TRIP TO THE CEMETERY AT COUPEVILLE, WASHINGTON

A couple of weeks ago my son, his girlfriend and his kids and I took a little trip to Whidby Island to go on a little outing. One of the things I wanted to show my grandkids and my son's girlfriend was the graveyard up on top of the ridge in Coupeville. In it are six grandfathers and grandmothers plus aunts and uncles from my family.


Grave

I used to go to that graveyard when I was a kid. It's not far from where my grandmother lived. While I was growing up she lived with her father after his wife died, who was my great grandfather. His name was William Sherman. When were weren't jumping around in the hay in my great uncle Clark's barn, who lived next door to his father, we would go over to the graveyard and play in the blockhouse that was there.


Family Graves

I just wanted to show my grandkids all these things that were part of my childhood. When my kids were younger I used to take them there too. Coupeville has always been a very special place for me. I have very happy memories of going there during the holidays and visiting with my relatives. I always had a very happy time there.

Blockhouse

In time my great grandfather died. By that time my family had already moved to the east coast. My grandmother continued to live to live in her parents house, then later got her own home near town and one of my aunts moved in my great grand parent's house.


Henry Sherman's Grave

In the grave yard I always knew that my great grandfather's father was buried there.
No one knew anything about him. I remember asking about him, but nobody knew anything, except that he fought in the Civil War. When I was 19 years old I had joined the Marine Corps and went to fight in a war in a foreign land. Several years after I got back I began to get interested in the lives of some of my ancestors. My grandmother let me borrow the 1865 diary of Henry Sherman. I took it home and transcribed it and found it very interesating. Then later I found out that there was an 1864 diary in existence, so I got to borrow that and transcribed it. It was great fun reading the thoughts of an ancestor of mine who fought in a war and witnessed many things. Speaking of these things. Below are the Civil War Diaries of my great great grandfather, along with some letters that he wrote his son after they came to the State of Washington before the turn of the century. They give a little glimpse into what life was like back then. I hope someone else will get something out of these pieces of my family's history. I thought it was quite interesting.

THE 1864 DIARY OF HENRY SHERMAN By Mike Bailey

This is the 1864 diary of my great great grandfather Henry Sherman. As far as I know it was written in the various places my grandfather was in that year. It starts out in Massachusetts and ends up in Virginia Where he has taken part in the military campaigns for his country with the 21st Massachusetts Regiment. He was eventually wounded and then left to go to hospitals before the larger battles that ended the war. He doesn't write much each day, just a few lines about the weather, who he writes to, the news of the day, the mail he gets, and things like that. It just gives a small glimpse into his day to day life as a soldier in the Union Army. I have added many pictures that the Library of Congress has made available to the general public. The pictures give the reader an idea of what it was like in those days. They are not neccessisarily ment to depict the actual setting that Henry was in. I have provided space for notes of each entry, so from time to time I will put my own opinions there, or add some knowlege that I have of the entry. Henry also wrote a memorandum along with the diary. Some times the memorandum goes into greater deatail of the particular events that he mentions in his diary. At some other day I plan to also include the memorandum to this diary, but for now I will consentrate on the diary.

The diary was written in pencil and ink. Many passages that were written in pencil have faded and are impossible to read. So the majority of what I have been able to get from the diary was written in ink.


U.S. Emblem


Henry Sherman 1864

Notes on entry 0: This cover puzzled me when I first got the diary. The Virgil that is mentioned is Henry's father. Other things were written on the cover are not ledgable. The following is written on the front cover.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Give this to Virgil Sherman
Warren, Massachusetts
Worcester County
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Notes on entry 1: I have often been in doubt that Henry started this diary. I don't have the diary so I can't examine it whenever I feel like it. When I did have it I noticed that the hand writing was different in the first few pages. This diary may have been Frank's, Henry's younger brother's. But as I read along, it definately was Henry that finished the diary. His style of writing and thinking and the subject matter is consistant with the 1865 diary and his letters.

January 1, 1864 - Friday

Rained today

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Notes on entry 2: Henry had re-enlisted in the Army. This is one of the reasons why I think that this diary may have been started by Frank. Henry had already been serving in the army since 1862 and had joined when the 21st Massachusetts first formed and had gone through many battles and campaigns with his unit. Frank may have just enlisted. I don't know who the "we" is he is talking about here. Henry re-enlisted earlier in 1864 in Kentucky, and then came home to see his folks.

January 2, 1864 - Saturday

Very cold today, the coldest day we have had.

Mr. Russel came here tonight to let us know that we are oblidged to go to Worcester to be examined.

