Gettysburg Campaign Diary

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005

A wonderful war-date Pennsylvania soldier's diary written in pencil by Sergeant Charles E. Scott, Co. G, 43rd Penn. Volunteers covering his entire emergency service tenure from July 3, through Aug. 14, 1863. Bound in calfskin, measuring 6" x 4" and numbering twenty pages, Scott penned on the cover of this Gettysburg campaign journal: "CHARLES E. SCOTT. Memoranda of Events transpiring during the absence of the BRISTOL STATE GUARD." During Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania Governor Curtain called out the state's emergency militia units to help defend his state. Scott's unit was called out during the battle of Gettysburg. After being sworn into service they had a rather exciting time served alongside the Army of the Potomac. Helping chase Lee's army through Maryland they captured numerous Confederate prisoners, did picket duty along the banks of the Potomac River, and even captured a suspected spy, reading, in very small part: "…[July 3, 1863]…left Bristol…at our departure cannon fired by C. G. Johnson…left Phila. for Reading at 1 p. m…medically examined by Dr, Hargraves…[July 4]…sworn into the service at 11 a.m…[July 5]…heard a patriotic address by the pastor of St. Barnabas P. E…[July 6]…elected Capt. Stott colonel of the Regt 43rd P. V…[July 7]…drew our uniforms this afternoon. [We] look like soldiers now. Recd. News of the capture of Vicksburg & Lee's surrender…[July 10]…got on cars…proceeded immediately down the valley to Shippensburg…got our ammunition and marched until 8 1/4 a.m…we put in a field for rest…saw 200 Rebel prisoners pass through. [Some] very hard looking cases. One of them said he was contented to be a prisoner, had enlisted for 12 mo's. and been conscripted as soon as he got home…[July 12]…Regt started at 4 1/2 a. m. for Chambersburg…hunted all over for a wagon…but could get none Rebs have made a clean swipe of stock etc. went to a farm house…with a squad…& pressed a team into service to carry our sick & provisions also pressed a dinner…[July 16]…left camp…marched on. A great number backed out at the state line who were disarmed. Every man of Co. G stuck to the Regt. Saw Gov. Curtin at Greencastle. He says he shall dismiss us in a week or so…almost starved during the march…begged a hard cracker of an artilleryman…I was so near starved that my cheeks hung flabby on the bones…[July 19]…had inspection of arms at 10 o'clock…took a walk over to the rebel entrenchments which extended from above here to the Potomac…started for Cedar Springs passed through Williamsport…[July 20]…started…for camp at Big Springs midway between Hancock & Williamsport…went down to the Potomac…[July 21]…breakfasted on 2 eggs confiscated at a neighboring farm with a few biscuits. Was detailed as sergeant of the camp guard…[July 22]…company started at 9 o'clk to stand picket on the Potomac…Capt. Landuth sent up for me to bring done my guard…took charge of the upper posts extending about 1 mile…saw 25 Rebs opposite Post No. 1. at post No. 17 they could see the scowl…opposite which had been used the day before to smuggle goods to the Rebels…[July 23]…went out target shooting…I hit the board…com[missary] Sergt had his goods stolen last night. Col. Stott's whiskey was also stolen. Meeting last evening…we heard…to lynch Quarter master Harrison. If they had ever tried…they would have had a happy time for Co. G would have made it bloody work for some of the fools…[July 24]…Lee is at Martinsburg 30 miles off…[July 27]…ordered out on picket at 10 p.m. to guard the road to thee Potomac. Kept diligent watch…as the Rebels were reported across the Potomac…I had charge of the extreme out post. Stopped the Col. & Capt. Strickland made them satisfying me that they were all right…[July 28]…Rec'd. notice that I was drafted. Had a great time in the company so many of us being on the list. I am sorry they caught me but can't help it now…[July struck the Bull's eye at 100 yards at Co. target shooting…[July 30]…two Rebels brought in by our pickets. There were 9 of them but 7 of them took the oath of allegiance. These two are to be sent to Hagerstown. Man on horse back [?] the guard last night supposed to be a spy…[Aug. 1]…had no money but a broken bank note so I had to pass that intending to redeem it if I ever come back this way again…[Aug. 2]…40 of he company went down & went to swim in the canal…placed a double guard with loaded guns over the Rebs tonight. Also one over the officer's horses…[Aug. 7]…Rebel prisoners were taken to Hancock…[Aug. 9]…left camp Slott…to march to Chambersburg…[Aug. 11]…delivered up our arms & equipment at the headquarters. I slept in the tent of the Christian Commission…[Aug. 13]…marched to the state capital to be mustered out…[Aug. 14]…reached Phila. at 6 1/2 a.m…reaching Bristol at 12 marched around a little…then went to the Masonic Hall where an elegant collection was spread…good bye Co. G 43rd…". One page is detached with usual wear, overall very good.

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