Welles, Gideon (1802-1878). Secretary of the Navy under Presidents Lincoln and Johnson (1861-1869). DS, 1p, dated Navy Department, Washington, March 13, 1865, giving permission for George H. Thompson to report to Col. Jacob Zeilin, Commandant of the Marine Corps, for examination of qualification for an appointment to second lieutenant. Civil War-era documents related to the Marine Corps are very rare.

Arthur, Chester Allen (1829-1886). President of the United States (1881-1885). ALS as Engineer-in-Chief of the New York Militia and Assistant Quartermaster General, " C.A. Arthur, " 1p, 7.75 x 9.75 in., New York, NY. April 22. 1861. Addressed to Robert G. Haws, Comptroller of the City of New York. At the beginning of the Civil War, President Lincoln made an appeal for volunteers, and in this letter, Arthur requests permission to erect a temporary building in Central Park in which to feed the " 1,500 men of the New York Volunteers ." On the reverse of the letter, handwritten notations indicate that Arthur was indeed permitted to enact his plan.

Dated July 31st, 1863, and titled “ List of Quartermaster’s Stores, &c. ” this partially printed, otherwise routine one-page document transferring stores and articles from one U.S. Army Quartermaster to another takes on special significance in that not only is it signed by McKinley, it is filled out by him completely, thus elevating the piece considerably in the realm of exceedingly rare William McKinley wartime autograph material of any kind. In overall excellent condition and measuring approximately 8 by 10 inches, document is handsomely displayed in a 12 by 15-inch frame.

Mustered at age 18 as a Private in Company E of the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry in June of 1861, enterprising young William McKinley, Jr., soon rose through the ranks with appointments and promotions to Commissary Sergeant, 2nd & 1st Lieutenant, Captain, and finally Brevet Major. Celebrated for his legendary and fearless humanitarian service at Antietam, praised for his part in the capture of Morgan's Raiders at Buffington Island, and promoted for gallantry under fire at the Battle of Kernstown, this vital and enthusiastic Ohio officer survived the Civil War only to succumb to the bullet of an assassin as the 25th President of the United States.

Barton, Clara (1821-1912). Founder of the American Red Cross. ALS, 1p, 4.625 x 8 in., " Washington, DC " May 19, 1865. Addressed to Mrs. Cornelia Wilbur of Genesee County, NY. Wilbur had previously inquired about the whereabouts of her missing son, and here Barton replies, asking for " the number of the Artillery to which your son was attached ."

Records indicate that Mrs. Wilbur's son, John R. Wilbur, enlisted as a private at age 18 on December 28, 1862. He was mustered into Company F, 13th New York Heavy Artillery on January 21, 1864 and was later transferred to Company M. Unfortunately, Barton would have the unpleasant task of reporting that Private Wilbur died of disease on April 16, 1865 in Norfolk, VA.

Letter archive of Dr. Charles H. Sackrider (1832-1881), Mason, Ingham County, Michigan, including 35 war-dated letters, most from Dr. Sackrider to his wife, from his service as an acting assistant surgeon in the Union Army, including many from service in the Chattanooga Campaign in late 1863 and elsewhere in Nashville in 1864. Includes several letters with battle content and musings on race relations. Charles Sackrider may have been born in Ontario, Canada ca 1832 or 1833. It appears that he attended the University of Michigan. The History of Ingham and Eaton Counties, Michigan (Durant, Samuel: 1881) describes him as a "popular and successful physician in Mason." They go on to note that in 1855 he began to practice dentistry along with his medical practice, this "rais[ing] it to the dignity of a profession." He applied for membership in the Dental Society of Michigan in 1864 and was admitted. This dual practice likely made him even more valuable to the Union Army during the war.

Lot of 2. Chaplin, Daniel (1820-1864). Union officer in command of the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery Regiment during the Siege of Petersburg. Partially printed DS, 10 x 15 in. March 12, 1864. Appointment commissions Norris N. Pierce as Quarter Master Sergeant of the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery.

One June 18, 1864, Chaplin led the 1st Maine in a calamitous charge against Confederate breastworks at Petersburg. His regiment charged without support and sustained the greatest single day's loss by any one unit during the war, losing over 600 out of approximately 900 men. Chaplin survived the siege but was fatally shot by a sharpshooter at Battle of Deep Bottom later that summer. Norris, originally of Bangor, ME, enlisted in February of 1863 as a private. He, too, survived the charge at Petersburg and mustered out in September after the war ended.

Also includes chrome reunion badge, 3.75 in., of the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery, featuring navy blue ribbon and applied gold crossed cannon. Fastening pin present.