We enlisted a week ago.

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Notes on entry 3: The wording does not seem to be Henry's. I think he would write it different. Also the third line: 'Wrote a letter to Henry'. I think it is Frank that wrote a letter to his brother, Henry. How did Henry end up with this diary?

January 3, 1864 - Sunday

Little milder today.

Went to prayer meeting, morning.

Wrote a letter to Henry.

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Notes on entry 4: This diary continues on but it is written in pencil and is almost impossible to read. Again, the wording on this entry does not sound like Henry. Henry uses flare when he writes. The writer of this entry just states the facts, no more and no less.

January 4, 1864 - Monday

Pleasant today.

River breaks up this day.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes on entry 5: The diary picks up on May 31st where it is written in ink. This sounds more like Henry. He is definately on the move with his unit.

May 31, 1864 - Tuesday

Today we lay in breastworks up to 8 O'clock.

There does not appear that we are a'going to have any trouble today.

We are within about eleven miles of the city of Richmond.


Breastworks
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Notes on entry 6;

June 1, 1864 - Wednesday

Tonight we have our skirmish line drove in and the Rebels shell us and Warren Clark of K Company was killed dead.

Killed Soldier
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Notes on entry 7:

June 2, 1864 - Thursday

Today everything quiet up to about 8 O'clock.

There are rumors that the 2nd Corps has gone to attack Richmond.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes on entry 8: It is a week before he writes in his diary again. He must have been awfully busy with his unit.

June 9, 1864 - Thurday

This day we have for a day of rest.

Not even to clean up and look decent if we took the idea into our heads.

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Notes on entry 9:

June 10, 1864 - Friday

This afternoon we relieve the 100th PV on picket so as they may rest a day or so.

It is quite a still place in comparison with some of the posts where the scamps keep up a continual fire on our line.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes on entry 10

June 11, 1864 - Saturday

We are yet on pickett and expect to be relieved if stories are true.

I stand the pickett past one hour in the morning and at ten stay til 12 O'clock.

3 O'clock this afternoon we are relieved by the 38th Wisconsin, a new regiment.

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Notes on entry 11:

June 12, 1864 - Sunday

We lay here today with the expectation of going to the White House where it is said we take transports.

Afternoon: We have orders to be ready at 6 O'clock to march.

We cannot tell where.

It seems that the papers could not be believed is very certain.

Five minutes passed seven we take up our line of march.

White House
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Notes on entry 12:

June 13, 1864 - Monday

Today we are expecting that we shall have orders to proceed immediately to the White House.

Landing, we are very tired, having marched all night which it is all of eighteen miles.

We arrive within a short distance of Powells Mills, which is on the Chickahominy River.


Mill
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Notes on entry 13:

June 14, 1864 - Tuesday

This morning it is 8 o'clock before we get fairly to marching.

We soon cross the Chickahominy River at a place called Powells Mills.

We stop for dinner for two hours.

We draw fresh beef but are very short of rations of bread which is hard and march.

Every day we pass the plantation of Vice President Stephens of the C.S.A.

It is a very nice residence built of brick.

Half passed four we stopped and rest one hour.

We expect to march the remaining five miles.


Crossing the Chickahominy River

Vice President Alexander Stephens C.S.A.
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Notes to entry 14:

June 16, 1864 - Tuesday

We lay today and rest a'waiting the pontoons to be laid across (the river) so a portion of our Corps; Companies D and M have to start skirmishing along the line.

Pontoon Bridge
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Notes on entry 15:

June 17, 1864 - Friday

Today is a very hard battle fought and a good many men are killed.


Soldiers Fighting
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Notes on entry 16:

June 25, 1864 - Thursday

This morning I write a letter to Miss Emily and finish one to Miss Martha.

Today is very hot and sultry.

We draw some nice thing at Semmal (?) and from the Sanitary Commission.


Sanitary Commission
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Notes on entry 17: I think he was a little sleepy and he didn't get all the words written down properly. I had to take one word out and put one in to make it make half way more sense.

June 26, 1864 - Sunday

Today I am on pickett all day and not having any sleep in the night it is pretty tough business and such an amount of shooting (as) is not often seen, it is by very strict orders, stopped.


Soldier on picket
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Notes on entry 18: He stopped in mid sentence.

June 27, 1864 - Monday

This morning I am feeling pretty well.

After being off pickett I finish a letter to Miss Emily and one to miss Martha.

Charlie recieved one from near home and...

Writng a letter home
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Notes on entry 19:

June 28, 1864 - Tuesday

Today we have nothing to do and can roam around as much as we please by getting permission from the commanding officier of the company.

