|
Sale 38
|
|
press UP arrow key to increase the zoom ratio.
press DOWN arrow key to decrease the zoom ratio.
press RIGHT arrow key to increase the zoom window size.
press LEFT arrow key to decrease the zoom window size.
|
|
Lot 470
Diaries and Personal Effects Of A Member of Wilder's Lightning Brigade. A collection of items belonging to John O. Brown of Charleston, Illinois, who was mustered into Co. A, 123 Illinois Infantry Volunteers on 1 Aug. 1862. This collection includes three diaries, Brown's company tag, his discharge (28 June 1865), two tintypes of Brown in civilian clothes (one 1/9th and one 1/6th plate), and two pairs of spectacles used by Brown. The tag is engraved on one side: "J.O.B. / Co.A / 123 Ill."; the other side has military paraphernalia in the center, surrounded by "Wilder's Lightning Brigade 1861-65." The 123rd Ill. took part in the Battle of Perryville, the Tullahoma Campaign, the Battle of Chickamauga, the Atlanta Campaign, the Battle of Resaca, the Battle of Kenesaw Mountain, and Wilson's Raid to Selma.
Upon the outbreak of the war, Brown volunteered for three months. The first diary is 5¾x5½", and has 81 pages (some loose). It is written in ink and pencil and describes the three months from 20 Apr.-26 July 1861, mostly routine drilling and a visit by Gen. McClellan and his staff. The other two diaries report constant marching and fighting--some of the best, most consistent battle content we have seen in Civil War diaries.
The 100-page second diary covers 15 Aug 1862-17 Oct. 1863 and is 4½x3". Brown describes a battle (Perryville) beginning 7 Oct '62: "We suffered…for water…the next morning before 10 oclock our water were gone and none could be found…we had but 100 men that could be accounted for and both of our Genl. killed…." He describes constant marching, often 12-15 miles a day, through numerous central Tenn. towns, capturing prisoners and tobacco, and skirmishes with rebel troops, one of which (20 Mar.) left 300 Confederate and 50 Union troops dead. On 21 Apr. '63 he describes destroying much of the railroad between Tullahoma and McMinnville, taking a train and 150 prisoners and burning the depot. On 30 Apr. "Our Regt held a vote whether they should be mounted or not--they voted for horses." 10 May "We…moved into Col. Wilders brigade…we are now in the 1st brigade 5th division commanded by Rennols 14th midle army corps commanded Thomas." 1 June: "Our Regt drew new Spencer rifels." He gives a vivid, detailed description of his regiment's part in the Tullahoma Campaign (23 June-29 Aug), including taking Hoover's Gap, then describes crossing the Georgia line (10 Sept.) and an encounter with Forest's cavalry, which was burning bridges. When Col. Wilder found himself surrounded on three sides, "he …sent artillery drums and men to the rear and made all signs of going into camp," then "took his command out of the gap they had left…and…joined Crittendon's Corps." From 18-20 Sept., the brigade took part in the battle of Chickamauga, then constantly marched and skirmished through 17 Oct., when the diary ends.
The third diary is 5¾x3½", 86 pp, and covers 22 Dec. 1863- 18 July 1865. Brown describes marching to Pulaski, Huntsville, Fayetteville, Lewisburg, and Columbia, then starting for the front (Atlanta Campaign) on 30 Apr. On 18 May '64 they left Rome (Ga.) toward Kingston and cut the railroad. On 10 June: "Col. Wilder left us today…being unable to command" and on 15 June, "we moved…near…the Kennessaw mountain." He describes constant fighting and mentions Gen. Hooker, Big Shanty and Marietta, then on 18 July orders to go to Stone Mountain and Covington to destroy the railroad; Maj. Gen. McPherson was killed in a fight. On 1 Aug."our Div. moved in front of Atlanta…" On 20 Nov. "We were put in the first brigade commanded by Brig Gen Miller from the 72nd Ind. Gen Long also took command of the Division." The division took part in Wilson's raid to Selma (22 Mar.-20 Apr. '65). 31 Mar: "Our Regt was detailed to …destroy the RR running to Selma" 1st Apr. "…Capt. Tailer of 17th Ind…attacked Gen. Forest and staff…who he wounded twice with his sabre…" 2 Apr: "…at 4½ oclock our lines were ordered to make the charge. the air was soon full of shot - shells minnie balls and buck shot…the picketing…was 10 feet high…but through we went and our old flag was soon seen waving…with a Wilder cheer we followed…2,500 prisoners 150 Guns of all kinds, large foundries arsenals and CS stores…fell into our hands. Our Div. was 25 percent of men and 50 percent of officers killed and wounded. Gen Long our Division commander was wounded…"
He reports Lee's surrender, Lincoln's assassination, and on 13 May: "Had the gratification of seeing the once called President of the Confederacy…" Affixed in the diary is a copy of General Orders No. 15, datelined Macon, Ga., 23 Apr. 1865 from Brig. Gen. Eli Long, saying goodby to the "Officers and Soldiers of the Second Division, Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi," thanking them for their actions at Selma and for administering to Gen. Forrest "one of the most complete and severe castigations received by any command during this war…it was…the decisive fight of the campaign…".
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,500.
|
| |
| Realized $4,485 |
|