Staniels, Rufus Putnam. Captain, Company C, 13th New Hampshire Infantry. ALS, 8pp, 5 x 8 in., " Petersburg, Va. " August 3, 1864. Addressed to " My Dearest Friend, " a woman named Lina. Staniels (1833-1890) enlisted on August 29, 1862 in Concord, NH. He was mustered into the 13th New Hampshire Infantry and was promoted to 1st lieutenant in 1863. Staniels was severely wounded in June of 1864 in Cold Harbor, VA but resumed his service and was promoted to the rank of captain that July. In this letter, written shortly after his promotion, Staniels describes the transition back to his regiment after his injury and the carnage of a mine explosion during the Siege of Petersburg.

Lines of note include: " The field between the two lines was literally strewn with the dead & wounded which had been left upon the field & in some places near the fort, they lay there in piles. Several flags of truce went out from our line during the p.m. & were met midway between the lines by a Reb truce & our officers made every effort to arrange for the burial of the dead & care of the wounded, but for some reason or other it could not be satisfactorily arranged & consequently the wounded were still left to suffer untold agony. . . The smell of the dead was very offensive and it was enough to make one sick at heart to look over that field and see the poor sufferers. . . Rebs carefully raised and gave water to our wounded Negro soldiers who had been left upon the field."

Lot of 5, featuring 1863 pocket diary and photographs.

Gilbert McLoon was a 23-year old farmer in Lowell, MA when he enlisted in the 1st MA Cavalry in early October 1861. He was mustered into Co. H October 9 for a three-year term of service. He left in November 1864 rather than veteranizing.

Lot features four photographs showing who appears to be McLoon at various ages, the first, a tintype of McLoon in his uniform holding a bugle and sword. Buttons, shoulder scales, hat device, belt plate gilt highlighted. Identified on the page as Gilbert McLoon, Co. H. 1st Massachusetts Cavalry. The remaining photographs, all CDVs, include an identified view of McLoon holding an infant on his lap with his wife standing beside him, as well as portraits of the subject in his later years.

Also included is a pocket diary for 1863 (3.75 x 6 in.). McLoon has not filled in every date (three per page) and most are filled out in pencil. Spelling is a bit creative (but it is phonetic). At the beginning of the year, the regiment is mostly on guard and scouting assignments. With the spring came the new campaigns, but first a Grand Review. On April 7, he writes: " Grand review of the whole of the Cavalry of the army of the Potomac by President Lincon and his wife the bigest review that ever took place in this army ..." Two days later there was another review for several Generals, some of their wives, the Postmaster General and other officers. Shortly after the regiment started moving. By late April is the lead up to Fredericksburg, although the regiment would not be directly engaged. It then moved to Falmouth, Beal's Station, and other towns along the Rappahannock.

The last week of June the regiment was at Aldie Court House before being ordered toward Gettysburg. July 1: " Our Regt lay in the wood at Manchester M.D. Our Regt D[e]tached to Gen. [blank] got orders to march marched at 8 P.M. we make the march all night ." July 2. It arrived in the middle of the second day's fight. " Passed threw the place called union mills on the Pike Road leading to Geties Burge Pa. passing threw Little Town the Battle was in its hight of rage...we came in fast ." July 3: " The Battle raging still... [at] Geties Burge Our Regt joined the brigade...The Batt[le] was raging at 1 o'clock & died away at 2 o'clock to a mor steady fire ." July 4: " Not much fighting the men wer in gaged in picking up the wounded & Ber rieng [burying] the dead ."

After this, it spent most of the summer on the move. Among the other areas "visited" by the 1st MA Cavalry were Harpers Ferry, Warrenton, Cedar Mountain, Rappahannock Station, Brandy Station, Rapidan Station, and more throughout the Shenandoah region. McLoon is much more sporadic in journal-keeping after the first part of October with only a few entries toward the end of the year.

Bartlett, Halsey (1831-1864). Union Private, Company A, 6th Connecticut Infantry. ALS, 4 pp, 9 x 7.25 in., " Morris Island, SC" July 29, 1863. Addressed to Bartlett's mother.

Private Bartlett writes home to his mother for the first time since his arrival on Morris Island: " We have been busy ever since in building Batteries, fighting, etc. on detail every day. . . I told you about building Batteries close to the Rebs on Folly Island, only a creek between. Well, on the 7th of July, our Regt. had to go up there and stay for a reserve in case we were attacked. . . then we were ordered to be ready at 6:00 with one day's provisions to make a charge on some batteries on Morris Island. "

On leaving Folly Island: " In the night our whole Brigade under General Strong marched to Head Quarters and took passage in Surf Boats and halted at the upper end of Folly Island opposite our Batteries. . . we sailed all that night on the night of the ninth. . . and on the morning of the tenth about daylight we were in the same place as before. . . in half an hour after halting, the signal was given and Spang went a gun from our Batteries. . . and for two hours the heavy firing kept up. "

Bartlett continues, describing the brutality of the assault on Fort Wagner: " Our men (two Brigades) made a charge on Fort Wagner. The first and last time I want to make another such. There was about fifteen hundred killed, wounded and missing on our side. . . I could look around me and see them fall and crying for help when no one would come for them. . . When I moved I looked around me and they lie so thick in the Fort (wounded and dead) that I could hardly get around. . . it was an awful sight to behold."

