Alfred L. Mantor Diary, 1864 (Ms2013-074)
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the Civil War diary of Alfred Mantor, a corporal (and later sergeant) with C Company of the 27th Massachusetts Infantry. Mantor's diary covers January through April of 1864, shortly before he was killed in action in May. Entries focus on his regiment's activities, as well as his personal experiences teaching Sunday school in the Norfolk, Virginia, area.
Alfred L. Mantor, originally a farmer from Hawley, MA, enlisted when he was 25 years old as a Corporal to C Company of the 27th Massachusetts Infantry on September 25, 1861. Mantor was promoted to Sergeant on September 8, 1863. Mantor was killed in action on May 7, 1864 at Port Walthall Junction, VA.
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Ms2013-074
Charles L. C. Minor Cash Book and Edward P. Harmon Civil War Diary, 1860-1864 (Ms2008-081)
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cash book maintained by Confederate Captain Charles L. C. Minor from 1860 to 1864. Also contained within the cash book's pages are diary entries of Union Army Private Edward P. Harmon (5th Maine Infantry) during May and June, 1864. Research materials on the two soldiers (including photocopies of maps, muster rolls, census records, and an image of Harmon) and a complete photocopy of the piece are also included.
The small volume of 68 pages, bearing on its spine the embossment "cash book," was retained for its intended use by Captain Minor, its original owner, to carefully record personal expenditures and savings. Minor's records commence with November 6, 1860 and end on May 4, 1864. In recording these financial transactions, Minor provides details regarding his daily whereabouts and activities. He records meal and travel purchases, as well as amounts paid to individual servants, expenses for personal and household items, services, and military gear. Also recorded within the book are Minor's bank transactions for 1861-1862, a list of silver wedding gifts received by Fanny Cazenove Minor, and a list of stocks and bonds held by Minor.
The cash book was among materials seized by Federal troops in the act of destroying the rail line and depot at Hewletts Station, Virginia on May 25, 1864, and came into the possession of Private Harmon, who used it as a diary. (As the first diary entry predates the volume's capture by three weeks, we may surmise that the early entries were made retrospectively or that they were copied from another book.) Harmon's first entry, for May 2, finds his regiment having just crossed the Hazel River and preparing to cross the Rapidan. Soon, Harmon describes fearful, endless shelling by "cast iron hummingbirds" during the Battle of the Wilderness. Harmon briefly mentions African American troops, Confederate prisoners of war, and camp rumors. As the regiment marches toward Spotsylvania Court House, Harmon mentions a fire in which many wounded soldiers were killed. He describes heavy fighting and losses at Spotsylvania and at one point questions the actions of the Brigade commander. As his regiment endures battles at North Anna and Cold Harbor, Harmon describes the morale of his comrades ("very much broken up they are tired heartsick &amp; discouraged") and himself ("sick, tired &amp; worn out too night this is our 9th day of slaughter"). Many of the entries center on his brigade's movements and preparations for battles that often fail to materialize. Harmon's diary entries end with June 3, 1864. Following the June 3 entry is a gap, indicating the removal of several pages, and a page of wartime accounts held by Harmon and I. F. Goodwin.
The volume also contains two botanical samples, one of which appears to be a collection of four-leaved clovers, tipped into the first two pages.
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<a href="http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/vt/viblbv00310.xml.frame">See the Finding Aid for the Charles L. C. Minor Cash Book and Edward P. Harmon Civil War Diary</a>
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Minor, Charles L. C. The Real Lincoln: from the testimony of his contemporaries. 2nd ed., rev. and enl. (Richmond, Va.: E. Waddey Co., 1904). E457 M66 1904 Civil War Spec
Minor, Charles L. C. "The old system of slavery, its compensations and contrasts to the present labor conditions." Southern Historical Society Papers 30(1902): 125-129. E483.7 S76 v. 30 Civil War Spec
Minor Family Papers, 1787-1906, Robert Alonzo Brock Collection, Henry E. Huntington Library, San Marino, California. (microfilm copy held by Library of Virginia)
English
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Ms2008-081_MinorHarmon_Diary_1860-1864
Diary, Alva Cleveland, 1862 (Ms2009-113)
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The diary of Alva Cleveland, a 57-year-old soldier who served as an orderly with the 1st Regiment, Wisconsin Infantry. The diary covers March to July 1862 while Cleveland's regiment was stationed around Nashville, Tennessee, and in northern Alabama. In the back pocket of the diary are several sewing needles and a lock of brown hair. The diary does not indentify whose hair it is.
Cleveland writes that he and George enlisted to 'take up arms in defense of that liberty that our fathers fought to Establish (sic).' Due to his position as orderly, however, Cleveland appears to have done little actual fighting. He was most often at the rear of the regiment, tending to and assisting in moving the sick and wounded when the camp moved. He frequently writes of staying behind as the mobile portion of the regiment moves forward and, when they are separated, notes his concern for his young son.
Cleveland's diary entries are lengthy narratives on camp life, moving camps and marches, records of letters and money sent to and from home, and most commmonly, stories of people he meets along the way. He tells detailed stories of positive and negative encounters with Union and Confederate supporters. Although Cleveland prvides some accounts of skirmishes, he does not record any particular battles or battle reports.
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<a href="http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/vt/viblbv00486.xml.frame">See the Finding Aid for the Alva Cleveland Diary</a>
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Ms2009-113_ClevelandAlva_Diary_1862
Diary, Charles H. Bushee, 1863 (Ms2009-055)
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Bushee's diary is an account of his duties and the movements of Company E, 112 th Regiment, New York Infantry, from January to mid-November of 1863. Each entry begins with the phrase "1 day for Uncle Sam" and in the cash accounts in the back of the diary, Bushee refers to his pay as coming from "Uncle Sam." From September of 1862 to June of 1863, the 112 th New York Infantry was stationed in central and eastern Virginia. Bushee writes frequently of picket duty and skirmishes around Franklin, Carville [sic] (likely Carrsville), and Norfolk, Virginia. He also provides some details of the siege at Suffolk in April 1863.
In July, the regiment began the trip to Charleston, South Carolina. Bushee reports on the shelling at Fort Sumter from his posts around Fort Wagner, Black Island, and Charleston in August. Although he seems he often notes being ordered to and going to the front, he does not detail his actions there. By September, Bushee's increasing illness begins to dominate his diary. The last eight weeks of entries, ending abruptly on November 18 th, consists of little more than "feel unwell." Bushee died three weeks later.
The latter pages of the diary contain detailed cash accounts of Bushee's purchases, as well as a list of dead and wounded from the company, and dates he served on guard and picket duty.