Every company is making out it's payroll and very likely we shall get paid up to the first of July.

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Notes on entry 20:

June 29, 1864 - Wednesday

This morning killed by a sharp shooter, Lenard Alexander, Company F.

He was one that had not re-enlisted, and a very good soldier.


Dead Soldier
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Notes on entry 21:

June 30, 1864 - Thursday

Today nothing interesting transpires til about 2 o'clock in the afternoon (when) Colonel Bell of the 18th Corps advances his pickett.

The consequences is a sharp fight ensues.

We lose forty men killed, and a good many wounded.

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Notes on entry 22:

July 1, 1864 - Friday

This morning is still and quiet.

At 2 o'clock this morning we had a smart artillery duel inwhich we have one man, Joseph Harl slightly wounded in Company H.

(Recieved) one letter from Cecil.

Artillery
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Notes on entry 23:

July 2, 1864 - Saturday

Answered the letter to Cecil S.

Today has been very warm and the thermometer (was) up to 109 (degrees) above zero.

The news in the paper of the 29th (of June), Sherman meets with a slight repulse near Atlanta, Georgia.

Hampter meets with success.

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Notes on entry 24: Let me see if I can interpret the second sentence. 'The post where he is standing pickett is in the bank of the road at the Norfolk and Petersburg railroad (station or yard?)'.

July 3, 1864 - Sunday

Detailed for pickett duty for this day.

The post is in the Norfolk and Petersburg railroad in the bank of the road.

Tomorrow there is every expectation that we shall have a rumpus because it is the 4th (of July), and Independence (Day).

Petersburg Railroad
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Notes on entry 25: Henry is feeling the joys of the soldier life. Others are having a good time, while the soldier is risking his life and not necessarily having fun while doing it.

July 4, 1864 - Monday

This morning no doubt there is a good many celebrating this day and enjoying themselves as best they can while we lay in the entrenchments of Petersburg.


Earthworks
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Notes on entry 26:

July 5, 1864 - Tuesday

This morning all (is) quiet and everything (is) alright.

I commence a composition to Miss. Emily of Annapolis.

Sydney Haywood of Company A is shot through the chest.


All Quiet
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Notes on entry 27:

July 6. 1864 - Wednesday

This morning I have for the first time been over to the Corps hospital where there is a great deal of suffering.

I go to the Christian Communion.

The news from Harper's Ferry is; that Elwell's Corps is up within a few miles of Washington Forts.

I recieve a paper from home which is very exceptable.


Field Hospital
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Notes on entry 28:

July 7, 1864 - Thursday

Today nothing of interest has occurred.

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Notes on entry 29:

July 8, 1864 - Friday

This morning I recieve by mail from home; my package of paper and pens and also a paper from Cecil which was very exceptable and a letter from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, from Mrs. Eldridge and company, and one from Miss Emily of Annapolis, Md.

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Notes on entry 30:

July 9, 1864 - Saturday

Today is pickett for me, very near the same pit I had before.

Everything is very still after the rumpus we had the evening before that did not amount to anything.

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Notes on entry 31:

July 10, 1864 - Sunday

Today we are back in camp where it is safer then at the front where there is continual danger from bullets, or solid shot.

I write to a lady in York and answer Mrs. Eldridge's letter from Pittsfield.


Back at camp
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Notes on entry 32:

July 11, 1864 - Monday

This morning I write home in answer to a letter I recieved stating the folks are well.

Folks
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Notes on entry 33:

July 12, 1864 - Tuesday

This morning we are back in the second line.

We move tonight into the first line of works on the extreme right of the brigade.

The 14th New York heavy, artillery (Regiment) are daily losing men at a fearful rate.


Artillery
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Notes on entry 34:

July 13, 1864 - Wednesday

Today finds us in the first line of workes.

There is this morning two of the 14th heavy artillery are seriously wounded while on pickett.

I answer a letter to Miss Emily of Annapolis.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes on entry 35: Things start heating up now.

July 14, 1864 - Thursday

Today I am on pickett the fourth time since we have been here.

The Rebels began throwing shell for the first time from the new fort they have built.

They are greatly to our discomfort.

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Notes on entry 36: Again he stops in mid sentence.

July 15, 1864 - Friday

This morning 'Whistling Dick' and 'Christian Commission' are the names of the attacks(we engaged the Rebels in).

We have to dodge what few shells...

