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August 1861 thru May 14, 1865 Dated Extensive Civil War Period Soldier’s Diary

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,400.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
August 1861 thru May 14, 1865 Dated Extensive Civil War Period Soldier’s Diary
Civil War Union Diaries
Important 1861 to 1865 Civil War Identified Soldier’s Diary
August 1861 thru May 14, 1865 Dated Civil War Period, Soldier’s Diary Identified as belonging to Theodore Sargent, about 100 pages, written in both pen and pencil, Very Fine.
Excellent Civil War related Content Diary, kept by Theodore Sargent who served with the Mass. 10th, 20th, and 37th Infantry regiments with references to Massachusetts in the back of this extensive Diary. His Diary begins in August of 1861, and continues throughout the Civil War period, having historical notations up to the capture of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. The diary contains about 100 pages (written front and back), having notations written in both pen and pencil. It appears that Sargent was stationed in Washington, DC. This historic Diary contains many important events of the period. It reads, in part:

"April 3, 1865... Richmond captured at last... an excitement never have yet seen... clerks poured in the halls and filled them with shouting". He continues, "Capture or surrender of Lee's army Sunday April 9, 1865 Great rejoicing... Murder of President Lincoln at Fords Theater Friday night by J. Wilkes Booth, greatest gloom I ever felt...".

Sargent continues... "DEATH LINCOLN Friday April 14, 1865, Went to bed about 10 PM got about half asleep when Mr. Reyhold came up and informed me the Prest. Lincoln had been shot at Fords Theatre, could hardly believe it. Tried to sleep but could not, got up and went down to Fords Theatre, crowd surrounding the street, body guard keeping them off. Also heard the Seward had been stabbed". On the following page in bold ink Sargent writes, "Wednesday April 19th, 1865 Burial President Lincoln, office decided on Tuesday to take part in the procession today of the burial of our beloved President." Sargent continues to write about going down where the crowd is to the Capitol Building where the body will be kept until Friday.”

Sargent continues to write about happenings in and around Washington, DC. and ends with, "Sunday May 14, 1865 News Received of the capture of Jeff Davis at Irwinsville, Ga. 75 miles from E of Macon on the morning of the 10 inst together with his entire staff... Trial of "The Conspirators comd (commenced) May 9, 1865...".

A fine diary with much more content, kept by a Massachusetts Union soldier that was in the mist of many seminal moments in our countries history.