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 the “National” and also a[t] Bradys Photograph Gallery. Saw Maj Anderson there. I was at home most of the day contriving what course to pursue for the time being.
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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.