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes on entry 37: I believe it is here when Henry was wounded when a cannon ball exploded close to where he was. He missed getting hit by shrapnal when the ball exploded, while others were killed and wounded by it. What he got was the force of the blast which permanently damaged his liver. He doesn't immediately realize the effects of the blast on his health, but as time goes by when the shock has worn off and the adrenalin rush subsides a little, he begins to feel the effects on his body which he will began to mention more often later in the diary.



July 16, 1864 - Saturday

Today the Rebels are throwing a good many shells from their mortars.

At 3 (o'clock) or half passed D. Witt C. Ray was shot dead instantly while carelessly exposing himself on pickett.


Explosion
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Notes on entry 38:

July 17, 1864 - Sunday

Again (we are) back in the second line of works.

The Rebels are today very quiet.

We have an inspection at 4 o'clock.

I write a letter to a friend in Pittsfield.

His name is Ulysses Crosby.

Inspection
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Notes on entry 39:

July 18, 1864 - Monday

Today we lay in the front line.

There is very good news from Sherman's army which the boys feel pretty good about.

We shall move to the rear tonight where we expect to stay two days or so, and then return to the front.


General William T. Sherman
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Notes on entry 40:

July 19, 1864 - Tuesday

I do not have but little mail for the regiment.

There is today an order issued that; all troops, that (if) their time is out before the 25th of August are to report (to the commanding officer.)

(They will be able to leave) as quick as transportation can be furnished to Washington.

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Notes on entry 41:

July 20, 1864 - Wednesday

This morning I recieve a paper from home with a comb that I long since sent for.

(I) also write a letter to Miss Sara Pick of Hardwick, Massachusetts.

Tonight we shall move back into the front line.

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Notes on entry 42:

July 21, 1864 - Thursday

Today we are in the breastworks in the front line.

We moved in yesterday just after dark.

While going Luetenant Bean is wounded in the foot, rather severe.

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Notes on entry 43:

July 22, 1864 - Friday

Today the Rebels are throwing shells into us.

They hurt a number of our men in (the) brigade.

There is nothing for me to record but a visit to the left of our Corps where the 5th Corps does no firing.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes on entry 44:

July 23, 1864 - Saturday

Last night was very cool.

We began to feel the need of the woolen blankets.

I have one that I find a great comfort and think if I am careful, (I) shall escape the chill which so many are complaining about.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes on entry 45:

July 24, 1864 - Sunday

Today the same old routine of duty.

We lay in the front line and dodge the mortar shells which are very dangerous.

I recieve two letters from Warren.

One from C.H. Bliss, and the other from home and friends.

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Notes on entry 46:

July 25, 1864 - Monday

Was last night on pickett.

It rained very hard.

The pit caved in and I never have seen a more disagreeable time doing that duty since I have been out, but today is pleasant and cool.


Sun
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Notes on entry 47:

July 26, 1864 - Tuesday

Today (we have) inspection and review which ( we have to undergo) after the hardest nights (on) pickett duty since we left Fredericksburg.

(It) is pretty tough but then patience will be my only thing (I have) to fall back upon.

(I can stand) just so much duty and no more.

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Notes on entry 48:

July 27, 1864 - Wednesday

This afternoon Lewis Hurie of Company C (was) wounded in the left side of the head, just breaking the skull.

The surgeon thinks he will recover.

Sargent E. Brown died this morning from the injuries (he) recieved the 23rd of this month by shell.

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Notes on entry 49:

July 28, 1864 - Thursday

Today Johnny is inclined to shell us in earnest, taking one poor fellows arm off in the 56th Massachusetts.

He was a liuetenant.

Canon
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Notes on entry 50:

July 29, 1864 - Friday

Today I am detailed for guard at General Ledhes headquarters which gives me a chance to improve my cleanliness by keeping in shape.

This morning J. Madison Stone is serously wounded in the leg by a flesh wound.


On guard
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Notes on entry 51:

July 30, 1864 - Saturday

Five o'clock this morning I witness the blowing up of the Johnny's fort in front of the 3rd Division.

It was a terrible site to behold.

It went over a hundred feet into the air.

The poor Rebels are burned alive.

The battle then commenced in terrible earnest, our men at the one side, and we on the other, but we are compelled to give it up.


Petersburg Crater Explosion
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Notes on entry 52: I believe Henry used this page to continue the diary entry from August 30th.

July 31, 1864 - Sunday

The colored troops charge and are repulsed with a great slaughter.

We believe it to be the most desperate (battle) that we have been in since the war commenced.

It ends about 2 o'clock.



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Notes on entry 53:

August 1, 1864 - Monday

Today we are employing ourselves (in) cleaning our guns for an inspection which comes off every other day.