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<a href="http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv00389.xml">See the Finding Aid for the Charles H. Bushee Diary</a>
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English
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Ms2009-055_BusheeCharlesH_Diary_1863
Diary, Charles O. Poland, 1864 (Ms2008-013)
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This is the diary of Charles O. Poland, a private in Company B, 142nd Ohio Infantry (National Guard) during the Civil War, was a resident of Knox County, Ohio. Born around 1836, he was the husband of Angeline Disney (daughter of William A. and Mary Jane Lampson Disney) and the father of several children. Census records indicate that Poland was a farmer; documents within this collection indicate that Poland was also certified to teach in Morrow and Knox counties prior to the war. The 142nd Ohio National Guard was organized at Camp Chase, Ohio and mustered into service for 100 days on May 12, 1864. On May 14, the regiment proceeded to Martinsburg, West Virginia, where it drilled until May 19, when ordered to Fort Lyon, Virginia, from which it served guard duty in the Washington D. C. area. On June 5, the regiment was ordered to the front and arrived on June 9 at White House Landing, Virginia, where it was dispatched to guard a supply train through the Wilderness to Cold Harbor. From there, the 142nd proceeded to Point of Rocks, about five miles from Petersburg, Virginia. The regiment participated in the early siege of Petersburg through August 19, when it was ordered back to Washington, D.C., thence to Camp Chase, where it was mustered out on September 2, 1864. The diary's entries commence on June 15, 1864, with Knox already in the rifle pits before Petersburg. He writes of being detailed to destroy Confederate breastworks, erect fortifications, and fell trees as battles raged nearby. Elsewhere he mentions having seen generals Grant and Burnside, the gunboats on the James River, the discovery of a cache of buried silver and gold by a New York regiment while hunting for fishing worms, and the trading of hardtack for tobacco between the lines. Throughout the diary, Poland notes many days on picket, and the state of the fighting around Petersburg. On July 20, Poland developed a fever, and the final four entries, concluding with July 31, are devoted to the condition of his health. Also within the diary are a few entries regarding pre- and post-war personal financial transactions.
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English
Ms2008-013_PolandCharles_Diary_1864
Diary, Christian Hook, 1864 (Ms2010-030)
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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
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Ms2010_030_HookChristian_Diary_1864
Diary, Daniel A. Lowber, 1864 (Ms2008-015)
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The Civil War diary of Captain Daniel A. Lowber of Company A, 37th Wisconsin Infantry. The diary entries commence with July 25, 1864, with Lowber apparently in transit to his regiment after a temporary furlough. He joins the regiment the day after the Battle of the Crater and takes command on August 1, noting that his new command has only 18 men fit for duty. In daily entries spanning the next five months, Lowber mentions frequent picket and fatigue duty and notes his routine administrative duties as well. He also mentions trading papers with a Confederate soldier between the lines, his living quarters, church services, news of Sheridan's victories in the Shenandoah Valley, the regiment's tally in the 1864 presidential election, and Thanksgiving. Lowber also describes actions during several battles, including perhaps most significantly the Battle of Peeble's Farm. The diary entries cease with December 31, 1864.
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<a href="http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/vt/viblbv00242.xml.frame">See the Finding Aid for the Daniel A. Lowber Diary</a>
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Ms2008-015_Lowber,Daniel_Diary_1864
Diary, Enoch Stephens, 1865 (Ms2014-001)
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Enoch Stephens's diary from his time in the 5th NY Veteran Volunteers from January 1st, 1865 to December 26th, 1865. Most entries describe the weather and the time of daily drills and dress parades, but the diary also documents such events as the fall of Richmond, the surrender of General Robert E. Lee, the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, Stephens' time guarding the Lincoln Conspirators and witnessing the executions, and the paying off of several regiments.
Enoch Stephens (born ~1835) enlisted on June 30th, 1861 in Brooklyn, New York as a 1st Sergeant. During his time in the military, Stephens seems to have participated in the 84th Regiment, New York Infantry, the 5th Regiment, New York Veteran Infantry, and the 4th Regiment, US Veteran Volunteer Infantry. Prior to 1865 he was promoted to major.
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Ms2014-001_StephensEnoch_Diary_1865
Diary, George H. Marshall, 1864-1865 (Ms2008-001)
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Civil War diary of George H. Marshall, a soldier in Company K, 113th Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery during the Civil War. The diary contains short entries spanning one year, beginning with Marshall's enlistment on February 24, 1864. The diary's early entries cover Marshall's enlistment and the movement of his regiment. Later entries, made from Fort Monroe, Virginia, at which the 113th was stationed, relate to the daily routines of Marshall, his regiment, and the fort. Marshall notes such details as the weather, the condition of his health, and his correspondence but also makes mention of prisoners of war, African American troops, the wounded, and skirmishes with the Confederates.
George H. Marshall of Company K, 113th Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, was born in Pennsylvania, ca. 1835. The son of Sarah Marshall, he lived in Chester County before enlisting as a private in Company K of the 113th on February 23, 1864. He was promoted to full artificer on September 3, 1865. After the mustering out of his regiment at Fort Monroe, Marshall returned to Chester County, Pennsylvania, where he recommenced working as a carpenter. Survived by his wife, Ruth, Marshall died on March 19, 1919 and is buried in the Romansville, Pennsylvania Friends Burial Ground.
The 113th Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was organized in Philadelphia by consolidation of Segebarth's Battalion of Marine Artillery and the 1st Battalion, Pennsylvania Artillery, with two additional companies formed in Philadelphia. The regiment was ordered to Fortress Monroe, Virginia, serving at times in Graham's Naval Brigade and engaging Confederate forces on the James, Chickhominy and Nansemond rivers. The regiment was mustered out of service at Fort Monroe on November 9, 1865.
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Ms2008-001
Diary, Henry L. Burnell, 1859-1865 (Ms2013-036)
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The diary of Private Henry L. Burnell, Co. "I," 8th Maine Volunteer Infantry, 1859 - 1865. Burnell served in the Union Army from September 7, 1861 until July 22, 1865. Burnell's journal is written in short, often one-line, entries. The war-date material is often entered without regard to chronology and documents movements rather than details.
Henry L. Burnell, born June 2, 1841, was a resident of West Baldwin, Maine. There he was a member of the Temperance Society and participated in a local band as a percussionist. On August 8, 1861, Burnell enlisted in Captain McArthur's company for three years, but when the company took a leave of absence, Burnell enlisted in the state service for a term of three years. He began his service in coastal South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Transferred to Virginia in 1864, he participated in actions near Petersburg. Captured at Drewry's Bluff, Burnell landed in Andersonville via Libby Prison and Danville, Virginia. Following several prison transfers, Burnell eventually arrived home in May of 1865. Burnell would marry a Clara Bliss, of West Baldwin, Maine, by 1871 and he died on May 11, 1912.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Burnell%2C+Henry+L.">Burnell, Henry L.</a>
<a href="http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv01225.xml" target="_blank">See the Finding Aid for the Henry L. Burnell diary</a>
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Ms2013_036_BurnellHenry_Diary_1859-1865
Diary, John R. Maybury, 1864 (Ms2008-044)
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This collection contains the Civil War diary of Corporal John R. Maybury of Company L, 10th New York Cavalry. The first entry in the diary (January 1, 1864) finds Maybury encamped in northern Virginia and describing routines of camp life (drilling, washing clothes, policing quarters, buying goods from the sutler, picket and forage duty, drawing a new uniform, inspection, building quarters). The weather conditions are noted on a daily basis.
