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Civil War Autobiography DIARY, Henry Grant, Union Sailor and Soldier

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:4,500.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
Civil War Autobiography DIARY, Henry Grant, Union Sailor and Soldier
Civil War Union Diaries
Outstanding Civil War Union Diary

Autobiography of Henry Grant
UNION DIARY, Henry Grant, Union Sailor and Soldier who had the distinction of serving both in the United States Navy (1861-1862) and the First New Hampshire Light Battery (1863-1865).
Formerly Lot 925 in our May 31, 1996 Public Auction Sale, where it realized $8,800, and was described as follows:

“1) Autobiographical Manuscript Unsigned, “Adventures Afloat and Ashore: The Civil War Reminiscences of Henry Grant”, 323 of 324 pages, 12.5” x 8”, Fine. Page 79 of the original manuscript is missing. There are two different page #304s. Thus, regarding the pagination of this manuscript, while there are 323 numbered pages in the original manuscript and 323 pages are present, there is actually one missing page, page 79.

Believed unpublished. Foxing in upper right hand corner of many pages. An attractive manuscript.

2) In addition, there are 285 typewritten pages, being both a transcript of the original handwritten text plus additional information on Henry Grant; his life after the Civil War; how the collector obtained the original manuscript.

3) Photographs; maps, etc.

This manuscript has magnificent content. It is divided into three chapters. The first, “Commercial Shipping and the East India Navy”, covers the period in Grant’s life from his birth until 1861. It includes his eyewitness account of a slave auction as well as his discussion of his service during those troublesome times in the history of India.

The second chapter discusses his service with the United States Navy (1861-1862), including the time that he met Abraham Lincoln. Grant had a wonderful writing ability and his commentary, in great depth and detail, provides a wonderful “you are there” feeling from the times. Grant served on the U.S.S. OHIO and the U.S.S. CAIRO, as well as seeing service in the Washington Navy Yard. Grant participated in several engagements while serving on the CAIRO, and was discharged for disability from that vessel on June 19, 1862.

The third and final chapter, which occupies about 70% of the text, details Grant’s service with the “First New Hampshire Light Battery 1863-1865.” Grant writes in great detail of his activities during these years, including his eyewitness detailed descriptions of several military executions; the reelection of Abraham Lincoln in 1864; comments on the surrender of Robert E. Lee; and upon his unit receiving news of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Grant also writes in detail about his battle activities, including such major battles as the Wilderness; Spotsylvania; Cold Harbor and Petersburg.

This relatively brief description can only hint at the wonderfully detailed character of this important Civil War Autobiographical Manuscript. One of the finest Civil War items to pass through our hands.”