Pocket volume with diary entries and record of financial accounts (1 Jan. 1864-16 June 1865, 11 July 1865, and 31 July 1866), chronicles Hutson's Civil War military service as adjutant for the First Regiment, South Carolina Volunteers, listing items issued, dates of issuance, the company or individual the items were issued to, and in some instances the prices paid for supplies. Lists record ordering and distribution of various items (blankets, clothing, shoes, cooking gear, and writing supplies), as well as various foraged items, indicating the amount of grain, corn, or fodder collected and the names of the businesses or farmers from whom the agricultural products were impressed. In some cases there are promissory notes signed by Hutson and farmers for forage items collected. The volume also lists the names of officers and non-commissioned officers and their counties of origin, officers and enlisted soldiers assigned to picket and guard duty near Petersburg, Va., and miscellaneous addresses, names, and accounting records. After capture, Hutson was imprisoned at the Old Capital Prison at Washington, D.C., and was then transferred to Johnson's Island on Lake Erie. He was released from prison 6 June 1865 and returned home to South Carolina. An unusual entry dated 11 July 1865 and headed "Shiloh Academy" gives the names and subjects for male and female students enrolled at the school, presumably during a time when Hutson taught there [although location of the school is not identified, several of these students appear as residents of Orangeburg, S.C., in the 1860 Census]. There is also a narrative account by Hutson, with daily entries 29 Mar.-16 June 1865, concerning the actions of Hutson's regiment at the siege of Petersburg, his capture and imprisonment, his release from prison, and his journey home. Hutson's account of events on 2 Apr. 1865, during the siege of Petersburg chronicles a series of military actions that broke the Confederates' hold, started their retreat to Richmond, and ultimately led to their surrender at Appomattox: "Enemy attacked breastworks at our old camp.... Broke the line & Hill's corps forced to evacuate position - Lee's army in motion - our brigade retreated across 'Hutcher's Run' - formed line of battle on Cox's Road - enemy attacked us in temporary breastworks - easily repulsed - remained in our position till 2 or 3 pm when enemy attacked left flank & caused troops to break when whole line retired in some disorder. A good many captured - remainder succeeded in getting to Appomattox & tried in vain to cross during night." According to his own account, Hutson was "captured by enemy's scouts disguised in Confederate Uniforms" the following day after he failed to cross the Appomattox River during the night. Imprisoned first in the "Old Capital Prison" at Washington, D.C., he was moved by rail car and ferry to Johnson's Island across Lake Erie. On 6 June 1865 Hutson received the "welcome news of my release" upon condition of taking an oath of allegiance. Two days later he arrived in New York City by train and then sailed for Hilton Head, S.C. By 16 June 1865 Hutson was once again reunited with "the family circle from which I have so long been separated." Also includes obituary, 1902, with biographical sketch [legal size folder].
