Thompson, W. S. (fl. 1862-1865) [Civil War pocket diary of W.S. Thompson]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01838.01 Author/Creator: Thompson, W. S. (fl. 1862-1865) Place Written: various places Type: Autograph manuscript Date: 1862 Pagination: 1 v. : 176 p. ; 15.4 x 9.6 cm. Order a Copy
Approximately 70 written pages of entries, followed by blank pages. Describes picket duty and the army's moves in the Peninsula campaign (May-July). Breaks off in mid-July, as Thompson notes joining the crew of the steamship "Suwanee" as chief engineer. Memoranda after 30 December summarizes his mustering and service. Wrap-around black leather cover.
Selected excerpts:
9 January: stationed at Camp Pierpont
3 January: left for Bristol on a 10-day furlough
mid-January: on picket and camp duties at Camp Pierpont
17 May: "Inspection & Review by Gen McClell[an]. Weather very warm"
23 May: "Grand Review & Inspection by President of U.S. & Secy of Navy compl[i]mented the Division by saying we were best looking set of men he had seen since the war"
4 June: "Rainy Day. Bridges across the Rappahannock all coming away. Capt Clark & Curtis detached to oversee the rebuilding of them"
8 June: "Marching Orders to join McClellans Corps near Richmond"
9 June: "Shipped from Fredericksburg…"
18 June: "Left camp near Fair Oaks at 6. am and arrived at camp near Richmond at 1 oclock PM. In sight of the enemy exchanged several shots with them during the am. Rain in the morning."
20-25 June: on court-martial duty, trial of Col. Hayes, who was acquitted.
27 June: "Gaines Mill on Chickahominy. Fighting commenced…." [Battle of Gaines' Mills (First Battle of Cold Harbor)]
13 July: "Left wharf Harrison Landing…"
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