In March, contacts with civilians and enemy combatants grow more frequent, with references to taking prisoners (soldiers, a lady spy and bushwackers) and denying passage through the lines. Maybury makes occasional reference to camp rumors, such as a supposed sighting of Stuart's cavalry and the taking of Richmond by Kirkpatrick. In May, the regiment sees more action, with Maybury noting the capture and burning of Virginia Central Railroad supply trains at Beaver Dam Station, the capture of guns at Ashland, heavy fighting near Richmond, and a description of action at the Battle of Haw's Shop. For the next several months, Maybury alludes to frequent skirmishes and battles with the Confederates. In the fall, Maybury's entries revert to camp activities and routines (including mention of an inspection by generals Meade and Gregg), with less frequent references to engagements with the enemy. The diary ends with Maybury traveling to the hospital, following the wound he had sustained the previous day. At the end of the diary are a few notes made by Maybury on the clothing he had drawn in service and the pension had had drawn afterward.
The collection also contains a metal stencil bearing Maybury's name and unit and a small piece of cloth on to which Maybury's name has been stenciled. John R. Maybury, son of Josiah and Dorcas Blake Maybury, was born in Solon (Cortland County), New York, in 1828. He enlisted in Company L, 28th New York Cavalry at Solon on September 10, 1862. Eventually promoted to corporal, Maybury received a gunshot wound to the right hand on December 1, 1864. He was hospitalized at City Point, Virginia until December 16, when he was transferred to Finley General Hospital in Washington, D. C. He remained there until mustered out as a supernumerary non-commissioned officer on June 26, 1865.
Upon his release from military service, Maybury returned to the Solon area, where he married Emogene Pierce (1837-1916) in 1866. The couple had four daughters: Mary R., Rena D., Helen and Sarah. In addition to working on his 65-acre farm, Maybury served as a justice of the peace. He died in 1917 and is buried in McGraw Village Cemetery.
The 10th New York Cavalry was organized in Erie, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Fulton, Steuben and Onondaga counties. Companies I, K and L were mustered in at Elmira, October 29-30, 1862, and joined the regiment in the defense of Washington, D. C. on December 5. The regiment remained in the area of Virginia's northern neck peninsula through the winter, engaging in several skirmishes. In the spring of 1863, the 10th participated in Stoneman's raid toward Richmond. The regiment participated in a number of significant battles in 1863 and 1864, including Brandy Station, Gettysburg, The Wilderness and Cold Harbor, and several smaller battles. After participating in General Sheridan's Trevilian Raid in June 1864, the 10th spent much of the remainder of the war in the siege of Petersburg and participated in the Appomattox Campaign. The regiment was consolidated with the 24th New York in June, then mustered out of service at Syracuse, New York on August 3, 1865.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Maybury%2C+John+R.">Maybury, John R.</a>
<a href="http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/vt/viblbv00270.xml.frame" target="_blank">See the Finding Aid for the John R. Maybury Diary</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1864">1864</a>
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Ms2008-044
Diary, Marcus B. Warner, 1864 (Ms2010-061)
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Diary written by Marcus B. Warner in 1864. The diary is written in a green Allings & Cory pocket diary. In addition to describing his life as a soldier, Warner also chronicles his previous civilian life and the Union army recruitment process. Writing as a civilian, his common discussion topics include the weather, his daily schedule, fluctuating gold prices, local and national politics and elections, war news, and local community and church events. A notable entry on August 6th gives insight to his political sentiments:
"The Copper Heads are getting to be quite bold they are spewing out their venomous treason against the Government at times when I hear them talk it almost makes my blood boil with rage I fairly hate the sight of them and there is many those who we would expect better things from." (entry from August 6, 1864)
After Marcus mustered into service in September of 1864, his descriptions shift to daily camp life and more in-depth war news that is sometimes accompanied by newspaper clippings. A humorous entry on October 4th details a false alarm around camp, in which a guard mistook a lone dog for an enemy attack. Warner also provides considerable insight into the religious life of a Union soldier. On September 11th, he bears witness to a mass group conversion:
"I saw a gathering off at one side [....] they were holding a prayer or speaking meeting there was an opening in the center where those who wished steped fow- erd and confessed their and decla ired themselves on the side of the Lord it was very good meeting the spirit as God was there motivation was then given to those who wished religion to step forward, some twenty persons stepped forward praying was then offered and meeting adjourned until eve" (entry from September 11, 1864)
Warner also goes in depth about the army.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Warner%2C+Marcus+B.">Warner, Marcus B.</a>
<a href="http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv00708.xml" target="_blank">See the Finding Aid for the Marcus B. Warner Collection</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1864">1864</a>
<a href="https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/thumbnails/spec_forms/PubPermission.doc" target="_blank">Permission to publish material from the Marcus B. Warner Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.</a>
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Ms2010-061_WarnerMarcus_Diary_1864
Diary, Merritt Hager Smith, 1863 (Ms2008-037)
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The Civil War diary of Private Merritt Hager Smith of Company G, 97th New York Infantry, a member of the regimental band. The diary entries span the entire year of 1863. The first entry finds Smith receiving orders to proceed to Belle Plain Landing, Virginia to assist Lt. Louis Rowan, the regiment's quartermaster. Smith describes his work, the relative comfort in which he lives, recreation, the weather, homesickness, prayer meetings, sutlers, and makes many references to frequent and excessive drinking by various officers. Smith mentions attending Lincoln's grand review of the 1st Army Corps on April 9. Later that month, the regiment began marching northwestward, frequently changing camp, and Smith writes of the difficulty in marching and the conditions of the various camps. On July 1, the regiment arrived in the Gettysburg, Pennsylvania area. Smith describes the area, provides a brief synopsis of the news he has heard from the battle and mentions speaking with a group of Confederate prisoners. As the army again moves to camps southeastward, Smith notes the many towns and villages through which they pass. He writes of news received via newspaper and word-of-mouth but makes few references to specific battles; nor does he make any significant mention of the regimental band's activities. A history of the 97th New York includes in its roster a Private Merritt A. Smith, who enlisted in Boonville, New York on December 16, 1861 at age 19. According to his diary, Smith was born June 28, 1842. Census records indicate that he was the son of Julia Smith of Turin (Lewis County), New York. Smith notes himself a member of the regimental brass band, and Civil War rosters include a Merritt H. Smith who served as a second class musician in the band of the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 3rd/1st Army Corps. No further information about Smith could be found.
