Mixter, Calvin Symmes (b. 1832) [Civil War diary of Calvin S. Mixter]
Order a pdf of this item here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06583.02 Author/Creator: Mixter, Calvin Symmes (b. 1832) Place Written: various Type: Diary Date: 1863 Pagination: 1 v. : 413 p. ; 12.5 x 8 cm. Order a Copy
Signed diary including printed almanac and eclipse calendar in the opening pages. Mixter, a member of the 22nd Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, begins his 1863 diary as his corps returns to Stafford County, Virginia, from a reconnaissance to Ellis Ford, Virginia. Writes from various location throughout 1863. Includes various military details, mentioning that General Joseph Hooker superseded General Ambrose Burnside 26 January 1863 as commander of the Army of the Potomac. Frequently mentions writing letters to his wife and children. In March, discusses his application for a commission. Discusses the officer selection for the 54th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, and states that he hopes to obtain the adjutant position for the 14th Regiment, also an African American regiment. On 27 March, reports that Confederates are evacuating Richmond and Fredericksburg, Virginia. Records that President Abraham Lincoln reviewed his corps 7 April. Relates daily events, including several illnesses he attributes to drinking well water. Records the anniversary of his marriage 17 August and his birthday 27 August (states that he is 31 years old). Completes an application for a commission to lead United States Colored Troops 7 September. Attends the execution of a deserter 18 September. Reports seeing a procession of African American Odd Fellows on 9 October. The end of this diary includes account ledgers and other notes. Bound in original leather with a front clasp. Blank diary was printed by D. B. Brooks and Brothers, Salem Massachusetts.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.