Transcript of the diary of Mary E. Lack, 1861-1862, undated.

ArchivalResource

Lack, Mary E., 1846-1864. Transcript of the diary of Mary E. Lack, 1861-1862, undated.

Transcript of the diary of Mary E. Lack, 1861-1862, undated.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/640142782

Photocopies of a manuscript transcript (the date of the transcription and the identity of the transcriber are both unknown) of the diary (1861-1862) of Mary E. Lack. The journal commences on 24 Nov. 1861, and notes major troop movements in the area and interactions with various soldiers from the 18 Mississippi Regiment, including Thomas Magee, John C. Brent (1841-1910), and Edwin G. Banks (1843-1916). Lack recalls the bloody aftermath of the Battle of Ball's Bluff, writing that "the wounded were brought by [her] house, and to hear their groans was awful...great many of the Yankees were drowned." She describes mounting casualties from illness and skirmishes, declaring "there are more than 100 graves in the cemetery now, the graves of those who have died of disease and wounds received on the battle field...I often wonder when it all will end." As well as conveying the tragic consequences of war, Lack's diary also documents ordinary issues and occurrences, such as the slaughtering of livestock and the price of domestic goods. The journal concludes with an entry on 11 Nov. 1862, evincing the hope that her fiancée would be able to join them for Christmas dinner.

57 leaves.

Thomas Balch Library