The 97th New York Infantry (also known as the Conkling Rifles) was organized in 1861 with men recruited from Herkimer, Lewis and Oneida counties. It was mustered into U. S. service on February 18, 1862, under command of Colonel Charles Wheelock. The regiment saw its first action at Cedar Mountain on August 9. Among the battles in which it fought were Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, The Wilderness, Petersburg, and Appomattox Courthouse. The 97th New York was mustered out of service on July 18, 1865 near Washington, D.C.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Smith%2C+Merritt+Hager">Smith, Merritt Hager</a>
<a href="http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/vt/viblbv00264.xml.frame">See the Finding Aid for the Merritt Hager Smith Diary</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1863-01-01%2F1863-12-31">1863-01-01/1863-12-31</a>
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Ms2008_037_SmithMerrittHagerDiary
Diary, Otis Dean, 1864-1865 (Ms2008-010)
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Civil+War">Civil War</a>
This collection contains the diary of Otis Dean, a private in Company E, 56th Massachusetts Infantry during the Civil War. The diary entries begin with January 4, 1865, with Dean listing the uniform and materials issued to him in camp. In very concise entries, Dean describes mostly routine personal and unit activities (making particularly careful note of the clothing and equipment issued to him), but he also mentions battles at North Anna River and Peebles' Farm; an inspection by generals Grant and Burnside; prices of various goods, and the names of comrades killed, wounded and captured. The diary's entries conclude with June 13, 1865: "I washed my shirt."
Otis Dean, a private in Company E, 56th Massachusetts Infantry during the Civil War, was born on March 1, 1821 at Raynham, Massachusetts, the son of Chandler Robbins Dean and Abigail [Bissn?]. Dean married Augusta Dunbar (born October 1826) on January 4, 1848. By 1850, the Deans were living in Foxborough Massachusetts, where Otis Dean was employed as a boot-maker.
Dean enlisted in the Union Army as a private on December 30, 1863 and was mustered into Company E of the 56th Massachusetts on January 12, 1864. Wounded in battle at Peebles' Farm (September 30), Dean was captured by Confederate forces and held at Richmond. Paroled on October 8, 1864, Dean entered an army hospital at Annapolis, Maryland. He was granted a furlough later that month and spent several weeks recuperating at home and in the hospital at Readville, Massachusetts. After spending several additional weeks in hospitals at Annapolis and Germantown, Pennsylvania, Dean rejoined his regiment on March 20, 1865 and was discharged on June 15, 1865.
Returning to Foxborough, Dean by 1870 had become a farmer and the father of eight children (Mary, Frederick, Arthur, Edwin, William, Ernest, Harry and Herbert). The 1880 census found the family living in Arcadia Township, Iowa. Though no occupation was listed for Dean, three of his sons, living in the same household, were listed as farmers. By 1900, the Deans had again moved westward and were living in San Bernadino County, California. Otis Dean died on March 21, 1907; his wife, in 1911. Both are buried in Bellevue Cemetery of Ontario, San Bernadino County, California.
The 56th Massachusetts Infantry was recruited during the fall and winter of 1863 at Readville, Massachusetts. By February 1864, the entire regiment had been mustered into service. On March 20, the 56th left Massachusetts for Annapolis, Maryland, where it remained for approximately a month. Following the line of the Orange & Alexandria Railroad, the regiment arrived at Bealeton Station on April 30 and remained encamped there until May 4, when it joined the rest of the Army of the Potomac in the Wilderness Campaign. The 56th saw heavy action during the following month and participated in the assault against Petersburg in June and July 1864. The regiment participated in the battle of Weldon Railroad (August 19) and Peebles' Farm (September 30). In November, the 56th went into winter camp at Fort Davis and Fort Alexander Hays. The 56th joined in the final assault on Petersburg and the pursuit of Lee's forces and was mustered out on July 12, 1865.
Source:
Hancock, Daniel W. and Karen L. Hancock. "Hancock and Olson Family History." 26 March 2008 (http://hancockonline.net).
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Dean%2C+Otis">Dean, Otis</a>
<a href="http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/vt/viblbv00239.xml.frame" target="_blank">See the Finding Aid for the Otis Dean Diary</a>
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Ms2008-010
Diary, Richard Colburn, 1861-1863 (Ms2010-010)
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The Civil War diary of Richard Colburn, an enlisted soldier of the 12th Infantry of the United States Regular Army attached to the Army of the Potomac. The diary contains entries from December 18, 1861 to February 17, 1863 and details camp life, daily activities, battles, and experience as a prisoner of the Confederate army. It traces Colburn's first days in the army in Iowa and his travel from 14 February 1862 when he left Iowa to his arrival at Fort Hamilton in New York City two days later and his continuing journey to Washington DC. Upon arrival in Washington, Colburn notes that he "put in to help cook." Many of his subsequent entries include brief notations of cooking for the men. Expecting to march to Manassas Junction from Washington, he moved first to Camp California, just outside Alexandria, VA, and from there to Fort Monroe in late March 1862.
The 12th Infantry, marching from Fort Monroe, became involved in the Peninsula Campaign, which lasted into July 1862. Coburn refers to "the hard battle between Yorktown and Richmond" (Battle of Williamsburg) on May 5th and makes reference to Big Bethel and Camp Winfield Scott where he was camped. On Friday 27 June 1862, Coburn was engaged in the Battle of Gaines' Mill and writes, "marched off to the left where we had a heavy battle where Maj. Clitz [Henry Boynton Cliz] myself and several others were wounded and taken prisoner by the 5th regiment Va, with some that was not wounded, many killed." The remainder of the diary describes his time in hospital, both Confederate and Union, his eventual release on 15 January 1863, and his trip home. Colburn's last entry is dated 17 February 1863 when he was in Southington, Ohio visiting his sister on his way, presumably, to Iowa.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Colburn%2C+Richard">Colburn, Richard</a>
<a href="http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/vt/viblbv00618.xml.frame">See the finding aid for the Richard Colburn Diary</a>
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=+1861-12-18+to+1863-02-17"> 1861-12-18 to 1863-02-17</a>
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English
Ms2010_010_ColburnDiary
Diary, Stephen R. Kelsey, 1865 (Ms1990-029)
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Civil+War">Civil War</a>
Union soldier in the 5th U.S. Artillery, Battery I, during the Civil War. Papers include a diary written between January and May 1865, while stationed in New York and Virginia. Participated in the occupation of Petersburg, Virginia, in April 1865. Entries refer to the assassination of Pres. Abraham Lincoln and the capture of Jefferson Davis.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Kelsey%2C+Stephen+R.">Kelsey, Stephen R.</a>
<a href="http://search.vaheritage.org/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv01509.xml" target="_blank">See the Finding Aid for the Stephen R. Kelsey diary</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1865">1865</a>
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Ms1990-029
Diary, Willis A. Babcock, 1864 (Ms2009-129)
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Petersburg+%28Va.%29--History--Civil+War%2C+1861-1865">Petersburg (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865</a>
Babcock's Civil War diary begins near Washington, D.C., where his company had been since June 1863. While at Fort Carroll, his entries largely contain descriptions of his duties in camp (drills and guard, police, or orderly duties), as well as rare sight-seeing trips in the city. He occasionally mentions his meals, recording one day in March where he had roast turkey for dinner--several of his friends caught seven turkeys the previous day. Like many soldiers, Babcock frequently records the weather in his diary. In May of 1864, the artillery unit moved to Fort Willard, Virginia. For most of that month, Babcock's diary continues to record picket and guard duties, as well as inspections and dress parades. On May 27, the regiment marched to Washington and loaded on to boats headed down the Potomac River. He spent several days on board the U.S. Transport Jefferson before marching from Port Royal to Bowling Green, Virginia.