Bartlett, of Killingly, CT, survived this battle and even re-enlisted on December 24, 1863 but was ultimately killed on June 17, 1864 at Bermuda Hundred, VA.

Pocket notebook/diary, approx. 4 x 6.5 in., full leather. Owner's ID on ffep, " Bethuel M. Reed, Co. B 7th Regt. C.V. Hilton Head, SC Jan. 1st, 1863 ."

Bethuel (also spelled Bethewel) Montague Reed (1841-1916) was a resident of Somers, CT. He enlisted in September 1861 in the 7th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry after the first call for three-year units. Their first colonel was Alfred Terry, with Joseph Hawley as lieutenant colonel. Terry was promoted to brigadier general in April 1862 (leaving service as major general). Hawley was promoted to colonel a couple months later, achieving the rank of brigadier general himself in 1864. Many of these men had served in a three-month unit prior to enlisting in the 7th. Between their earlier experience and experienced leadership of Terry and Hawley, the 7th was ready for the field in a very short time after mustering in.

They were sent to Fortress Monroe in October, but heavy storms wrecked some of the transports and scattered the remainder. They arrived in Port Royal, SC about the 4th of November. After capturing Forts Walker and Beauregard, the flag of the 7th CT was the first to fly over southern soil since the secession of South Carolina. The unit then set to work on the fortification of Hilton Head, then moved to Tybee Island.

This diary begins in January 1863 with the unit back at Hilton Head. Through the winter they seem to "island hop," going to Fernandina, FL (Amelia Island) in mid-January. By July, they were on Morris Island, engaged in the Second Battle of Fort Wagner (featured in the movie " Glory "). July 20-21: " They have been bombarding fort Wagner all day and night the gunboats fired some in the day time...they have been bombarding the battery the monitors have been firing most of the forenoon... " Sporadic firing continues right into September.

Some companies go to Folly Island, Sullivan's Island, St. Helena, Seabrook, and back. They frequently return to Hilton Head and Jacksonville. In December they receive new rifles, later (April) new cartridge boxes and other accoutrements. These require target practice on a number of days. Occasionally there are periods in which Reed used ink that faded (or watered down what he had to make it last?). Most can be read, but with some difficulty. The longest period is December 16, 1863 - January 13, 1864, which is difficult, but not much is happening. January is mostly drilling and training the new recruits. Those who veteranized are gone on their furlough.

In early February they are on the move again, and the veterans have returned. February 20: " We get marching orders went toards [sic] lake City We meet the enemy about noon drove their picketts in and opened the engagement with their main force we fought 4 hours and ware [were] obliged to fall back we marchd [sic] to Barbers Bridge we got thare [there] about 2 oclock in the night and stayed thare the rest of the night... " [Feb. 21] We started from Barbers Bridge in the morning and marched to Baldwin we stayed thare the rest of the night. We were rear guard. "

In mid-April they packed up the sick and wounded and boarded ships (again). They headed toward Yorktown arriving on the 18th. April 29 they went out hunting for deserters, finding 27. May 4 they board ships and the next day leave Yorktown for Fortress Monroe. From about the 9th on, they encounter skirmishes. They move up the James River, but their specific location is a bit vague; he only notes they " camped in the woods ." By the 16th they have moved to the front and firing continues through the 21, the big guns open up again May 30-June 1, and on June 8 they cross the Appomattox River. Fighting on some level continues right through June (Bermuda Hundred).

They encounter battles again in mid-August (Deep Bottom, Deep Run) before receiving orders to go to Petersburg (August 24). On September 3, they were ordered to witness the hanging of John Rowley before going into the rifle pits of Petersburg. On the 10th, a man in the 6th CVI had his head shaved and was drummed out of the camp. Two days later his term of service had expired and he was mustered out. He describes a number of " feeds " put on for the men in New York and surrounding area.

The remainder of the diary, up to the end of 1866, concerns his civilian life - threshing, winnowing, purchasing bushels of apples, etc. Bethuel Reed married a woman named Etta and began building a family. In the 1880 census they had four daughters between the ages of 7 and 1. Reed died in Connecticut on the 3rd of September 1916, at the age of 75.