It is very warm and sultry.

I am on guard for the first time (in a while).

Sun
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Notes on entry 54:

August 2, 1864 - Tuesday

Today I am at liberty to do what I wish in the quarters.

Captain Clark who was in the engagement of the 30th is in a helpless condition, he being paralyzed all below his wounds in the side.

Leiutenant Hickcock is very low.

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Notes on entry 55:

August 3, 1864 - Wednesday

Today I am again on guard.

I answer a letter to Miss Emily of Annapolis and have last night been the reciever of one from Anna.

alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228379714854880562" />
Woman
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Notes on entry 56:

August 4, 1864 - Thursday

Today is a day of fasting and prayer by the President.

This morning I am off guard and expecting a fatigue detail from the sargent.

I write a letter to Miss Minerva Barton of Apalochen Fioga Company, N.G.

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Notes on entry 57:

August 5, 1864 - Friday

Today I am again on guard whis is, under the circumstances, quite severe.

I for myself (am) feeling very unwell but think I (am) more fortunate to be so healthy while hot weather lasts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes on entry 58:

August 6, 1864 - Saturday

Today I am quite sick in wing quarters.

We are today ordered back to the regiment with quite a number of others who have not been to the front for several weeks.

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Notes on entry 59:

August 7, 1864 - Sunday

This day is a day of some rejoicing to men belonging to Company D.

In our regiment it is understood that their time is out for certain in about eight days.


Rejoice
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Notes on entry 60:

August 16, 1864 - Tuesday

Great News from Mobile.

Admiral Garagut is giving them a hard one to swallow.

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Notes on entry 61:

August 17, 1864 - Wednesday

Today I am so unwell that I get excused by the surgeon which I ought to have before done.

I recieve a letter from Emily of Annapolis, M.D. with a picture of her.

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Notes on entry 62:

August 18, 1864 - Thursday

Today the regiment's time is out, and well pleased are all those that are going (home).

The colors are taken but Captain Samson goes and demands them at Corps Headquarters, and gets them back.

Colors
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Notes on entry 63:

August 19, 1864 - Friday

Tonight another great battle for our division and they are terribly cut up.

My regiment losing terribly.


Battle cry
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Notes on entry 64:

August 20, 1864 - Saturday

Today more fighting and a good many Johnny's are taken prisioner by us.

We today gain two miles of ground upon the enemy.


Charge
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Notes on entry 65:

August 21, 1864 - Sunday

This morning there is very hard fighting.

Opens with what result we know not.

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Notes on entry 66:

August 22, 1864 - Monday

The fighting yesterday was of a desperate character in the extreme but victory to our troops.

Today our troops are building breastworks and we command the Weldon Railroad and it is thought we shall for some days to come.

Flags
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Notes on entry 67:

August 23, 1864 - Tuesday

Today is very hot and showery, the rain coming in torrents.

We are thoroughly wet.

Our trenches are pretty near half full of water.



Rain
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Notes on entry 68:

August 24, 1864 - Wednesday

Today I am on pickett.

There has to be a strict wall.

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Notes on entry 69:

August 25, 1864 - Thursday

Today nothing of interest transpires till orders come, 'to pack up everything and be ready to move in six moments notice'.

General Hancock is having a hard battle some way from here on a railroad.


General W. Scott Hancock
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Notes on entry 70:

August 26, 1864 - Friday

I recieved by mail a letter from Mrs. Eldridge.

Charlie had not got home but his mother expects him every hour.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes on entry 71:

August 27, 1864 - Saturday

Today nears old August to an end, and before we know it the year will have fled.

I have been excused by the surgeon for two days.

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Notes on entry 72:

August 28, 1864 - Sunday

Today news by mail is; that Lyman Phelps died in the hospital.

He was a recruit that belonged to Company H and (was the) brother of Charlie Phelps of the same company, that is an old veteran.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes on entry 73: The second sentence made no sense to me as it was written. I realize many times when you are in a hurry to write something you fail to put down all the words you are thinking. I tried to fill in the blanks with what I think he was saying.

August 29, 1864 - Monday

Today nothing occurs to mar the quietude of the boys that lay behind breastworks.

We are not near enough to the city to have (many problems with the) Rebels yet (we) come out with a (strong) hold (on our) front.

News from Boston is; the boys had got home and cleaned out a lot of rowdys in the city.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Notes on entry 74:

August 30, 1864 - Tuesday

Went to see Mosier and he is taken prisoner.

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Notes on entry 75:

August 31, 1864 - Wednesday

This morning we recieved a letter from my friend Charlie.