In early June, the regiment was encamped at General Burnside's Headquarters near Cold Harbor, Virginia. On June 5, 1864, Babcock writes they were being shelled, which resulting in the "killing [of] one man from Co. K....+ one from Co. M. was wounded. this is the first time we have been under fire." He records several days of shelling before moving toward Petersburg. For most of June, July, and into August, Babcock's diary includes lengthy entries of his experiences from the rifle pits in Petersburg, as well as camp life. On July 30, he writes "losses very heavy on both sides our men occupy the same ground they did this morning. a total failure on our side." By mid-August, the 10th New York Heavy Artillery was camped at Fort Whipple, in Arlington, Virginia.
In early September, Babcock's entries find him increasingly ill and excused from duty. The regiment left for the Shenandaoh Valley in October and on October 8, Babcock writes, "slept in Hospital to night for the first time since I have been a soldier." He was transferred from Alexandria to Lincoln Hospital in Washington, D.C., where he remained until November. His entries for October are very brief. From November 6 to the end of the year, Babcock's diary is about his activities at home while on furlough. Willis A. Babcock enlisted as a private with Company B of the 10th Regiment, New York Heavy Artillery on December 8, 1862 (he notes his 19-month anniversary in his diary on March 8, 1864). He was probably born around 1840 and was living in Adams, Jefferson County, New York, prior to the Civil War. During November and December of 1864, Babcock was on a furlough which was extended from its initial 12 days to an additional 18 days. He spent it at home in New York. The memorandum section of the diary notes extended furlough pay in December. He appears to have mustered out as a corporal, but it is unclear if this occurred with the regiment or prior to the end of the war. There is no information about his life after the war.
The various companies of the 10th Regiment, New York Heavy Artillery were formed during the fall and winter of 1862. By June of 1863 the entire regiment was stationed in Washington, D.C. The regiment remained there until May 1864, when it moved to Cold Harbor, Virginia. The unit fought at a number of significant battles in Virginia, including Cold Harbor, a portion of the Petersburg campaign, and Cedar Creek in the Shenandoah Valley. In December 1864, the regiment moved again and was stationed at Bermuda Hundred, Virginia, until joining the Appomattox Campaign in March 1865, and the final battle at Petersburg in April. The 10th Regiment, New York Heavy Artillery mustered out in June of 1865.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Babcock%2C+Willis+A.">Babcock, Willis A.</a>
<a href="http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv00508.xml" target="_blank">See the Finding Aid for the Willis A. Babcock diary</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1894">1894</a>
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Diaries">Diaries</a>
Ms2009-129
Ebenezer E. Mason Diary, 1864-1865 (Ms2012-063)
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=United+States--History--Civil+War%2C+1861-1865">United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Civil+War">Civil War</a>
The diary of Ebenezer E. Mason, a standard leather bound pocket size edition with three dates per page that covers his experiences from January through August 1864 as well as a few entries in February 1865. The entries typically note the weather of the day as well whether or not Congress was in session. The diary also includes a short poem (original?) and some account information in the back. The diary contains a pocket that holds a period newspaper clipping of an article Mason wrote for the State Journal, making a defense for adopting a new constitution, as well as several receipts and clippings.
Ebenezer Erskine Mason was born August 29, 1829, in Maine. He married Elizabeth Thompson (1825-1913) prior to 1860. Mason later became a local magistrate and a member of the Accotink Home Guard, a company that remained loyal to the Federal Government throughout the Civil War. Notably, Mason served as a delegate to the Second Wheeling Convention and was sergeant of arms to the Senate in 1863. In 1864, Mason served as delegate to the Restored Virginia Government Convention where a new constitution was put in place that abolished slavery and recognized West Virginia as a loyal state. Mason died in 1910 was buried in Fairfax County, Virginia.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Mason%2C+Ebenezer+E.%2C+1829-1910">Mason, Ebenezer E., 1829-1910</a>
<a href="http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv01088.xml">See the the Finding Aid for the Ebenezer E. Mason Diary</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1864-01-01%2F1865-02-01">1864-01-01/1865-02-01</a>
<a href="https://omeka.lib.vt.edu/files/thumbnails/spec_forms/PubPermission.doc">Permission to publish material from the Ebenzer E. Mason Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.</a>
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Ms2012-063
H.O. Bacock Diary, 1864 (Ms2003-014)
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Civil+War">Civil War</a>
H.O. Babcock was a farmer and schoolteacher from North Stonington, Connecticut. Diary entries record work, social and church activities, weather, and financial affairs. Also included are comments on the day's political and military affairs, particularly battles and lost friends.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Babcock%2C+H.+O.">Babcock, H. O.</a>
<a href="http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/vt/viblbv00090.xml" target="_blank">See the Finding Aid for the Civil War Small Manuscripts Collection</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1864">1864</a>
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</a>
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Ms2003-014_BabcockHO_Diary_1864
Henry Squire Diary, 1863 (Ms2011-103)
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=United+States--History--Civil+War%2C+1861-1865">United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Civil+War">Civil War</a>
The 1863 diary of Henry Squire, 72nd New York Infantry and includes entries from January through July. Early entries detail camp life, war news, and in particular, playing baseball and boxing, an inspection by Lincoln, and camp rumors (from March 'Gen. Lee [was] dead and [Stonewall] Jackson had been wounded'). Entries during the first part of May talk about Squire's experiences while at Libby Prison in Richmond. He was captured at Chancellorsville May 3rd and paroled May 13.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Squire%2C+Henry%2C+Co.+D%2C+72nd+New+York+Infantry">Squire, Henry, Co. D, 72nd New York Infantry</a>
<a href="http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv00963.xml">See the the Finding Aid for the Henry Squire Diary</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1863-01-01%2F1863-07-01">1863-01-01/1863-07-01</a>
<a href="https://omeka.lib.vt.edu/files/thumbnails/spec_forms/PubPermission.doc">Permission to publish material from the Henry Squire Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Diaries">Diaries</a>
Ms2011-103
Jacob Cohn Diary, 1864 (Ms2008-002)
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=United+States--History--Civil+War%2C+1861-1865">United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865</a>
The diary of Jacob Cohn, a soldier in Company A, 54th Pennsylvania Infantry during the Civil War. Cohn's brief entries commence with April 14, 1864 and trace his regiment's movements and battles, particularly those at New Market and Piedmont. The entries cease with June 18, 1864, and are followed by the names of Company A's soldiers wounded and killed at the Battle of New Market. The diary also contains various lists of goods and prices, some dated June-September 1863. Jacob Cohn enlisted as a private in Company A, 54th Pennsylvania Infantry on February 10, 1864. He is listed among soldiers who served from Cambria County, Pennsylvania, in which Company A recruited. Cohn's name does not appear on the regiment's muster-out roll, and no further information about him could be found.
