[Civil War]. [Illinois]

[Diary of John H. Lippincott Recording His Service in Tennessee and Georgia During the Civil War, Including the March to the Sea]

[Various locations: 1864-1865]. [186]pp., plus [5]pp. notes at the end of the volume. 16mo. Black leather wallet-style binding. Tear to flap, spine ends worn, binding rubbed. Internally clean. Written in a legible hand. Very good. Item #6419

Diary of Corporal John C. Lippincott, detailing a year and a half of service with the 102nd Illinois during the Civil War. Corporal Lippincott enlisted in August 1862 for a term of three years, and the regiment was called into service the next month. The present volume encompasses half of his time in the army, ending when he was mustered out in June of 1865. The 102nd Illinois spent most of its time in Tennessee, Georgia, and the Carolinas, and this diary picks up at the end of the Atlanta Campaign, beginning with the occupation of Atlanta and the March to the Sea; it goes on to cover the Carolinas Campaign. Lippincott was stationed outside the city, likely near the Chatahoochie River Bridge. He writes in a clear hand, with a literate voice and good spelling. The diary opens thus: "September 2d, 1864. Two years ago today we were mustered into the United States service at Knoxville, Illinois. Went down to the bakery this morning. There was a report giving the rounds that the Rebels blew up their ammunition and magazines in the City of Atlanta last night."

During the occupation he takes the opportunity to explore parts of Atlanta, even though stationed just outside of it. On October 1st he writes, "Got a pass and went up river. Traveled through almost every street in the city and seen all that was to be seen. Got some pies and cider. Saw fifty prisoners at the Depot who had taken the oath of allegiance and were waiting for transportation north." He likewise records the weather, camp activities, troop movements, and rumors from the front lines. He writes a great deal about the movements along the rail lines. On October 15th, "In the afternoon I went over to the RR, saw two trains pass going to Atlanta. They are loaded with sick and wounded. Reports say the RR is cut at Resaca." On October 20th, "A construction trane loaded with negro work hands was attacked in a deep end this side of Atlanta. The engine put on all steam jerking the engine loose from the trane. He run into Atlanta in a hurry, the negroes hid in the back part of the trane with a small piece of artillery and musketry but not a man was hurt."

In mid-November the army began the March to the Sea. He writes, on November 15: "Had orders to be ready to move at 4 oclock but did not move until 11 oclock. Our brigade is rear guard of the corps and we move very slow. Passed through Decatur at dark where we expected to go into camp but did not. Hear loud explosions in Atlanta, the blowing up of forts &c. Several old buildings along the road are set on fire. We traveled on slow all night, getting but little sleep." He subsequently records the carnage along the route as well as foraging and the number of miles marched each day (averaging about twelve). They arrived at Savannah in the cold and rain on December 10: "Our o. are advance guards of the division. Cross another large swamp which had been blockaded, learn there was quite a little skirmish there last evening. Pass by t[w]o large rebel forts which were evacuated. Find the roads splendid. Cross the Savannah and Charleston RR where the red stars are tearing up the track." Sherman reviewed the troops on December 30th, and the next day they moved out to start the Carolinas Campaign. He notes on April 17th that it is "reported that President Lincoln has been assassinated." On the 19th: "In the evening we have an order read to us from Gen. Sherman stating that there is an armastice [sic] and cesation [sic] of hostilities and that Johnson has agreed to surrender his whole command which would establish peace from the Potomac to the Rio Grand, to which we gave three rousing cheers. He also stated we would soon all be on our way home if everything works well." The company eventually made its way to Washington, where Lipincott toured the city and they were feted as heroes. The last few leaves contain a list of expenses and monies sent home. Overall, a wonderfully written account of some of the most pivotal moments of the Civil War, including the legendary March to the Sea and the close of hostilities.

Price: $3,750.00