1865 Civil War Soldier ' S Diary 153rd Regiment Illinois Volunteers
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:49877940 | Original/Reproduction: Original |
Original Diary of Nelson Hall of the 153rd Regiment Illinois Volunteers, February 14 through September 26, 1865. The regiment was mustered into Federal service on February 27, 1865, for a one-year enlistment. They primarily served garrisoned on the line of the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad and later near Memphis, Tennessee. Nelson records the roster of men in his regiment at the front pages of his diminutive diary. He keeps a steady day-to-day accounting, beginning with his a...rrival with his brother, Hobert, and a few others in Chicago to enlist. The surgeon accepted only Nelson and his brother. They mustered in at Camp Fay, and after many days of waiting finally got the call to move. They took the "cars" south, ending up in Tullahoma, Tennessee, and then Nashville. They encountered heavy intermittent rains for weeks, and occasional bitter cold. He took sick for a few days, but bucked up and was able to do guard duty. He records mainly camp activity, letters home and letters from home, as well as the reports of Union victories including by Sherman, the taking of Richmond, and Lee's surrender. Then on the 15th the news of Lincoln's assassination. He notes the punishment the next day of two Union soldiers who cheered at the news, their heads shaved and paraded through camp to the band playing the "rogues" tune. A later entry describes Wilson's Cavalry parading through town. Much of the later entries are in a light pencil and more difficult to read; the earlier ones are in sepia ink and a heavier pencil. 2.5 x 4".
