- More
Massachusetts Soldier's Pocket Diary, 1863....
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
$1,076 or more
View Recent Offers on Sold Items in this category
Description
Massachusetts Soldier's Pocket Diary, 1863. 3.25" x 5" with entries in ink and pencil from February 6 through December 31. The soldier's identity is never revealed, though he was from Massachusetts and served in the Army of the Potomac until June 6, 1863, when he was discharged. Before his discharge, though, he records some of what he witnessed and experienced as a soldier. On Monday, April 6, he was present at a "big review of all of the Cavalry to day by Abe. Lincoln and Secty [Vice-President] Hamlin. Commenced to rain about noon." Two days later, he saw the president, Mrs. Lincoln and Tad: "Review of the 2, 3, 5, 6 Calv. By Old Abe. It was a big thing about 80,000 Men there saw his wife and boy." (Lincoln's Army of the Potomac review was proposed by Mary Lincoln to celebrate Tad's tenth birthday). Later, following the Battle of Chancellorsville, the diarist notes on Sunday, May 3 about his near capture by the Rebels: "firing most all night, came near being taken." On July 4, he received the news that "Capt. Fogg [likely one of the diarist's commanders] was killed at the battle of Gettysburg," a battle the author fortunately missed. Most of the entries, though, are about the routine life of a soldier, involving life in extreme weather, inspections, picket duty, and the occasional diversion of playing "football at night [April 9]."After his discharge in June, the soldier returned home to Massachusetts where he took a civilian job and watched the war from afar. It was during this time that he noted in the "Memoranda" section of the diary that the "Cutter Caleb Cushing was stolen from our harbor by pirates of the Tacony. Steamer afterwards sent in pursuit a short Engagement resulted in the sinkin of the cutter & was on [?] Chesepeake pirate all captured and some afterward Escaped." The final pages of the journal contain the soldiers purchasing records for items such as blankets, butter, coats, books, pants, and watch. Tightly bound in a well-preserved leather cover with "Diary 1863" stamped in guilt.
Auction Info
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid (minimum $14) per lot.
Calculate Standard Domestic Shipping Sales Tax information
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Floor auctions
Open for bidding: (View All)Fine Art
Ends on 03/03/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 03/04/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Ends on 03/05/2021
US Coins
Ends on 03/08/2021
Photography
Ends on 03/10/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 03/11/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 03/11/2021
Fine & Rare Wine
Ends on 03/12/2021
Western & Texas Art
Ends on 03/12/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Ends on 03/13/2021
US Coins
Ends on 03/15/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 03/16/2021
US Coins
Ends on 03/17/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 03/17/2021
Nature & Science
Ends on 03/19/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 03/21/2021
US Coins
Ends on 03/22/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 03/25/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Ends on 03/25/2021
Sports Collectibles
Opens about 03/04/2021
Luxury Real Estate
Opens about 01/22/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 03/03/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 03/08/2021
Movie Posters
Opens about 03/05/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 03/12/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 03/07/2021
Currency
Opens about 03/08/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 03/17/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 03/19/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 03/18/2021
US Coins
Opens about 03/08/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 02/24/2021
Musical Instruments
Opens about 03/23/2021
Photography
Opens about 03/22/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 03/23/2021
Photography
Opens about 03/24/2021
Currency
Opens about 03/26/2021
Sports Collectibles
Opens about 04/01/2021
US Coins
Opens about 03/16/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 03/26/2021
Historical
Opens about 03/29/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 03/21/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 03/31/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 04/01/2021
Currency
Opens about 04/02/2021
US Coins
Opens about 04/02/2021
US Coins
Opens about 03/22/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 03/28/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 04/06/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 04/08/2021
Illustration Art
Opens about 04/09/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 04/09/2021
Heritage membership
- Past Auction Values (prices, photos, full descriptions, etc.)
- Bid online
- Free Collector newsletter
- Want List with instant e-mail notifications
- Reduced auction commissions when you resell your
winnings
- Cash Advances
- More Bidders
- Trusted Experts
- Over 200,000 Satisfied Consignors Since 1976
Learn about consigning with us
The pre and post sales experience was wonderful and flawless. Heritage has the best in-house operation I have ever seen and their people are not only professional but fun to work with, especially Steve C.View More Testimonials
As for Heritage's online system… Yes the interface is more complex than what we are used to with SAN but what is behind that interface is amazing for sellers and buyers alike. It is real time and for a real serious auction buyer there is nothing better in the auction industry, bar none.
HA.com receives more traffic than any other auction house website. (Source: Similarweb.com)
Video tutorial
Getting the most out of search