Lot of 30 documents related to Captain William L. Best of Company G, 16th New York Volunteers. Includes muster rolls, invoices, allotment rolls, absence and return reports, inventories and transfer lists, return of ordnance and ordnance store reports, and general correspondence. Primarily pre-printed and hand-filled, though some are entirely handwritten. Of particular interest are seven documents signed by General Newton M. Curtis (1835-1910), wounded four times with two wartime brevets and recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1893 for his actions at Fort Fisher, NC, 1865; one document signed by Brevet Brigadier General Joel J. Seaver (1822-1899); and one document signed by Indian War General George Morton Randall (1841-1918).

Best enlisted at the age of 26 on May 15, 1861 as a second lieutenant in Albany, NY. He was commissioned into Company G of the 16th New York and was twice promoted, ultimately attaining the rank of captain, before mustering out on June 3, 1863. His regiment left New York for Washington, DC on June 27, 1861 and after fighting at the Battle of Bull Run that July, fulfilled defensive duties around Washington until the spring of 1862. On April 22, the 16th New York was ordered to the Virginia Peninsula, where its members participated in the Siege of Yorktown, West Point, Gaines Mill, Savage Station, and Malvern Hill. Action resumed that fall with the Maryland Campaign, and the regiment remained on duty in Maryland until late October of 1862. From there, Best and his comrades saw action at both Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville before the expiration of term. In total, 5 of the regiment's officers and 106 of its enlisted men were killed or received mortal wounds, while another 86 succumbed to disease during service.

Lot of 7, including:

Two diaries of Corporal Charles C. Nichols, 160th New York Volunteer Infantry, 1864-1865. The 1864 diary is 3 x 6 in., with leather cover; 1865 diary is 3 x 5 in., with oilcloth-type cover that has become sticky over time. Nichols enlisted on September 6, 1862 at Attica, NY as a private. He was mustered into Company G of the 160th New York and was promoted to the rank of Corporal on August 1, 1865. He was mustered out on November 14, 1865 in Savannah, GA.

Most of the first part of the 1864 diary consists of drills, guard duty, fatigue duty, dress parades. The camp is two miles below New Iberia (LA). Out of the ordinary, February 3, 1864: " Our Co. was vaccinated this morning ." He does not elaborate, but likely for smallpox. Also noteworthy in his mind, on February 15, they had soft bread. February 17 saw his 26th birthday. By mid-March they were on the move to New Iberia, then Vermillion Bayou to Opelousas (3-31). Crossed the Cane River after several more days of marching. Battle of Sabine Cross Roads, LA, occurred on April 8, 1864; then Pleasant Hill, LA, April 9 [both part of Red River Campaign]. April 22 he describes more fighting, and on the 30 he is part of a detail to construct pontoon bridges over the Red River.

May 4 they arrested 2 " jayhawkers " who " wished to pass out of our lines ." More fighting May 15-16; on the 19th they cross the Atchafalaya River, reaching the Mississippi two days later. Private Nichols becomes ill about this time and is down sporadically with a fever. In July he mentions chills.

July 4 they were in Algiers. July 9 - 11 the various companies were loaded on steamers headed to reinforce troops in the Shenandoah Valley. They arrived at [Fortress] Monroe on the 18th and started up the James River the following day. Later on the 19th they landed at Bermuda Hundred. More troops kept arriving over the following few days.

August 7 they march to Harpers Ferry, then on the 10th to Charlestown toward Berryville, then to Middletown. On the 14th he notes that a rebel spy was hung near the camp. The 16th they went to Winchester, then back to Berryville. September 3, they saw heavy firing [Battle of Berryville]. September 19 at Opequan, VA their lieutenant was killed along with 14 others; 45 were wounded; 21 missing.

October 6th they moved to New Market. The rebels attacked at daylight on the 19th at the camp near Strasburg. On the 20th the Brigade lost over 400. There is sporadic firing for weeks. Cedar Creek, VA, October 19. Finally, December 13, Nichols writes: " All quiet in the Shenandoah Valley ." Unfortunately it turned cold, and he notes that on the 21st one man in the brigade froze to death.

The dawn of a new year saw more of the same - cold, snowy, inactive. Boredom was setting in. By the end of February, some guerrilla skirmishing was going on, but no full battles. On April 2, he mentions the celebration because of the victory at Petersburg, then the celebrations on the 10th over Grant's victory. The telegraph messages and newspaper reports of Lincoln's assassination and the attack on Sewall and others take up the 15th and 16th. The unit arrived in Washington on the 21st, passing the train with Lincoln's body on it. News that Booth had been caught is mentioned on the 27th.

