1863 Sep 8 - 1864 Jan 8, diary.
Scope and Contents
Five pocket diaries (1863-1865) kept by Edwin Emery during his military service in the Civil War, as well as a transcription of four pages from an 1864 diary that is lacking from the collection. Also includes an undated memoir written by Edwin Emery and related accounts by Emery's son, William M. Emery.
The diaries provide brief details of life with the 17th Maine Regiment during Civil War campaigns, including troop movements, battles, injuries, driving an ambulance, promotions, religious life, gambling, a victory parade, meeting General Grant, and hearing of President Lincoln's assassination; the transcribed pages from the missing diary concern Emery's wounding during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. Edwin Emery's memoir describes the Battle of the Wilderness, and the account by William M. Emery expands on, and clarifies, his father's memoir, particularly with regard to a letter by Captain George W. Verrill concerning the retreat of the 17th Maine at the Battle of the Wilderness.
Digital versions of the diaries, accounts, and memoir are available.
Dates
- Creation: 1863-1865, undated
Creator
- From the Collection: Emery, Edwin, 1836-1895 (Person)
Extent
From the Collection: 0.25 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Repository Details
Part of the George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine 04011 Repository