The collection, consisting of three diaries (for the years 1862, 1864, and 1865), ten documents, two envelopes, and a photograph, deals with Abbey's involvement with the Civil War. The first diary, _Diary and Memorandum for 1862._ (New York: Published annually for the trade., 1862), was presented to Abbey by his brother Moses A. Abbey ( - ). It contains brief daily entries regarding his health, the weather, camp life, marches, his military duties, enemy encounters, and letters received and written. Abbey, along with his regiment, was stationed around the northeast corner of Virginia (e.g., Centerville, Manassas), Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. They participated in the Second Battle of Bull Run, in late August 1862. On 23 May, he made the reference, "... we was reviewed today by A. Lincoln, President of the United States ..." The second diary, _Pocket Diary 1864._ (Albany, N.Y.: S.R. Gray, Bookseller & Stationer, No. 38 State Street, [1863?]), contains daily entries (except while Abbey was on furlough) regarding the same subjects as in the first diary. It also contains some cash accounts. Abbey, along with his regiment, participated in the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse (8-21 May), where he was wounded in the face. He spent a brief time at Carver Hospital (Washington, D.C.) and then an extended time (18 June to 21 December) at David's Island, New York harbor, recuperating. While at David's Island he helped dress the wounded, became a wardmaster (ultimately relieved of that duty), visited New York City (including Barnum's Museum), read (_Adventures of Clarence Bolton ..._ (New York: Dick & Fitzgerald, [186-?], and papers), smoked, and played billiards and dominoes. Also, he took two furloughs, one to Philadelphia before going home to Cohoes, N.Y., and the other to Troy, N.Y., before going home. On Thursday, 24 November, he makes the reference of having "... a very fine Dinner today of Turkey and the like ... with Oyster soup ..." The third diary, _Diary 1865 New York_, was presented to him as a New Year's gift from his friend William T. Eccles ( - ). This diary contains daily entries, concerning the same matters as the previous two, for the period 1 January to 6 August. There are random entries for the remainder of the year, including descriptions of two dreams he has had, and his beginning to work for a Mr. Hall near North Adams, Mass. Included also are a list of names and addresses, a record of cash accounts, and a woman's autograph. Abbey, along with his regiment, was stationed around the Appomattox area of Virginia and remained there until 7 April (two days prior to the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse), when they started, with prisoners of war, to City Point. They returned to the front and stayed there until 18 April, when they broke camp and started toward Richmond, then Fredericksburg, and halted, on 15 May, near Alexandria (brigade headquarters at Fort Richardson). He was stationed there, making periodic trips into Washington, D.C., until his discharge on 26 September. The diary contains references to Lee's and Johnston's surrenders, the death of Abraham Lincoln, rumors of Grant's death, the hanging of four conspirators (including Mrs. Surratt), and having his picture taken. Throughout the war Abbey corresponded regularly with his brother, Moses; his friend Bill Eccles, of Cohoes, N.Y.; Jacob W. Miller (1810-1868), also of Cohoes, who was keeping his money for him; three or more women of Cohoes and other places; among others. He mentioned, in the second diary, placing an advertisement in the _Waverly_ and corresponding with Waverly correspondents. The folder contains five official documents pertaining to Abbey's period of service, including a discharge from the U.S.A. General Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa., two certificates concerning nonpayment of Abbey's wages, and his two discharges. The folder also contains a photograph of Abbey taken in August 1868; an essay (4 p.) entitled, "Important Events of Army Life in the late Rebellion," written by Abbey in 1874; a questionaire regarding his army service, 1890?; three documents from General Headquarters, State of New York, Adjutant-General's Office, Bureau of Records of the War of the Rebellion, 1897-1901; and two envelopes.