May 23 saw the Grand Review in the nation's capital. " A beautiful day. A day long to be remembered by thousands of Soldiers. The grandest sight I ever saw. The People of Washington gave the Soldiers a warm welcome. The Streets were crowded for miles, Stars & stripes were plenty across the streets. Many cheered our Regt. We got back to Camp at 4 PM very tired ..."

Then on the 30th they learned they were being sent to Savannah. " The men are all fighting mad ." They did not arrive there for another month. He mentions that it is a nice town, but very warm. July 24 someone died of sun stroke in the brigade. The next few days were spent shooting alligators, killing rattle snakes (another guy was bitten by one) and water moccasins.

Finally on November 14: " Pleasant. This is a happy day to Nichols. I am discharged & tomorrow I will see home & friends. I am no soldier but a citizen of the United States. .."

The diaries are accompanied by two passes, dated July 22, 1865 and September 24, 1865, and a cabinet card with backmark of M.T. Hills, Attica, NY. The subject is not identified, but is presumed to be Charles Nichols.

Lot of 3, featuring albumen photograph, approx. 6.5 x 8 in., of Colonel James B. Swain (1820-1895) and his son Adjutant Chellis D. Swain (ca 1843-1911), both of the 11th New York Cavalry Regiment, also known as "Scott's 900." Colonel Swain received authority in October 1861 to recruit this regiment from throughout the state of New York. The first two years of regimental duty were largely served in the Military District of Washington DC on scouting and patrol. The regiment was then ordered to Louisiana and the Department of the Gulf before being transferred once again in early 1865 to the Department of the Cumberland.Both men have signed under their images. Mounted on 10 x 12.75 in. card.

Accompanying the photograph is the title, Rules, Regulations, Forms, and Suggestions for the Instruction and Guidance of the 1st US Volunteer Cavalry. Prepared by James B. Swain, Colonel Commanding, and 1st Lt. 1st Cav. USA. New York: Baker & Godwin, Printers, 1863. This copy was likely Chellis Swain's personal copy of the tactical guide written by his father as the name " Chellis D. Swain" is written in ink on the title page.

Partially printed pass issued by the US War Department on October 15, 1864 naming " C.D. Swain an Agent of Election duty appointed for Westchester Co. NY to distribute ballots & receive power of attorney and ballots under the laws governing elections of that State... to Armies operating before Richmond Middle Military Division and Department of Washington & return..." The presidential election was held on Tuesday, November 8, 1864, and the pass expired the 11th of November, 1864.

Lot of 2 leather diaries, the first measuring 3.25 x 5.75 inches with 108pp and the second measuring 3 x 6 inches with 119pp. Both war-date diaries belonged to Corporal Julius Fillmore of Co. C, 1st Dragoons Regiment New York. Fillmore was killed on September 19, 1864, at Opequan, VA.

Julius Fillmore (ca 1833 - 1864) enlisted at Attica, New York, as a private on August 8, 1862 at the age of 29. Initially Fillmore enlisted in Co. C of the 130th New York, however, that designation was changed to the 19th NY Cavalry on August 11, 1863, and then again to the 1st Regiment Dragoons in September 1863. Fillmore's first diary begins at Camp Suffolk, VA, on April 6, 1863, and runs through August 20, 1863. The second diary spans August 19, 1863, through January 15, 1864.

Fillmore writes near daily diary entries. The earlier stages of his enlistment as described in his diaries were spent in large part on picket and fatigue duty and he describes his activities at length. He often relates news from the papers of the ongoing war including references to the troop movements of Lee, Grant, Sherman, and others and military engagements. Contemporary reports of John Hunt Morgan's raids and the New York City Draft Riots of 1863 are also referenced. In his first diary Fillmore notes the anticipated change of the regiment into cavalry. Fillmore seems to have worked somewhat regularly with "contraband" who were serving alongside the Union troops. He was not overly sympathetic to their plight, noting on May 26, 1863, that "I made the niggers work like the devil."

After an extended stay in the hospital, Fillmore returns to his regiment in August 1863. As his second diary begins he is in good health and notes the receipt of his cavalry clothing. Horses and additional equipment would arrive in September, along with a promotion to full corporal. Fillmore anticipates battles to come, and notes with awe on October 16 that "...there is troops in all directions one can have no idea of the magnitude of the Potomac army unless they can see it." The October 17 Battle of Manassas Junction in which the dragoons participated is described. The remainder of the second diary contains descriptions of the dragoons movements, including skirmishes and reconnaissances. Overall, Fillmore's diaries provide a well-written and detailed description of his time with the 19th Cavalry/1st Dragoons.

Lot of 2 letters accompanied by small souvenirs sent home by Union soldiers, 1864-1865. The letter written by Private Samuel Huntington, 100th New York Infantry, contains a button, while First Lieutenant John W. Pollock, 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry, enclosed an unused two-cent Confederate stamp.

