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Lot #
206
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2nd New Hampshire Lieutenant Colonel's Gettysburg & Point Lookout Prison Diaries
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| A great content pair of war-date Union field officer's diaries for 1863 & 1864 kept by Lt. Col. James W. Carr while he served as a high ranking field officer in the 2nd New Hampshire Vols. Carr enlisted on June 4, 1861 as captain in the 2nd New Hampshire Vols. He served throughout the war and was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg on July 2, 1863 and then helped guard Confederate POWs at the newly created Point Lookout Prison which was built in August 1863 to accommodate the many captured Rebels taken at Gettysburg. Both are pocket size leather bound diaries, with full page entries, with some great battle content, including Gettysburg, the 1863 diary reads in very small part: "...[1/11863]In the Grand Army of the Potomac, Carr's Brigade, Sickles Division, Stonman's Corps, Hookers Central Grand Div. in Camp of 2d Regt. N.H. V. before Fredericksburg Va....I am detailed a Field Officer...[1/3] The Line Officers treated the men and some of them got drunk and made right hideous with their drunken frollicks. Whiskey is a curse to the army and to the world...[1/5]Stoneman's Corps was received today by Burnsides counting of 3 Divisions, Birney's, Sickles, & Whipples...[1/12]I had my trial today before a Gen. Court Martial. I had no one to assist me but asked my own questions. I think my case is a clear one and that the Court will render a value of 'Not Guilty.'...I had 5 witnesses for me & only one against me...[1/17]I tried nineteen cases of men that skedaddled before Fredericksburg battle. I am the Court Judge & jury. I have got the approval of Col. Blaindis...[25] We marched at 7 am for special duty reported by Division at Stonemans hd Qrs...[2/7]Our cavalry having accomplished the object for which we went, the destruction of the railroad bridge across the Rappahannock, we started back to camp...[2/8]I have been up with the officers of the 1st Brigade to pay my respects to Brig. Gen. Stoneman, who leaves the command of the 3d corps to take command of the cavalry of the army of the Potomac. Stoneman is a fine officer...[2/15]The Rebels have moved their picket posts, reduced them in number...[2/22]Majr. B's sentence came today to forget two mo's pay & be reprimanded in Genl. Orders a little harder than I expected, he assumes command tomorrow and I shall apply for a leave...[2/23]Lt. Col. B's sword was returned today, and he is now in command of the 2nd...[3/14]Mr. Loomis was away at Washington, has been in the Old Capital prison by being in company with some Jews who had contraband goods on board the schooner. A warning to all to keep good company and engage in lawful business...[3/25]Went to Concord, saw Col. Marston, Agt. Gen. Colby, Peter Sanborn, Col. Gilmore etc...[3/31]I went to Concord, had a dress parade, was introduced to Col. Bailey's Bride, they came down in the 1/2 past three train...[4/6]Went to Concord, found all things straight, the 17th Regt. is to be consolidated with the 2d and the officers of the 17th mustered out of the service...[4/30]Our regimental was mustered by Lt. Col. Bailey at 3 PM we had a dress parade at 5 PM....[5/12]Battalion drill of 2 PM all of the officers & men behave well but do not get out all their muskets at the drill...Col. B came up at 6 PM stayed in camp for the first time. He is determined to have better discipline for the future...[5/14] Gen. Wool gave us permission to take the Regiment to Manchester...[5/18] I learned for the first time that we had been ordered back to the Army of the Potomac by a telegram from the Sec of War...[5/27]Arrived in Washington at sun rise...Col B & the Field & Staff called on Gen. Casey and reported, he sends us to Camp Chase...[5/29]Brig Gen Martindale called after parade and introduced himself to me...[6/7]I attended Dr. Girley's church in the AM...where President Lincoln attends usually, he was not there but Gen. Casey was...[6/8]Hooker is reported across the Rappahannock...[6/16]The Rebels are now in Penn & Md. committing raids. Vicksburg & Port Hudson still hold out...[6/17]I saw one whole division of Cavalry under Gen. Pleasonton...[6/18]We took 80 Rebel cavalry and they took most all the battalion of N.E. Cavalry. Hookers Head Quarters are now at Fairfax Station...The Rebel Cavalry have taken Chambersburg Pa. and are marching on the capital...[6/19]we had skirmishes in front and on the left flank as guerillas were in the vicinity...[6/21] Heavy firing heard in the direction of Aldee...the battle continued all day...[6/23]a detachment of our men under Lieut. Patch went to Fairfax with the prisoners (Guerillas) that were captured a few days ago...[6/27]camped for the night in sight of the battle ground of South Mountain...[6/29]We started at 4 AM...Gen. Sickles was with us and all things must be done according to red tape. Vicksburg is reported taken...[6/30]Head Quarters Army of Potomac passed also towards Gettysburg we marched at 4 PM towards Emmittsburg...[7/1]News from Gettysburg that Gen. Howard had engaged the enemy and was killed, all of our Corps but our brigade left for the field of action...