The 54th Pennsylvania Infantry was organized in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in August and September, 1861, having recruited largely in Somerset and surrounding counties of southwestern Pennsylvania. In February 1862, the regiment was ordered to Washington, D. C., then to Harpers Ferry, (West) Virginia, from which the individual companies were dispatched to guard strategic points along a 60-mile section of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Company A guarded the vicinity of South Branch Bridge.
As part of the Union Army's Department of West Virginia, the regiment participated in the Shenandoah Campaign of 1864, engaging the Confederates in several battles, including those at New Market, Piedmont and Lynchburg. In December 1864, the 54th was assigned to the Army of the James and transferred to Petersburg, Virginia. There, it participated in the siege against the city, the pursuit of Lee's forces, and the Appomattox campaign. The regiment was mustered out of service on July 15, 1865.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Cohn%2C+Jacob">Cohn, Jacob</a>
<a href="http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/vt/viblbv00232.xml.frame">See the Finding Aid for the Jacob Cohn Diary</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1864-04-14%2F1864-06-18">1864-04-14/1864-06-18</a>
<a href="https://omeka.lib.vt.edu/files/thumbnails/spec_forms/PubPermission.doc">Permission to publish material from the Jacob Cohn Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Diaries">Diaries</a>
Ms2008-002
Jacob W. Smiley Diary, 1863-1864 (Ms2012-073)
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=United+States--History--Civil+War%2C+1861-1865">United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Civil+War">Civil War</a>
The diary of Jacob Wallace Smith, a Union sharpshooter with the 7th Company, 1st Battalion, New York Sharpshooters, in the Northern Virginia region.The first few pages of the diary include a brief history of his enlistment. The early entries describe his unit's travels around Alexandria and Northern Virginia. The majority of the entries detail his experiences in and around Culpepper from December 1863 to May 1864. He talks about camp life, drills, daily activities, letters from home, and playing baseball in camp. Smiley's last complete entry was on May 4, 1864, when the regiment moved from Culpepper toward Wilderness. May 5th includes a date and location, but no entry. Smiley was killed in action at the Wilderness later that day.
Tucked inside the diary is a CDV of Smiley and his wife, Melissa, probably taken before Jacob was drafted.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Smiley%2C+Jacob+Wallace%2C+1833-1864">Smiley, Jacob Wallace, 1833-1864</a>
<a href="http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv01094.xml">See the the Finding Aid for the Jacob W. Smiley Diary</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1863-10-04%2F1864-05-04">1863-10-04/1864-05-04</a>
<a href="https://omeka.lib.vt.edu/files/thumbnails/spec_forms/PubPermission.doc">Permission to publish material from Jacob W. Smiley Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Diaries">Diaries</a>
Ms2012-073
James Miles Diary, 1865 (Ms2010-006)
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<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Civil+War">Civil War</a>
The Civil War diary of James Miles, an enlisted soldier in the 185th Regiment of the New York Infantry. The diary describes soldier life and spans from January to March 1865 until the author was killed in action. Entries include descriptions of battles and the deaths of soldiers by snipers. Miles' short entries relate the physical and emotional difficulties of being a soldier as evidenced by an entry about a fellow soldier who had deserted, 'supposed to shoot him but didn't have it in me'. The last entry is on the day before Miles was killed in action which was ten days before the end of the war.
James Miles enlisted with Company K of the 185th Regiment, New York Infantry at Syracuse, New York on September 3, 1864. The 185th regiment was organized at Syracuse, New York and Company K was mustered in September 21, 1864. The regiment left for Petersburg, Virginia on September 27, 1864 and was attached to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 5th Army corps of the Army of the Potomac until May of 1865. During the term of service, the regiment lost 59 soldiers by death from wounds and 39 enlisted men by death from diseases. Miles was killed in action on March 29, 1865.
Much of this information was found at http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/index.html. Additional information on the 185th Regiment of the New York Infantry can be found at http://www.dmna.state.ny.us/historic/reghist/civil/infantry/185thInf/185thInfMain.htm
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Miles%2C+James">Miles, James</a>
<a href="http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/vt/viblbv00609.xml.frame">See the the Finding Aid for the James Miles Diary</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1865-01-01%2F1865-03-01">1865-01-01/1865-03-01</a>
<a href="https://omeka.lib.vt.edu/files/thumbnails/spec_forms/PubPermission.doc">Permission to publish material from the James Miles Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Diaries">Diaries</a>
Ms2010-006
John H. Hancock Diary, 1862-1863 (Ms2008-008)
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The diary of John H. Hancock, who served in Company H, 29th Massachusetts Infantry during the Civil War. The diary entries cover January-June 1862, with a single entry made from Paris, Kentucky on April 1, 1863. Hancock's diary entries relate largely routine information such as weather conditions, personal health, camp routines, and troop movements. Longer entries relate to orders, marching, battles, and war news. Frequent mentions are made of gun boats. Contrabands and prisoners of war are also mentioned, as are activities of other regiments within the brigade. The last approximately two thirds of the diary were blank pages and were not scanned.
John H. Hancock, a sergeant in Company H, 29th Massachusetts Infantry during the Civil War, was born ca. 1841 in Massachusetts. While employed as a clerk, Hancock enlisted as a private at Charlestown, Massachusetts, in a unit that would be designated as Company H, 29th Massachusetts Infantry and join the remainder of the regiment already deployed on the Virginia Pensinsula. Hancock was promoted to corporal on August 3, 1862, and to sergeant on March 15, 1863. Wounded, he was discharged from the service on August 25, 1864. Returning to Massachusetts, Hancock married later that year. Together with his wife, Annie, Hancock resided in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and was employed as a custom house inspector. The couple had several children (including Lucy B., Elizabeth, Annie, Herbert and Edgar W.). John H. Hancock died on September 9, 1913.