Huntington, Samuel. ALS, 4pp, 7.5 x 9.75 in., " Gloucester Point, Va. " April 30, 1864. Addressed to " Dear Loved Wife & Children." Huntington primarily bemoans the conditions of war, writing in part: " There was one white man come in from Richmond. He says the country is in a hard condition. . . it takes all that a Rebel soldier's pay to buy his tobacco. I talked with some of the Negroes. They said they did not have enough to eat when they was at home. The whites out on the picket lines are destitute of everything, provisions in particular. There is but a little farming going on, large and beautiful plantations are laying & idle. . .splendid buildings destroyed. . . This was a splendid country once. All is gone to waste. . . They are reaping the benefits of their secessionism." On a separate piece of paper, 2.5 x 1.5 in., Huntington has attached a small white button that he found on Morris Island, SC. Unfortunately, fifteen days after sending this letter, Huntington was captured at the Battle of Drewry's Bluff, VA, May 16, 1864. He contracted an illness while in prison and died in the Parole Camp in Annapolis, MD on December 21, 1864.

Pollock, John W. ALS, 9pp, 5 x 8 in., Hilton Head, SC. June 18, 1865. Addressed to " Miss Alice Judson ," with original cover. Alice appears to be a friend, with whom Pollock discusses the recent nuptials of several mutual acquaintances and his own matrimony plans, or lack thereof: "if I should want to marry soon & there be no possibility of a chance elsewhere, I think I should do the high strategy on the accomplished daughter of some luxuriant & wealthy old planter. There are many fine 'Gids' who have bestowed upon officers of this command, their pleasant smiles, since last Oct. " He also mentions a recent trip to Savannah, which he found to be a " most lovely old city. " However, he resumes his ruminations on marriage, noting that he " saw some very pretty young ladies also. But upon the whole, I will give Charleston the preference on the lady question. " At the top of the letter, Pollock affixed an unused two-cent orange Confederate stamp, " CSA 8 " with portrait of Andrew Jackson.

Leather pocket diary, 3 x 5 in., pages not preprinted. Entries date from September 1, 1863 to December 8, 1863. Diarist unknown. Many of the entries are short and always begins with observations of the weather. Entries in addition to this include mostly movements, not much battle content. So, in October 1863, the diarist notes movement to the (10th) Rapidan, then back to camp, then marching all night, stopping at Stevensburg; (11th) ready to move to north side of Rappahannock, then to Brandy Station, then Kelley's "fort"; (12) marching again all night for the 3rd night in a row; (13) marching for two hours before finding their train. The 17th found them at Fairfax Station; two days later they moved from Fairfax Station to Fairfax Court House to Centerville then crossed the Little Bull Run. The 20th they crossed the Bull Run by pontoon bridge and began moving to Warrenton, arriving there about 10pm. They remained at Warrenton for several days before being ordered to move again, but ended up returning the same day to Warrenton.

The writer seems to have been a blacksmith. He mentions getting a new forge early in the diary, and giving their old forge to another unit. A single page of inventory is included near the back that lists " Stors on hand first of the month Nov 1 - 10 kegs of Horse shoes / 2 kegs of mule shoes / 4 hundred weight of cole [coal] / 2 hundred weight of nails ."

He also seems to be lending money to soldiers in the unit. By looking up some of the more uncommon names, there is a possibility that the writer is in the 17th PA Cavalry (which actually is written at the top of one of the pages, but some of the men listed are not on the 17th PA rolls). Members that were identified as part of this unit listed in the back of the diary are: Jeremiah Mumah (KIA 9-24-64); Michael Friend; and Lemuel Miller. There are also two John Rosses during the autumn of 1863 (a third joined in 1864) and Joseph Short. The diarist mentions Lieutenant Reinhold. Reuben R. Reinhold was one of the organizers of the unit. An additional subject referenced is Darius Stiles, who served with the 6th NY Cavalry.

The 17th PA Cavalry saw service during the period of this diary: Expedition from Leesburg August 30-September 2. Advance to the Rapidan September 13-17. Brandy Station and Culpeper C.H. September 13. Raccoon Ford September 14-16. Reconnaissance across the Rapidan September 21-23. Jack's Shop, Madison C.H., September 22. Bristoe Campaign October 9-22. Raccoon Ford and Morton's Ford October 10. Stevensburg October 11. Near Kelley's Ford October 11. Brandy Station or Fleetwood October 12. Oak Hill October 15. Advance to line of the Rappahannock November 7-8. Mine Run Campaign November 26-December 2. Parker's Store November 29. Most of these are mentioned in this short diary.

Pacivilwar.com lists the blacksmiths for the 17th Cavalry as Levi Wentz, Daniel Derr, and John Martz, although the identity of the soldier that penned this diary cannot be confirmed.

