John Brentlinger Diary

1862-1863
Manuscript Collection #438
Creator(s)
Brentlinger, John
Physical description
0.11 Cubic Feet, 1 item, photocopy of 57-page diary.
Preferred Citation
John Brentlinger Diary (#438), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
Repository
ECU Manuscript Collection
Access
No restrictions

Diary (1862-1863) including photocopy, camp life, burning of boat, etc.


Biographical/historical information

John Brentlinger, a private in Company D of the 158th Regiment of Pennsylvania drafted militia, commanded by Colonel David Bell McKibbin, maintained a daily diary reflecting his service in the United States Army between October 21, 1862, and August 5, 1863.


Scope and arrangement

Most of the brief notations record movements of Brentlinger's company from Chambersburg, Pa., to New Bern, N.C., and back again. The troops were encamped at New Bern from January 1 until April 23, 1863, and at Washington, N.C., from April 23 until June 26, 1863. Much of the diary describes the daily routine of camp life. A few notations pertain to troop movements to Trenton, N.C., officers' activities, the testing of artillery (May 21, June 3, 1863), and minor skirmishes around New Bern and Washington. Of particular interest to local historians are descriptions of "Little" Washington: Main Street (Apr. 24, 1863), the saw mill (Apr. 30, May 4, 1863), the hospital (May 4, 1863), and the accidental burning of a supply boat (May 2, 1863).


Administrative information
Custodial History

February 12, 1982, 1 volume, photocopy; Pennsylvania soldier's diary (1862-1863). Gift of Tony B. Day, Winterville, N.C.

Source of acquisition

Gift of Tony B. Day

Processing information

Processed by J. Smith, October 1982

Encoded by Apex Data Services

Copyright notice

Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.


Key terms
Personal Names
Brentlinger, John
Corporate Names
United States. Army--Military life
United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 158th (1862-1863). Company D
Topical
Soldiers--Pennsylvania--Diaries
Places
New Bern (N.C.)--History, Military--19th century
North Carolina--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Personal narratives
Washington (N.C.)--Description and travel
Washington (N.C.)--History, Military--19th century