He having got home alright without any serious accidents.

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Notes on entry 76:

September 1, 1864 - Thursday

Recieved early this morning a letter from Miss Emily, Annapolis, Md.

I am excused from duty again this morning by the surgeon of the 100th PV.

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Notes on entry 77: Being a soldier under McClellan one can see why they would want him to be president. He did not make them fight. When he was in command of the United States Army nothing was accomplished in regards to winning the war to abolish slavery and preserving the Union. When Lincoln relieved him of his command he ran for president and was very popular with the troops. When Grant took his place he made the troops fight, and eventually won the war.

September 2, 1864 - Friday

Great exictment about the Chicago Convention from Illinois.

McClellan is expected to be elected by a great majority.


General George McClellan
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Notes on entry 78

September 3, 1864 - Saturday

Today news confirmed the election of McClellan and the fall of Fort Morgan near Mobile which will greatly help the Union cause.

All the extra non-commissioned officiers are a'going to be sent home.

This will be a gay time for them.

Fort Morgan
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Notes on entry 79:

September 4, 1864 - Sunday

Recieved two letters from Warren.

One from home and the other from Cecil.

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Notes on entry 80:

September 5, 1864 - Monday

This morning I answer a letter from home and shall try to answer Cecil's from a place near by.

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Notes on entry 81:

September 6, 1864 - Tuesday

Today I recieved a permit to go away to the Sanitary Commission and get something fit for me to eat.

I go and am successful.

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Notes on entry 82:

September 7, 1864 - Wednesday

This morning (I recieve) a letter from my new correspondent; Fannie Persons which I answer.

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Notes on entry 83:

September 8, 1864 - Thursday

Today I recieve a paper from home, the Boston Journal.

I then go to the Sanitary Commission.

It is very tedious for me, I being unwell.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes on entry 84:

September 9, 1864 - Friday

Today the storm is passed over.

I have to report to (the) surgeon.

I write a letter to Mr. Samuel Fisk of Greenfield, Massachusetts in regard to that watch I sold at the Lander.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes on entry 85:

September 10, 1864 - Saturday

This morning three letters; one from the Postmaster of Greenfield, Massachusetts, one from Miss Martha L. Tracey, and the other from Mr. C.H. Bliss, Warren, Massachusetts.

Answered Miss Tracey's this morning.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes on entry 86:

September 11, 1864 - Sunday

This morning I am feeling rather rough.

Have to report to the surgeon.

Today I write to Mr. Bliss a part of a letter.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes on entry 87:

September 12, 1864 - Monday

This morning a part of a letter I finish to Mr. Bliss (who lives) near where my folks live in the town of Warren, Massachusetts.

I write an order on the Sanitary Commission for one can of milk, a few crackers and some farina and starch.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes on entry 88:

September 13, 1864 - Tuesday

It is one year ago today that the regiment was on the march for East Tennessee.

It rained then quite hard.

I was then detailed to help guard Captain Hall's headquarters (who was the) chief quartermaster of General Burnsides's staff.


Burnsides
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Notes on entry 89:

September 14, 1864 - Wednesday

This morning (is) very cool.

I have to report to the surgeon's the same as usual.

His medicine does not seem to help me the least bit.

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Notes on entry 90:

September 15, 1864 - Thursday

This morning I am hardly able to go to the hospital to report.

The doctor sends me immediately to the division hospital where I (am) all played out before I get there and ride in an ambulance at that.


Ambulance
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Notes on entry 91:

September 16, 1964 - Friday

This morning I am feeling pretty bad.

The doctor gives me pills to be taken every hour.

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Notes on entry 92:

September 17, 1864 - Saturday

This morning (I am) about the same as yesterday morning.

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Notes on entry 93:

September 18, 1964 - Sunday

Today I am not feeling so well as usual.

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Notes on entry 94:

September 19, 1864 - Monday

Today I recieve five letters from home from different persons.

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Notes on entry 95:

September 20, 1864 - Tuesday

Today I am not so well as yesterday.

There is some talk of the 9th Corps getting paid.

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Notes on entry 96: Sounds like he is in the rear with other soldiers who were taken out of the fighting.

September 21, 1864 - Wednesday

Today there is some talk of sending us away to the division hospital or general hospital tomorrow morning.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes on entry 97:

September 22, 1864 - Thursday

This morning we start for City Point Hospital where it is said we don't began to have the care taken of us that we would at the place I leave.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes on entry 98:

September 23, 1864 - Friday

This morning the doctor has the impudence to tell me I am a pretty well man to ever come to a hospital.