Leather pocket diary/notebook, 3.5 x 5.75 in. Pages printed for accounting. Identified on ffep as belonging to " Enoch W. Abel, Killgore, Carroll County, Ohio. May 21st, 1864 ." Diary dates from April 28, 1864 to October 12, 1864.

Enoch Wright Abel was born in Harrison Co., Ohio in 1838. He lost his father at the age of 12, but was determined to get a good education, working to pay for his schooling. He then learned the carpentry trade, and " practiced in a western state ," returning to Harrison Co. in 1860.

When the war broke out, Abel enlisted in Co. A, 3rd OVI (a three-month unit), with which he fought at Bull Run (first). He re-enlisted on August 12 in Co. A., 32nd OVI. He was taken prisoner at Harpers Ferry on September 15, 1862, was exchanged and rejoined his regiment. During his service he fought at Vicksburg, Atlanta, Champion Hills, Jackson (MS), Port Republic, Winchester, Resaca, and more. He mustered out in 1865 after over four years of service.

He moved to Perry Township, Carroll County, Ohio after the war, married in 1870 and continued working at his trade. He had no children of his own, but raised an adopted daughter. He later served as Justice of the Peace, among other offices in the township. He died in 1927, a widower, in Cuyahoga County, Cleveland, OH.

This diary represents but a short part of his time of service, but an important part. The Atlanta Campaign took place over early May to the beginning of September, 1864. The first page details his journey from home back to the unit in Huntsville, Alabama. This was about the time three-quarters of the unit veteranized, at which time they would have gotten a furlough.

In many ways this diary tells the story of the campaign, though not very exciting reading at times: " May 29: moved at 6 am. Camped at 3 pm. marched 17 miles and skirmished for 8 miles. 3 men wounded. May 30. broke camp 6 am. moved ahead of 4th divition[sic] crosed [sic] Warington mountain. Camped at Warington after a march of 17 miles. May 31. broke camp 6 am. moved on the rear of the 4 di. crosed Sand Mt. day very warm and dusty camped 7pm after a march of 20 miles. June 1st, 1864. orders to move at 6 am. Special orders red [sic] to the regment [sic] in regard to pilfering. we halted at 12 ... as the day was so hot that the artilery [sic] horses could not stand to travil [sic] the whole corps massed here for and hour ,... report that Forest [sic] is moving on the flank of the Army The 4. di. orderd to move on fast to a pass in the Mtn wich they reached at midnight after a very hard march of 22 miles camped at a creek cald Sand Creek, " and so on.

By the 8th of June they were approaching the front lines. "... we went into camp at 6 in the evening within six miles of the rebs lines, herd [sic] the report of artilery [sic] for the first time since I left home, the report is that we will take our place on the line tomorrow ." They then get into a pattern of moving a short distance - forward or back - and throwing up new breastworks. It also started raining nearly every day, filling the rifle pits with water and knee-deep mud.

Other times he gives fairly detailed accounts. " July 4... It did not seem like the 4. to day the band playd a couple of times this evening, but here is orders to be ready to move. July 5th daylight found us about 2 miles farther to the right in the rear of the 4. Divition as a support as they had been fiting [fighting] all day yester. They lost a good many men wounded. at 12 oclock we got orders to get ready to march. and we went farther to the right and relieved the Cavalry....we got to the river and found the rebs fortifid on both sides and we hold them till further orders. July 6th we threw up brest works to day. There was one man kild and 2 wounded in the Regt. to day but there was not much firing only with the picket - no orders ."

A short time in the field packed with movement and actions.

Pocket diary, 2.5 x 3.75 in., for 1862, with preprinted dates and days.

Leonard Allen Southard enlisted in Co. K, 42nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry in late September 1861, about the time Lincoln called for 3-year units. The 42nd Ohio organized at Camp Chase near Columbus in September, October and November of 1861. Its colonels were James A. Garfield and Lionel A. Sheldon. In December it moved by railroad to Cincinnati and then by steamer to Catlettsburg, KY. Private Southard documented these first couple weeks on the pastedown and free endpaper of his pocket diary. He notes that they stayed at Catlettsburg for two days about a mile beyond the town, then started for Louisa. They ferried across the river into Western Virginia (soon to become West Virginia) and camped on the banks of the Big Sandy River. They went back across the river to Kentucky again, went 15 miles and camped in a cornfield.

The next day they went 7 miles then started for Camp More. He then begins entries in the pocket diary, and on the first page, Friday, January 3, he writes: " I left Camp More and started for Camp Pardee situated on a small stream.The Camp was situated between mountains and the Biggest mudhole I ever saw. " The following day he emphasizes the situation: " I stayed at Camp Pardee. it was a very disagreeable place ."

