Diary, Christian Hook, 1864 (Ms2010-030)

Diary, Christian Hook, 1864 (Ms2010-030)

Christian Hook was a Union Corporal in 151st Ohio Infantry (National Guard) during the Civil War. The collection contains his diary of May to August 1864, including entries on camp life and a near-court martial, as well as a reunion flyer for the regiment from 1925. Entries primarily detail Hook's movements and actions from the day before mustering in Ohio until a few days before his return. Hook notes passing Harpers Ferry and encountering wounded soldiers returning home. Most days are described as "pleasant" in the fortifications around Washington, D.C. throughout the first half of Hook's deployment. Lincoln arrived in camp on July 10. His subsequent addresses show he knew Confederate Lt. Gen. Jubal A. Early's forces would be arriving within a day and proceeded to stay in camp to observe the fighting, now referred to as the Battle of Fort Stevens. The strong defenses of Fort Stevens minimized the military threat and Early withdrew after two days of skirmishing without attempting any serious assaults.

Hook notes the fortifications around Washington returned to quiet by July 14. All entries return to describing the days as pleasant until July 30. An apparent disagreement over the posting of troops resulted in Hook's arrest and detainment at Fort Sumner while awaiting trial for court martial. For unapparent reasons, Hook was released August 6. The rest of the journal notes his picket duty, although the dates August 10-15 are missing. Diary concludes with Hook in Baltimore August 21 awaiting departure to Harrisburg and ultimately to Ohio for the Regiment to be mustered out.

Excerpt from July 11: "Old abe was here to day about 11 o

Ms2010_030_HookChristian_Diary_1864

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Christian Hook Diary, Ms2010-030, Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va.