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EXCELLENT EARLY DIARY OF CORPORAL DANIEL SWEETLAND – 55th OHIO (EX-TEXAS MUSEUM COLLECTION)

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Daniel Sweetland was something of a comparative rarity during the Civil War having enlisted at the ripe age of 40 years as a father of 6 children. He enlisted as a Corporal on 11/10/1861 and on that same day was mustered into Company I of the 55^th Ohio Infantry at Camp McClellan in Norwalk, Ohio. The regiment did not fully enter Federal service until January of 1862, when it left Norwalk for (West) Virginia.

Daniel’s diary was gifted to him in early 1862 – as per a pencil notation on the inside cover reading “Daniel Sweetland’s Book / Presented by D. H. Peasi esq. / January 20^th 1862 / Co – I. 55^th Regt / O.V.U.S.A.” The diary is commercially marked 1861, but Daniel updated the year on the pages he used for his entries.  Each page is divided into 3 labeled sections for separate days/dates.  The dated entries range from Sunday, January 20^th, 1862 – Monday, October 6^th, 1862.

Almost all entries begin with a short weather report, followed by accounts of the day’s activities – ranging from camp duties to capturing prisoners. Daniel also mentions being sick with diarrhea, arduous marches, and casualties from contact with the enemy.  Though entries are limited by the small margins, they overlap with several actions, including the Battles of McDowell, Cross Keys, and Second Bull Run and include relevant battle content.

Daniel was promoted on May 10^th, 1863 to Sergeant, but available information about his whereabouts thereafter is limited, until his transfer to the Veteran Reserve Corps in mid-July of 1863.  There is no record of any significant woundings, and his diary gives us few clues other than some passing mentions of sickness (specifically recurrent diarrhea).

The Denton and Wood manufactured Pocket Diary (Cambridgeport, Mass – dated 1861) is in used but well-cared-for condition.  The cover is heavy board, covered in black cloth, while the folding closure flap is leather. The pencil storage loop is still securely attached to the interior of the folding section, the outside of which is marked “DIARY, 1861.” in gilt text.  Some cover loss is noted on the reverse side, along with board separation at the upper edge. A crease is also prominent in the upper ¼ of the folding tab/closing flap and one edge of the retention tab is loose from the front cover.  None of this compromises the integrity, readability, or presentation of the book. Interesting details include a listing made by Daniel at the close of the book of each man in the regiment who had died up to that point, and accounting records for financial business. The corresponding blank page beginning with “November 21” (with continued dates on the reverse) is missing its upper corner, but the corner piece is present and tucked between the next pages. Dimensions are 3.25” x 6.75”.

This is an exceptional link to the 55^th Ohio with invaluable insight into the experiences of Mr. Sweetland.  Truly unique and perfect for the collector of Civil War ephemera and personal items.   [cm][ph:L]

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