Diary (1862-1863) including photocopy, camp life, burning of boat, etc.
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.
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).
Gift of Tony B. Day
Processed by J. Smith, October 1982
Encoded by Apex Data Services
Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.