Naval transport diary typescript, 1864, Apr. 22 - 1865, Jan. 5.

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Naval transport diary typescript, 1864, Apr. 22 - 1865, Jan. 5.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/239407024

Typescript of diary of an unidentified Union soldier who left NY for Fort Monroe, VA on April 21, 1864 on the George Henry, a Union naval transport steamer. In the course of his service on the James River and the Savannah River, the author wrote of moving Confederate prisoners who had enlisted in the Union army, African American soldiers, wounded soldiers, and provisions. Stops include Fort Monroe, Portsmouth, Bermuda Hundred, Newport News, Hilton Head, and Savannah. The author mentions many notable military men, including Benjamin Butler and Raphael Semmes ("Simms"), expressing great contempt for the latter. He also condemns nurses for flirting with the healthier soldiers and neglecting the sick and injured ones. In a particularly interesting entry beginning on July 30, the author describes carrying a load of "contraband" slaves with representatives of the Freedman's Association from Norfolk to Philadelphia, New York, and Boston. The tone of the entries convey the authors deep contempt for these passengers and his disgust at the affection and caring between the African American and the white passengers. On November 12, the George Henry was ordered to Savannah and Fort Pulaski to transport prisoners. Entries include vivid descriptions of the condition of the prisoners as well as descriptions of Savannah before, during, and after Sherman's arrival. Other battles mentioned include Petersburg and Fort Darling.

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Duke University Libraries, Duke University Library; Perkins Library

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SNAC Resource ID: 7123038

Duke University Libraries, Duke University Library; Perkins Library

Related Entities

There are 4 Entities related to this resource.

George Henry (Steamship)

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6gj3szw (corporateBody)

National Freedman's Relief Association

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6n344x1 (corporateBody)

Andersonville Prison, represented in the collection through its hospital records and registers, was located in southwest Georgia and operated for 15 months between 1864 and 1865. The site was used by the Confederate Army as a prisoner-of-war camp for captured Union soldiers. At the time of its closure, almost 13,000 Union soldiers had died at Andersonville. The records were collected by E. P. Hopkins, a captured soldier from Ohio who worked as a steward in the prison hospital. ...

Butler, Benjamin F. (Benjamin Franklin), 1795-1858

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6pz5jjc (person)

American lawyer and politician; Attorney General. From the description of Letter signed : New York, to A.J. Bleecker, 1840 July 31. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270132632 American lawyer and politician; Atty. General. From the description of Autograph letter signed : New York, to C.H. Waddell, 1840 July 16. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270131665 From the description of Autograph letter signed : New York, to William L. Marcy, Secretary of War, 1845 Ma...

Semmes, Raphael, 1809-1877

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6zs35td (person)

Officer in the U.S. Navy and in the Confederate Navy, from Mobile, Ala. From the description of Papers, 1861-1872. (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 20313995 ...