[7/2] Marched for Gettysburg at 2 AM arrived at 9 Am & joined the division which was marched out of the city. Skirmishing commenced at 12 PM heavy at 3 PM we went in to the fight at 4 PM continued it until dark. The firing was most awful...very heavy...made a charge drove the enemy but for want of support were able to fall back. The battle was a severe one. God heard my prayer...my sword saved my life[7/3]fell in at 4 Am marched to the support of the 6th Corps. ...We laid in the woods & drew rations in the forenoon - in the afternoon we were taken to the center to support batters & c. Several were struck in the Regt. but none seriously wounded. Our report of killed wounded & missing is now 228. We went into action with 338...[7/4]I visited the battle ground & the hospital...Our victory at the Battle of Gettysburg is complete and the Rebs in full retreat but at a great cost...[7/5]Our forces are following up the Rebels at 12 m....the 6th Corps are following up the enemy's rear. We have captured their pontoon train with Gen. French and his command...[7/6] I went to Gettysburg in the evening. Our dead were buried...[7/11] there is every prospect of a fight to day...[7/12]Gen. Meade ordered an advance today. There was a little firing on the right and the Rebels retired. We now hold the turnpike running from Sharpsburg to Hagerstown. We are held in reserve 2 miles in the rear of our line. I think the Rebels are leaving....[7/14]The Rebels crossed the Potomac last night. Gen. Meade looked on like a mean cowardly imbecile traitor which I think he is & saw them go and never fired a single gun...[7/20]Our cavalry had a slight skirmish here at the gap with a squad of Mosby's guerillas...[7/24]Our skirmishers advanced at day light. The enemy retreated to Front Royal...Our Regt was deployed as skirmishers and skirmished 3 miles took the town and 1/2 mile beyond. They opened one battery but fired only a few shots. The loss in our Div. was about 75 in killed & wounded. We captured about 5 soldiers and 100 wounded this ended the battle...[7/26]We are detached from the 3d Corps today and ordered to report to Gen. Marston rumored that we are going to Point Lookout...[7/27] We passed our troops along the R.R. 2 & 1/2 corps near the junction. Gen Mead's Hd Qrs. at W[arrenton] We brought 150 Rebel prisoners with us...[7/30]Our army of the Potomac is not very much. I have no confidence in Gen. Mead...[8/1]I fixed the Brigade well. Moved the prisoners and did various other work...[8/9]Col. Bailey arrested Dr. Murrow today...Murrow applies for a release to Gen. Marston...[8/11] Col. Bailey and a squad of mounted infantry conducted by Provost Marshal Davis started up the peninsula on a scouting expedition...[8/23]259 Rebel prisoners came on the John A. Warner...[8/27] The Rebels took two of our gun boats on the Rappahannock last night....[8/29]4 Rebels got away last night - we captured them today...[9/3]18 deserters were returned to our Regt. last night. they are under arrest and charges are being preferred...[9/18]I have been very much disturbed today by the arrest of Sam by Lt. Mosley he is the meanest man and most insulting officer...[9/22] There are 6 rebel officers among the prisoners kept separate. I do not like their looks...[9/23]Gen. Grant is disabled by the fall of his horse. Gen. Banks has failed to land in Texas & Gen. Rosecrans is hotly needed in Georgia & fears are entertained of his safety...[10/4]450 wounded Rebels arrived here today from the Gettysburg hospitals, have gone into Point Lookout Hospital, more expected soon...Gen. Marston took chloroform for the hiccoughs...[10/7]five Rebels tried to escape last night but got foiled by their hiding place, being revealed by one of their own number...[10/10]I rode up with Dr. Stone and we visited the Rebel camp...There is a doctor taking physiological measurements among the Rebels...Gen. Marston stopped the liquor on the wharf today...[10/13]The Army of Gen. Meade is falling back but they cannot drive Old Rosey out of Chattanooga. Hooker has command of 11 & 12 corps under Rosecrans...[10/17] Mead continues falling back. Skirmishing with the Enemy. Bull Run is about to be celebrated...[10/19]a large number of contrabands came yesterday and today I visited the Rebel camp...the rebs are happy to night singing &c...[11/2]90 Prisoners came today...[11/3]350 Rebel prisoners arrived today...There is trouble between Jones and Old Bailey and Gen. Marston said that Jones was liable to have his goods confiscated at any moment on a/c of Bailey's being a copperhead - Old Bailey told Jones that I hated the very ground that Col. Bailey walked on...[11/4]Gen. Butler is assigned to the command of the Dept. of Virginia & North Carolina...[11/10]1360 Rebel Prisoners came from the Army of Rappahannock today. They were well clothed for Rebels and are tough and hearty. Inspector of Sanitary Commission has been down reports Rebel Camp in bad condition and much suffering...[[11/15]called on Gen. Marston in the evening, took tea with him an spent the evening with him and talked all things over with him in regard to the Regt and War...[11/19]on the boat a deserter jumped overboard and tried to escape. Was shot in the left arm and captured, broke his arm. He and the guard were tight...[12/17] Gov. Gilmore is trying to get Gen. Hinks removed but I hope he will not succeed. I like Genl. Hinks first rate so far...plus; The second diary from 1864, entirely in the hand of Lt. Colonel James W. Carr of the 2nd New Hampshire, [1/1/1864]In the good old City of Concord, NH on detached duty as Genl. Recruiting Officer for the state, under command of Brig. Genl. E.. Hinks...My office is through with brokers & volunteers...