Music in Time of War

"Some body is being Serenaded tonight as a Band of Music has struck upon the street. It is now after eleven o'clock. Some distinguished character is in the neighborhood. Well, the music is good and sounds just as well to the neighbors as though they paid for it. No War news today. Everything quiet on the Potomac. But news expected all the time, especialy from N.C. as well as Vicksburgh. It has been pleasant over head." - February 2, 1863                                        

                The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865

Library of Congress, Manuscript Division