February 23rd, 2012
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2012
Confederate Soldier’s Diary, 6” x 7-1/2”, 54pp, (8 in pencil; 46 in ink), of letters written by John F. Moody who enlisted as a Sergeant on 5/22/1861 into "I" Co. VA 40th Infantry, was wounded 6/27/1862 Gaines' Mill, VA, and died from those wounds on 6/30/1862. The period diary records the contemplative thoughts of Moody on 18 separate dates, 4 in pencil (which are rewritten in ink later), 18 in very legible ink, from June 5, 1861 through July 16, 1861, occasionally written out of chronological date. Moody signs after each date. In part, [6/5] On Friday evening our company the Robinson Guards had presented to them a Flag of the Confederate States. It was gotten up at Mrs. thomas Dunaways, mostly I believe by Mrs. Cubank. [6/6] This was the great day that saw the release of Virginia from the detestable rule of Abe Lincoln. On that day the people of Virginia voted on the Ordinance of Secession formerly passed the Convention. ... We all voted for secession. ... I would add here that the county cast 433 votes for secession and not one against it. ... He brought me a Colts five shooter which was sent by my affectionate and beloved sisters. ... Yesterday evening a sentence of punishment was decided upon ... Oltaw Webb ... he should wear a chain and iron weight fastened to his leg for 10 days ... [6/10] “ I have determined to record here some of my thoughts as they occur. This may assist to help pass away some hours ... in future years will be of great pleasure to me ... [6/11] ...The war has actually begun. What horrors should this word strike in the minds of every hearer. ... The worst is not yet. [6/13] This is the day appointed by the laws of the Confederate States as a day of prayer for the nation ... [6/25] The enemy had landed and been repulsed by Captain Curell’s company ... We have since heard that there were 36 of the enemy killed. Nobody hurt on our side. ...”
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