The next few months seem to involve a series of skirmishes as the 42nd Ohio scrambles up and down the mountains. On Friday, January 10: " We started before daylight and came within a mile of the Enemy. Scouts were sent forward. We started and close to the Rebels when they fired on us. we took to cover and fought 4 hrs. Reached Camp at Dark. Went to bed. " The following day: " I went over the Battle Ground it was a terrible spectacle to see human bodies shot all to pieces i went back to camp and started for Prestonburg after being ferryed across the Big Sandy River then went into town. "

The next few weeks were rainy and cloudy with occasional snow thrown in for variety. There are weeks of drills, guard duty and dress parades with a few skirmishes for a change of pace. Once spring arrives, he goes foraging, fishing, etc. Friday June 20: " ...went foraging this morning. Got all the Cherries mulberries I could eat. we went 3 miles from camp got back about 2. Dress Parade at 4 pm. " On the 23rd he picked huckleberries, then around the 4th of July, blackberries, to make some pies.

On August 27, he reported sick. The next day he felt a little better, but this was his last entry. Private Southard died of an unspecified disease on September 5 (1862). He is buried in the Knoxville National Cemetery, Sec. A, Site 2688. His unit would continue on to take Vicksburg and spend most of the rest of the war in Louisiana.

Lot of approx. 130 war-date letters totaling more than 375 pages.

William C. Holliday (1838-1921) was born in Adams County, Ohio. The Minutes of Ohio Annual Conference of Methodist Episcopal Church described him as a “local preacher” as early as 1855 . Holliday enlisted on December 21, 1863, as a chaplain and was commissioned into Field & Staff OH 90th Infantry. Holliday mustered out on June 13, 1865 at Camp Harker, TN. The majority of letters in this archive were written by Chaplain Holliday to his first wife, Eliza Cherrington Holliday, and span the duration of his enlistment.

Holliday’s letters include the standard descriptions of health, missing home and family, anticipation of letters from home, names of men killed, weather, etc. Holliday seems to enjoy being a chaplain and wants to be of service to his men and his country. Much of his letter content revolves around religious discussion, and especially his work preaching to the men as described here: “Near Atlanta, GA Aug 4, 1864: Mrs. Holliday, This is the day of ‘Humiliation & prayer’ by the President….I’ll venture that I had a larger congregation than any in Ohio. There were at least 1,000 soldiers present….My text was Psalm 108.12 ‘Give us help from trouble for vain is the help of man.’…I also read the resolution of Congress & Proclamation of the President appointing this a day of Prayer. I spoke of our troubles, their cause,& the source of deliverance. A more attentive congregation I never saw.”

Holliday was not typically on the front lines with his men during engagements. He determined after several months in the regiment that he best served his fellow men by staying in the hospital during battle and ministering to the wounded and dying. This means that typically his writings on engagements are not first-hand accounts, yet he still provides compelling post-battle descriptions of the battle or battlefield, the dead and dying, and ongoing troop movements. Social commentary is not a large part of the archive, however, he does make brief references to slavery (he writes disapprovingly of the amalgamation of the races), the terrible toll of the war on Southern women and children, and Lincoln's re-election.

Some of the most interesting content is related to the early battles of the Atlanta Campaign and the march to Atlanta including references to Tunnel Hill, Resaca, and Lost Mountain. Additionally, there is good content related to the Battles of Franklin and Nashville, and the subsequent pursuit of Hood to the Tennessee River in December 1864. The following excerpts are typical: “ Battle Field Nashville Tenn/ 1 Div 4 AC Hospt Dec 15 / 64 (8 PM) Ma – A terrible battle today. We are victorious. About 20 casualties in My Regt. Many of whom are yet to be cared for tonight. I am well. God be praised. Your W. G. Holliday.” Then, “Franklin Tenn Dec 18, 1864/1st Division Hospital 4 AC/ ‘Ma’ Yesterday morning we moved easily in the AM. Our troops had moved rapidly after the panic stricken and fleeing rebels about four miles. It was night. They slept on the mud and under the rain. It rained all day – but this Army is so flushed with victory that they did splendid marching – though tired and worn from two days incessant fighting and almost sleepless nights. We came about fifteen miles. Rebels are still going. It is the greatest victory of the war....” And writing to his wife from the Field Hospital " Six Miles North Columbia Tenn." on the next day, “Mrs. Holliday, It is about 7oclock PM. I sent you a very brief letter on the 18 at Franklin. On this same day we marched about 14 miles through the rain. At Franklin I had an opportunity of circling over the battlefield. The rebels suffered terribly. They assaulted our works and were killed by the hundred. I counted on one side the pile over three hundred and fifty graves. There were as many on the other side…”