[1/4]Enlisted 58 men...[1/5]56 enlisted at my office. The United States bounty ceased today, so everybody has been in a great hurry to get in their men. The men are gathering in for the State convention...[1/11]The sharpshooters came home today, and Capt. Durgin left for Washington...[1/15]185 men were sent to the 6,9, & 11 today...[1/20]We enlisted twenty five men but one deserted from the office from Segt. Fletcher...[1/25]I enlisted seven men David Perkins got into a fight with a broker in my office and bloodied hiss nose for him...[2/1]200,000 more men are called for, the order is published to day for the first time in the Boston Journal...[2/9]Our quota of volunteers is full and volunteering is about up - so recruiting will be over. Cols Griffin & Stevens have been recalled and will return and not go to the Regiments...[2/23]I rode up from Manchester in the Governor's car and he spoke to me in regard to my speech relating to the Pres. publishing treason and the Gov. was pleased with my remarks he said...[3/1]There is no enlisting now ass the Government Bounty has not been extended...[3/15]The dinner to Genl. Hinks came off in due season and was a complete success...[3/17]I bought a ticket in the 'Soldier's Home' that Mr. Perham is trying to build for our volunteers who may be poor and disabled and unable to maintain themselves after our war is over...[3/30]Left Concord NH...with 150 veterans of 2d & 5th NHV via New York for Point Lookout...[4/5]Genl. Hinks issued his order assuming command today...[4/10]One colored Regt left here from Point Lookout this AM. I visited McClellans old works and one old camp ground...[4/13]On court-martial tried a Mr. Holt for desertion he and two others were attempted to cross the bay in an open boat John Eagan whom we sentenced to be shot was ordered to be executed today but was reprieved after the troops has assembled on the ground set apart for his execution - so it seemed a farce...[4/15] Privates Eagan & Holt were shot by sentence of court martial between 9 & 10 oclock. The 2d Regt & two colored Regts & 1 section of a battery witnessed the execution...[4/19]Tried Jeremiah Murphy Private Co. K 2nd NHV sentence - shot...[4/20]Genl Smith arrived this noon, a salute was fired in his honor, it is (Baldy Smith) so called...[4/21]Heavy cannonading was heard during the night at long intervals apparently in the direction of Fort Monroe. I have prepared a statement of my case to send to President Lincoln if Butler disapproves...[4/27]64 of our Regt are here in waiting to be sent to the Navy and 300 more have sent in their names to be transferred. My application for discharge was returned today ordering me by command of Gen. Butler to report where I was mustered into the service and what rank I then held...I made the required statement, and sent them in to Genl. Smith...[4/28]Gov. Yates of Ohio & Maj. Genl. B.F. Butler arrived at Yorktown...Genl. Marston arrived at 2 PM he and I looked over the forts together...[5/5]The sight we have seen today is one long to be remembered, thousands of men & 100s of vessels all pulling for Richmond with utmost dispatch and enthusiasm...[5/6]Gen. Hickmans brigade made a reconnaissance 4 miles towards the RR lost 50 in killed & wounded found the enemy in force and retreated...[5/9]Marched down the turnpike to within 5 miles of Petersburg where we engaged the enemy at 12 PM and fought until dark and then remained in line of battle during the night. The rebels fired on our skirmishers in front of the 11 Connecticut who fired in volleys for a while and then all was quiet...[5/14 with sketch of the Rebel lines] I climbed a tall pine & saw the Rebel line of works. Richmond in the distance and the James River on our left. Works are like this [sketch]...[5/16]The Rebels charged our lines all day along our front & heavily on our right & on the Turnpike...Capt Platt was killed by a shot in the head. Our Regt. & the 148 held the line until all the rest & both right and left had gone, then we retired in good order and reformed further back...[5/19]I went to the James River and saw the monitors shelling the woods with their 15 inch guns and also saw a torpedo explode in the river. The Rebels attacked our line in the center early in the morning and as the close of the day...[5/20]The Rebels attacked our center two or three times but were repulsed every time and finally skedaddled towards night. Our cannon kept up a continual roar for a long time on our right our gunboats took it upon our left and kept it up most all night...The Rebels are building their RR...[6/1]marched back to Old Church and on to Cold Harbor and went in to action at 4 PM the cannonading was brisk...[6/3]We advanced by brigade in mass at 4 AM . The 148 deployed on our front went through the woods but the fire was so heavy that every regt but one was driven back with great slaughter...Capt Gordon is killed...[6/19]May God in his infinite goodness and this war and that right early...[7/7]We got the news of the destruction of the Pirate Alabama. Capt. Semmes he was rescued by an English gentleman yet, the Alabama was sunk 10 miles from France by the Kearsarge...[7/15]The Rebels are pressing hard on Washington...[7/27]I attended a meeting of the enrolled men of the city to see about raising money to get volunteers..." and much more interesting content. Both are in extremely fine condition. | |||||||||||
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