James M. Uhler papers, 1857-1865, undated.

ArchivalResource

Uhler, James M. James M. Uhler papers, 1857-1865, undated.

James M. Uhler papers, 1857-1865, undated.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/60785408

General description of the collection: The James M. Uhler papers consist of typed transcripts of two diaries kept by Uhler during his service in the U.S. Army. The first diary describes events from 2 June 1857 to 12 June 1862, while Uhler served in the 10th Regiment, U.S. Infantry. This diary describes his journeys from Pennsylvania to Fort Leavenworth, from Leavenworth to Utah Territory in 1857, and his return to the East in 1861 by contrasting new sights with old ones, and by describing changes from 1857 to 1861. Uhler describes military life and training, the campaign against the Mormons, relations with Native American tribes, recreation and duties driving a mule team in Utah Territory, and the Pony Express. He also describes the desertion of Southern-born officers from his unit during the Fall 1860 and Spring 1861, difficulties during the trip East in 1861 due to Rebel sympathizers in Missouri, and Washington, D.C.'s preparations for war. Uhler concludes the first diary with descriptions of the Spring 1862 campaign, including Rebel use of "torpedoes" (landmines), and the use/vulnerability of observation balloons. The second diary describes events from 18 October 1863 to 1 July 1865 while Uhler was assigned to I Company, 149th Pennsylvania Volunteers. This diary describes his wounding during a battle on 10 May 1864, his difficult recovery, guard duty at Fort Reno and at the 2nd Division General Hospital with the Veterans Reserve Corps, the efforts of the United States Christian Commission, temperance and religious society meetings in the hospitals, passes to see the sites of Washington, D.C., news and rumors about the war, Uhler's reaction to the assignation of Lincoln, and the procession of Lincoln's body through New York City. Throughout this diary, Uhler makes notes on the whereabouts and actions of former 10th Regiment men, including those who joined the Confederacy.

1 folder

U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center