The 29th Massachusetts Infantry was organized at Newport News, Virginia, in December 1861, combining the existing 1st Battalion Massachusetts Infantry with three new companies (including Company H) organized in the Suffolk County, Massachusetts area. The regiment remained on the Virginia Peninsula until the end of August, participating in battles at Fair Oaks and Malvern Hill. With the failure of the Peninsula Campaign, the 29th withdrew to Washington, D.C., where it assisted in covering the retreat from the second battle of Bull Run, then joined in the advance into Maryland. The regiment saw heavy losses at the Battle of Antietam. During the fall and winter of 1862, the 29th remained in the northern Virginia area. In the spring, it was transferred westward and participated in the siege of Vicksburg and the capture of Jackson, Mississippi. The regiment spent the fall and winter in eastern Tennessee, participating in the battle of Campbell's Station, then was transferred to eastern Virginia, where it took part in the Wilderness Campaign and the siege of Petersburg. After the fall of Petersburg and Richmond, the regiment returned to northern Virginia. It was mustered out of service on July 29, 1865.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Hancock%2C+John+H.">Hancock, John H.</a>
<a href="http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/vt/viblbv00237.xml" target="_blank">See the Finding Aid for the John H. Hancock Diary</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1862">1862</a>
<a href="https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/files/thumbnails/spec_forms/PubPermission.doc" target="_blank">Permission to publish material from the John H. Hancock Diary must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Diaries">Diaries</a>
Ms2008-008_HancockJohnH_Diary_1862-1863
John Holliday Diaries and Photographs, 1864-1865 (Ms2012-028)
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Lynchburg%2C+Battle+of%2C+Lynchburg%2C+Va.%2C+1864">Lynchburg, Battle of, Lynchburg, Va., 1864</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=United+States--History--Civil+War%2C+1861-1865">United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Winchester%2C+3rd+Battle+of%2C+Winchester%2C+Va.%2C+1864">Winchester, 3rd Battle of, Winchester, Va., 1864</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=New+River+Bridge%2C+Battle+of%2C+Va.%2C+1864">New River Bridge, Battle of, Va., 1864</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Cloyds+Mountain%2C+Battle+of%2C+Va.%2C+1864">Cloyds Mountain, Battle of, Va., 1864</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Local%2FRegional+History+and+Appalachian+South">Local/Regional History and Appalachian South</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Civil+War">Civil War</a>
Holliday's diaries, the first covering 1 May through 8 August 1864 and the second covering 1 September 1864 through 4 July 1865, begin with the regiment's entry into Virginia's New River Valley and conclude with his return to Ohio at the conclusion of the war. Holliday includes information on his participation in action in and around the New River Valley, including the battles of Cloyd's Mountain and New River Bridge.
The collection also includes four photographs, believed to be of Holliday, and one of his wife. Two of the images have locks of hair under the glass and several have hand-painted details added.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Holliday%2C+John%2C+91st+Ohio+Volunteer+Infantry">Holliday, John, 91st Ohio Volunteer Infantry</a>
<a href="http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vt/viblbv01072.xml">See the the Finding Aid for the John Holliday Diaries and Photographs</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1864-05-01%2F1865-07-04">1864-05-01/1865-07-04</a>
<a href="https://omeka.lib.vt.edu/files/thumbnails/spec_forms/PubPermission.doc">Permission to publish material from John Holliday Diaries and Photographs must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Diaries">Diaries</a>
Ms2012-028
Journal, B. H. Johnson, 1863-1864 (Ms2008-093)
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Civil+War">Civil War</a>
The B. H. Johnson Journal is a handwritten account of one year from September 1863 to September 1864 recorded by a Methodist circuit riding minister of eastern Virginia. Some mentioned locations within Virginia are Shiloh, Charlottesville, Salem, Port Royal, Spotsylvania, Hanover County, Augusta County, Caroline County, and Madison County, among others. Subjects include the American Civil War and its concomitant destruction, the duties and practices of a Methodist minister, typhoid fever, 'Yankee' crime, and slavery. A particularly engaging segment within Johnson's journal discusses the theft of his horse by rogues and the eventual heroic repossession of his steed.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Johnson%2C+B.+H.">Johnson, B. H.</a>
<a href="http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/vt/viblbv00325.xml.frame">See the Finding Aid for the B. H. Johnson Journal</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=40&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1863-09-01%2F1864-09-01">1863-09-01/1864-09-01</a>
<a href="https://omeka.lib.vt.edu/files/thumbnails/spec_forms/PubPermission.doc">Permission to publish material from the B. H. Johnson Journal must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.</a>
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Diaries">Diaries</a>
Ms2008-093_JohnsonBH_Journal_1863-1864
Journal, Frances A. Murdoch, 1861-1863 (Ms2009-132)
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Civil+War">Civil War</a>
A journal maintained by Frances A. 'Fannie' Murdoch, a young woman living on a Mississippi plantation during the Civil War. Containing approximately 90 pages, the journal commences with an entry dated May 29, 1861. The journal is largely introspective in nature, as Murdoch dwells on personal feelings, focusing heavily on her religious beliefs. She often questions her worthiness and chastises herself for sins, frequently mentioning her quick temper. At the same time, Murdoch takes pride in the evening Bible studies she conducts with the plantation's slaves. Murdoch also describes the weather and often refers to siblings Willie, Jonnie and Sallie, as well as various relatives, servants and neighbors.
As the Civil War commences, Murdoch very briefly mentions reports from Harpers Ferry and Philippi, Virginia. After the Battle of Manassas, her entries focus more on war rumors and news. She mentions a personal telegram received by acquaintances from President Davis, relaying news of the Confederate victory at Manassas, and Davis' proclamation for a day of prayer and fasting.
On April 18, 1862, Murdoch expresses thanks for what she considers a Confederate victory at Shiloh, while at the same time disagreeing with those who believe the war's end may soon be drawing near. '...I think we have just begun this long dreary war,' she writes. 'Still we must fight on, our lives, our homes, our lands, our slaves, depend on the end of this matter.' As the war progresses, she becomes ever less hopeful of victory and mentions a prophecy that the war will last four years and result in the reunification of the states. She relays secondhand but somewhat lengthy descriptions of a battle between the Natchez militia and a Union gunboat, the death of Colonel Stuart Wilkins Fisk at the Battle of Murfreesboro, and the plundering of Bruinsburg by Union soldiers. Elsewhere, she reports the surrenders of New Orleans and Vicksburg.