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Notes on entry 99:

September 24, 1864 - Saturday

This morning I am about the same.

This morning the doctor thinks I am quite sick.

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Notes on entry 100:

September 25, 1864 - Sunday

Today am feeling much better then I expected.

I should so that I so that I have an idea of going to my regiment in a few days.

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Notes on entry 101:

September 26, 1864 - Monday

This morning am about the same as usual having a better appetite.

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Notes on entry 102: The diary ends here.

September 27, 1864 - Tuesday

Today I am no better then yesterday.

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Angel

THE 1865 DIARY OF HENRY SHERMAN

This is the 1865 diary of Henry Sherman. It was the first of his writings that I transcribed from the origional diary. I began to get interested in my family tree when I was still married. My grandmother, Mary Coates told me of a diary of her grandfather's. "It's not that interesting", she said, " He had chronic diherrea". One day at a family picnic she handed it to me. I promised I would get it back to her. She got it from her brother Wilbur Sherman.

Needless to say, I found the diary interesting. He mentions the historical events that were taking place in the nation at that time. He had gotten out of the war and took the long train jouney back from Virginia to his home state of Massachusetts. When he got to his home state he went home first instead of going to the hospital. This seemed to be a concern of his since he mentions it in the first entry of the diary. Then he went to the hospital where he could get the treatment he needed for his illness. This short diary gives a little glimpse of his life, and life in the 1860's when everyone was thinking of going west. His family was one of them that wanted to move west. There was plenty of land and people wanted to spread out and live their own lives the way they wanted.

There are three parts to this diary, but I am only putting the main part here. There is a memorandum which has more detailed entries to the main diary, and there are twelve seperate entries that give a little detail of things he and his family were doing when they started west and staked their first claim on the prairies of Iowa.

I tried to use only free or public domain images in this blog entry. Many of the images I got from the Library of Congress American Memory section. Others I got from various places around the web. If I have accidently put something in here that infringes on someone's property rights, please let me know and I will gladly take it out. Mike Bailey 2008




Henry Sherman 1865


Civil War Hospital

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Notes for entry 1: He writes very long sentences. In this first entry he starts off to the hospital and the diary begins.



March 20, 1865 - Monday

This morning I leave home for the hospital in Worcester where I expect better treatment.

I arrive at about 2 o'clock at the depot and wait til 4 o'clock and there I report, and am admitted without questions being asked in particular about whether I came directly from the hospital or not.

It is a splendid place, a palace beside of Readville.




A Palace


Notes for entry 2:

March 21, 1865 - Tuesday

This morning is very beautiful and really reminds one of the last days of spring.

There is not much news this morning in the papers.

The doctors examined me this morning and pronounced my case, intermittent fever.

This is the first day here in this hospital.

I come across several of my old "reg" and have a chat with them.

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Notes for entry 3:

March 22, 1865 - Wednesday

Weather rainy and wet this morning.

The papers contain no news whatever only that the rebels seem about ready to give up the contest of slavery and a Southern Independence.

I believe I shall get a pass to go home in a few days which is something I haven't had for a year and not but once for nearly four years.

I think I shall like it here first rate.


soldiers
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Notes for entry 4:

March 23, 1865 - Thursday

Today weather is cool and a little snow has fell.

This afternoon I am visited by some very kind ladies and presented with two pies.

I write a letter to the Adjutant General in regard to the twenty dollars a month from the state as a bounty.

The name of the lady that visited me was Mrs. Carry.


Woman 1860's
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Notes for entry 5:

March 24, 1865 - Friday

Today is cool and windy.

Expect to have a pass tomorrow.

I have recieved a letter from Mr. Eldrick and all are well.

I answer this afternoon.

The men of the ward are paid today, but as I am not registered here I shall not recieve anything although I have four months due me.

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Notes for entry 6:

March 25, 1865 - Saturday

Today I have a pass given me to go home and see my brother Frank.

I take the accommodation train which arrives at Warren at half past five, or about that time.

I find all well as usual.

Frank has got to go back Monday the 3rd of April for Patterson Hospital, Baltimore.



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Notes for entry 7:

March 26, 1865 - Sunday

Today is pleasant and I have the privelege of enjoying the company of my folks at home where peace and quiet reigns compared with the busy tumult of hospital life.


Warren, Massachusetts


Home
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Notes for entry 8: This is a long winded sentence. *Calvin Cutter is a surgeon who is helping him get his town bounty from the town of Warren. He is a resident of Warren and was 53 years of age at this time. The parenthesis are mine.

