[from the diary of Matthella Page Harrison as transcribed at a later date]
Thursday, September 18
This was a Thanksgiving Day appointed by our President. We had services but no sermon as Mr. Jones was sick. This evening we heard terrific fighting had been going on for four days between McClellan and our whole army.
MSS 9759
[from the diary of John Tyler of Letcher’s Artillery]
(Sept 17th)
Hear to day that Lee & McClellan are at it on the
other side of the river near Sharpsburg. We can
hear the cannon in the distance. Have not
felt as well to day. Was rather restless during
the night, did not sleep well. Ladies preser-
-ving again today. Florries cold almost well.
I really feel quite lonesome when I see
little of the ladies during the day, but will
not be so selfish as to wish to keep them all
the time just because I enjoy their society.
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 6150
[from the diary of Wesley Hammond, Co. E, 42nd Virginia “Dixie Greys”
Wednesday 17th – Went to town
Fighting desperately in Maryland to day
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 5526
[from the diary of Samuel Johnson, 1st Massachusetts Independent Light Battery]
had a very severe and obstinate
battle, terminating with the defeat of the rebs,
who lost 400 killed, and 2000 wounded. Our
loss was 312 killed, 1234 wounded. Gen Reino
was killed. the rebs lost 1500 prisoners. at
7. P. M we went into camp. The weather
has been pleasant and warm.
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 8493
[from the diary of the Rev. Francis Butler, future chaplain of the 25th New Jersey]
Wed. 17 – Mr H. arrives [-] Phila – thought up a
lecture preparatory deld. it few present. called
at Mrs. Perrys. she has moved to Wt. Broadway
Sarah is sick –
Thurs 18 – Went to Mrs. Perrys to board – cleared off
pleasant –
Fri 19. Began Ser. on Provs 11:30
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 12935
[from the diary of James Dinsmore Templeton, musician and private in the 23rd Ohio]
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 1862
This forenoon a
heavy Artillery fight
going on also Inf
on the right also
some on the left. Stayed in
a field behind our Brigade
where I could see the enemy
went this afternoon followed
the Brigade Crossed the
River by the Bridge went
up over the hill at length
found the Regt after a
while the enemy opened
on us with Artillery
Then an Inf fight commenced
Our Brigade was ordered up
passing over the hill the Enemy
came down on the left
through a cornfield with our
flag flying this deceiving for
a time our men. Their fire
was dreadful I helped several
wounded & remained assisting the
Dr. about half the night–was back up to
day cloudy cool
MSS 10317
[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding, Co. F., 25th Massachusetts]
Wednesday
Sept 17
Slept first rate last night. On awaking
and looking out, I found Plymouth to be
a very pretty place what I could see of it which
was not much. There are some of our forces oc-
cupying the place with the aid of the gunboats.
At about seven oclock we started down the river
and are now (at half past seven) going down.
(4 oclock) have just started from Roanoke Island
for New Berne. It seems that the [word missing?] far too strong for us
above Plymouth where we were probably going
and so we turned round and came back. We have
had a very pleasant trip indeed and no bloodshed.
The weather has been delightful and I have
enjoyed myself better while absent, than for a
long while before. It has given me an excellent
appetite and makes me feel much better.
Nowhere do I enjoy myself so well as on the water.
MSS 11293
[from the diary of Matthella Page Harrison as transcribed at a later date]
Went to Charles Town today in company with Cousin Mary Nelson and Kate Conrad. Found very few goods. Saw hundreds of poor broken down soldiers and the artillery which was captured from the enemy. Heard that Burnside with three thousand men had been taken prisoner. The Saratoga girls left us today much to my regret.
Added at a later date: The Battle of Sharpsburg was fought today. It was a decided victory for our side.
MSS 9759
[from the diary of Eliza Oswald Hill, refugee from Wilmington, N.C.]
Wednesday 17th we have all been together in my room all day reading
Adele–& have just heard of the yellow fever being in Wilmington
Mrs Walters had a letter from Mrs Anderson–She says every body’s
leaving town–Many families go to the Sound–It is not confined
to one place–But is breaking out in many directions–Mr Campbel
Mrs Tyler–& Miss Parker called to see us–After tea we read again,
the girls had a serenade
MSS 6960
[from the diary of Anne Madison Willis Ambler]
Wednesday, September 17, 1862
Pa sent Wm for Charity &
much to our surprise, she came home. We were afraid that the
story telling Yankees had smuggled her
off in some way.——–
Pa was anxious to hear the news &
we rode into town for him but
heard nothing–There has been a
fight in Md & it is said we
drove them from the field, but
both lost many–Oh when will
these things end. I feel that by
fighting we can never make that
we must fight.
There are stragglers coming in all the
time. At dinner, supper & breakfast
the table is crowded–
Cousin Josiah
MSS 15406