On a few occasions, Murdoch expresses her fear of a slave insurrection but feels confident that slaves Ben or Henry would save her and brother Jonnie, 'as they say they like us so much.' Elsewhere, Murdoch deplores the torture used on Natchez slaves to elicit information about rumored plans for an uprising. On May 3, 1863, she notes that many of the family's slaves have departed, averring that they had forgotten how well they were treated by the family and comparing them to a fly being lured by a spider--the lure in this case being the promise of eleven dollars a month. Also on this date, Murdoch notes that the carriage horses are all gone, and she feels in danger of being 'outraged and insulted at any time.' After intermittent entries made during the next several months, the journal ends on October 12, 1863.
Frances A. 'Fannie' Murdoch was born in Mississippi around 1847. Her father, John Murdoch (1813-1861) had been born in Louisiana, attended Yale University (class of 1834), and in 1840 married Frances Louisa Bristol (1819-1875), daughter of a New Haven, Connecticut family. The Murdochs later resided at Cane Mount, their cotton plantation near Rodney (Jefferson County), Mississippi. Fannie was one of eight children and was schooled by private tutors at home with her siblings before briefly attending Professor Baird's school from December 1862 until April 1863. No further information about Fannie Murdoch could be found.
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<a href="http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/vt/viblbv00520.xml.frame">See the Finding Aid for the Frances A. Murdoch Journal</a>
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Ms2009_132_MurdochFrancisA_Diary
M. M. Cottingim Diary, 1862 (Ms2012-033)
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The diary of M.M. Cottingim between April and October of 1862.In addition to short entries about his regiment's movements and activities, his last few entries make mention of his leg being wounded at Antietam on September 17, its subsequent amputation and infection, and his removal to a hospital near Frederick.
M. M. Cottingim served as a private with Company A, 2nd Regiment, Mississippi Infantry. He mustered in during March of 1862. He died in November 18, 1862, probably from wounds sustained during fighting at Antietam, and was buried in Frederick, MD.
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Ms2012-033
William J. Pittenger Diary (Ms2001-064)
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The diary of William J. Pittenger, a soldier serving in the 93rd Illinois Infantry and the U. S. Army Signal Corps during the Civil War. The diary's entries span the first half of 1863 through 1864 and touch on such matters as camp life, the U. S. Army's advance down the Mississippi River, and the siege of Vicksburg. (Pittenger made no entries for most of March 1863, as he was bedridden with smallpox). The diary also contains names and addresses of Pittenger's comrades, records of financial transactions, and a list of soldiers from Co. D, 93rd Illinois Infantry killed at Champion Hill.
William J. Pittenger, son of Abraham and Elizabeth Gladfelter Pittenger, was born in Ohio in 1838. While working as a Missouri schoolteacher in 1862, Pittenger enlisted in Company D of the 93rd Illinois Infantry. In February 1863, he was assigned to the U. S. Army Signal Corps. Pittenger contracted small pox one month later but resumed duties in April and participated in the siege of Vicksburg and, later, in Sherman's march to the sea. He mustered out with his regiment in June, 1865. In 1867, Pittenger married Ella Shafer (1850-1899); the couple would have five children. In 1879, the Pittengers moved from Illinois to Wichita, Kansas, where William Pittenger became a prominent farmer. A member of the I. O. O. F., Pittenger served as a member of the local school board and as a township trustee. He died in 1896, and is buried in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Sedgwick County, Kansas.
Sources:
History of the State of Kansas(Chicago: A. T. Andreas, 1883).
"Civil War Diary Bares Vivid Story" - Wichita Eagle Magazine,January 6, 1957.
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Ms2001-064_PittengerWilliamJ_Diary_1863
William W. Barnett Diary, 1862 (Ms2012-075)
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A diary with one-page entries for the year of 1862. A few pages of memoranda follow on which Barnett has listed miscellaneous clothing expenses and his pay record for the year. The diary describes his time in hospital in January and February, as well as from September through December. These latter entries include his work as a nurse, particularly tending to the wounded following the battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862. Camp life and routine, visits with his brother Henry, and brief trips into Washington D.C. are among the topics mentioned. Barnett also mentions review of the division by President Lincoln, General McDowell, and Secretary Stanton in May near Fredericksburg and again by Lincoln and McClellan in July near Harrison's Landing. The diary includes descriptions of battle at Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill, Frazier's Farm, and Malvern Hill in the Seven Day's campaign and at the Second Battle of Bull Run. William W. Barnett was born in Pennsylvania on 15 September 1840 and raised in Armstrong Co. in western Pennsylvania by parents Alexander and Hannah Barnett. The 1860 census shows him living in the Borough of Freeport of that county as a 19 year-old student with his parents; brothers Henry B. (age 21), Robert A. (age 10), Hezekiah W. (age 9); and sister Emily W. (age 16). He enlisted as a private in Co. A, 8th Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps (PRVC), also known as the 37th Volunteers, on 15 May 1861, a few days after his brother Henry enlisted in Co. G, 9th PRVC. The 8th and the 9th saw duty in and around Washington D.C., before marching to Hunter's Mill in Fairfax Co. on 10 March 1862 and returning to Alexandria four days later. Barnett would see action in Virginia during June at Mechanicsville and Gaines Mill in the Seven Days Campaign and, later that summer, at the second battle of Bull Run. Before his regiment engaged at Antietam in mid-September 1862, Barnett fell ill and was left behind at Harewood Hospital in Northeast Washington on the farm of W. W. Corcoran. On 27 September, he was assigned to duty as a nurse at the hospital, and though he would become sick again before the end of 1862, he would finish the year serving at the hospital. He was discharged from service with the rank of private on a Surgeon's Certificate on 20 March 1863, some three months after his brother Henry was similarly discharged.
After, presumably, returning home to western Pennsylvania, Barnett responded to the local call to form the 5th Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery (also known as the 204th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers) in August 1864. He was mustered in as a private, Battery M, on 2 September 1864. The regiment saw duty in the defense of Washington and along the Manassas Gap Railroad with engagements following at Salem and Rectortown in October 1864 before returning to Washington. Barnett was promoted to Sergeant and on 19 January 1865 was promoted to Second Lieutenant. He returned to Pittsburgh and mustered out with his battery on 30 June 1865.
Very little of Barnett's later life is known. An annotation added at a later date to Barnett's 1862 diary entry for 29 January reads, "Son of W. W. Barnett Wyllie Barnett was born January Friday 29 1875 - W. W. Barnett died Tuesday September 29 1876." A pension claim filed on 18 September 1890 by his widow cites the date of his death as Sept. 26 1876. As to the identity of his wife, nothing is known for certain, although the 1880 census does show a Rebecca Barnett living in the eastern Ohio county of Tuscarawas with her parents, Thomas and Sarah Laughead along with her five-year-old son, William Barnett.
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Ms2012-075