March 27, 1865 - Monday

Today I enjoy myself very well and I go to see *Calvin Cutter in regard to my town bounty and (also see) Hassertern that I am to have it which is very gratifying news to me but am inclined to think that the town of Warren has not much sympathy for the soldiers.

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Notes for entry 9:

March 28, 1865 - Tuesday

Today is quite warm and pleasant compared with some of our weather within the past week.

Tomorrow I am to go to Worcester Hospital as my pass will be out then.

Father goes to West Brookfield to trade a very little.

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Notes for entry 10:

March 29, 1865 - Wednesday

Today we have very pleasant weather.

At half past twelve I start for Worcester on board of the accommodation train and arrive at about 2 O'clock in the afternoon.

I stop at one house and take tea with them.

They are very kind to me.


Train
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Notes for entry 11: The *William Stewart he mentions here is a resident of Fitchburg, Massachusetts. He was wounded at Antietam. He later reinlisted and was transferred to the 36th Massachusetts Regiment. He was a carpenter by trade.

March 30, 1865 - Thursday

Today is rainy and wet for the first time in a long time.

I go to another ward and there see *William Stewart (of) Company D of our old Regiment and I also come acress Edwin Babcock who I have not seen for several years.


Out on the trail
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Notes for entry 12:

March 31, 1865 - Friday

Today is rainy and lonesome and not much news, only that there is a prospect of my getting a chance as a clerk at Headquarters which I could not, of course tell how long it would last.

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Notes for entry 13:

April 1, 1865 - Saturday

Today it has cleared away and the weather is fine and nice.

The papers seem to indicate something of a bloody nature going on in the Army.

Mobile is threatened and will no doubt surrender when attacked in earnest, and it will have to be confidence to believe the end isn't far off if all goes right.



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Notes for entry 14:

April 2, 1865 - Sunday

Today the weather is fine and nice as one could wish.

I write a letter home to my folks.

The bells sounded pretty loud from the city calling people to church.

We have papers brought into the ward to read and look at.

The London Illistrated News is one among the rest.


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Notes for entry 15:

April 3, 1865 - Monday

This morning the news is not very alarming.

11 O'clock; The news is official that we hold Richmond and Petersburg.

The first (Richmond) being occupied at 15 minutes past 8 O'clock.

We have a great many of the Rebel prisioners.

There is a great deal of rejoicing here.

The canons are fired.

The bells rung and (there are) other demonstrations of joy.


Victory in Richmond
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Notes for entry 16: *Thomas Winn is a resident of Worcester. He is a farmer by trade. He was wounded and also a prisioner around Petersburg on June 17, 1864.

April 4, 1865 - Tuesday

This morning the weather is really nice and beautiful.

I have a pass for today.

I go and see *Thomas Winn and have a very good time.

While (I was there) another member of Company H comes.

His name is Thomas Dryer.

He has been a prisioner and has suffered a great deal but is doing finely.

Now there is some good news today.

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Notes for entry 17:

April 5, 1865 - Wednesday

This morning the news is very good.

Twenty-five thousand Rebels (are) taken prisioners and immense amount of plunder with the arms and supplies of a tremendous number of Lee's army.

His horses are so thin and poor he is compelled to abandon his artillery and lots of ammunition.


General Robert E. Lee
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Notes for entry 18: It appears that when Henry was in Kentucky, one of the perks to reinlist was that the town would give the soldiers a bounty when they got back. Now that Henry is back he wants to collect this bounty he was promised and he's having a hard time of it. It's the same as it is now-a-days, the young men of our country are being made huge promises to go to war, but when they come back they have to fight to get what has been promised. Fortunately Henry had the good doctor to help him get what the town of Warren promised.

April 6, 1865 - Thursday

The weather is quite pleasant but indicates a storm.

I am to have a pass tomorrow to go home and secure my town bounty if possible of $165.00 which the town is really trying to cheat Calvin Cutter out of the money that he told me in Kentucky I would get from the town.

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Notes for entry 19:

April 7, 1865 - Friday

Today is rainy and dull but I have a pass to go away from this hospital to my home in Warren, which is about thirty miles from Worcester in a westerly direction.

It is not much of a place for anything, and the sentiments of not a few men are of a disloyal character, but the war brings us news that is good as can be for us.

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Notes for entry 19: *Francis is his brother he also calls Frank.

April 8, 1865 - Saturday

This day I am at home where all my folks are but *Francis.

He has gone to Baltimore where I am in hopes he will stay while the very hard fighting is going on for he has been a prisioner in Libby Prision where he suffered every time any of them suffered.

He looked very poor when he first came home.