Papers (1854-1864) consisting diaries, references to Civil War, genealogical notes.
Clarrisa Phelps Hanks was born on March 18, 1822, and married Ellsworth Hanks on October 30, 1844. At the time she wrote in her diaries between 1854 and 1864 she was living in New Bern, N.C.
These diaries primarily reflect Mrs. Hanks' religious views and show how religion played a part in her everyday life.
The latter part of the second diary contains a few references to the Civil War in the New Bern area in 1862 and 1864. In late January, 1862, Mrs. Hanks fears a naval attack by the "Hessions" and gives thanks to God for protecting New Bern by sending a fierce storm to hurt the Yankee vessels. On March 12-16, 1862, she briefly mentions the fighting and the capture of New Bern by the Yankees and its effect on the New Bern population. Her October 4, 1864, entry mentions the yellow fever epidemic in New Bern.
Gift of Mr. Charles W. Smith, Jr.
Processed by M. Elmore, March 1979
Encoded by Apex Data Services
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