The officers all seem to have the idea that there is to be a Move forward soon. There has been an ominous stillness and inactivity in the army for some time. The immense preparations on all sides of the rebellious States are about ready and complete. Winter Quarters are not thought of and the blows will soon fall fast and heavy upon the head of the Rebels. I think that Genl Burnside will open the “Ball” within a week. Tonight Willie & I had quite a job getting in wood and coal, the other Boys were up to the Presidents. Willie thought he had earned a “levy” which I paid him. The boys did not return till after dark. They dined with the President and family, Mr & Mrs Lincoln and their two boys. Their “two boys” dined with us about every day during the Holidays. Willie goes there sometimes. Col Merrick thought it quite a rarity to dine with the Presidents Boys at our table. They are two nice well behaved lads, and we make no fuss over them and let them have the “run of the House” with our boys in all their play.
______
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.