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THBCivil War Diary of Private Thomas Ray, 39th Pennsylvania Infantry and 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry
About Seller
6270 Este Ave.
Cincinnati , OH 45232
United States
With offices in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Denver, Cowan’s holds over 40 auctions each year, with annual sales exceeding $16M. We reach buyers around the globe, and take pride in our reputation for integrity, customer service and great results. A full-service house, Cowan’s Auctions specializes in Am...Read more
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About Auction
LiveJun 22, 2018
Cowan’s American History: Premier Auction, scheduled for June 22, 2018 is comprised of early photographs, documents, manuscripts, broadsides, flags, and more dating from the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, Late Indian Wars, World War I and II and beyond. Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com
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- Lot Description
Leather pocket diary for January 1-September 13, 1865, 2.5 x 3.75 in., identified to Thomas Ray; accompanied by 1863 State of Pennsylvania Military Pay Document, 8 x 10 in., 1863 “Muster In” Roll of Captain listing all names, ranks, ages, and equipment provided to the volunteers, 11 x 20.5 in., and 1863 “Muster Out” Roll of Captain listing all names, ranks, and ages, and recording James Nagle as the Colonel in command of the 39th PA Volunteer Regiment, 24.75 x 36 in.
A native of England, Thomas Ray (b. 1835) enlisted on July 1, 1863 as a captain, and was commissioned into Co. D of the 39th Pennsylvania Infantry, mustering out of the regiment the following month. Within the year, Ray reenlisted as a corporal and mustered into Co. F of the 7th PA Cavalry on February 23, 1864. Ray’s diary recounts long marches through the southern Confederate states. On January 15, he described building a pontoon bridge across the Duck River [TN]. Soldiers were sent out to forage for food and on January 27, the fourth day passed in which no rations were available.
On March 11, Ray recounted his group’s review by General James Wilson as well as the surrender of “2 squad of rebels.” On March 30, the diary lists “William Watkins wounded while out foraging.” Then on April 1…“marched 30 miles…skirmishing up front all day…several men killed and wounded.”
Thomas Ray described the Union Army’s march on Selma, Alabama on April 2, 1865. “The rebs were behind their works. Our division charged them and drove them out of their works and took the town. The fighting was desperate on both sides.” The next day the killed and wounded were gathered….”52 wounded and killed in our regiment.”
Leaving at midnight on April 6, Ray’s regiment scouted up the Alabama River. Returning after 26 hours the soldiers encountered tremendous rains. “We had to swim the creeks coming back.” On April 17, Ray reported “Columbus [GA] taken at 11 o’clock last night by the 4th Division. Capture equal to that of Selma.”
On April 23…“Many rumors that the war is over. Rebel prisoners are walking at their pleasure through the city.” On the last day of April, Ray writes “News received that General Johnston had surrendered to General Sherman. We believe now that the war is over.”
On May 11, Ray records the capture of Jefferson Davis as follows: “Very exciting day. Michigan Cavalry of our brigade caught Jeff Davis and his family at 2 o’clock this morning. The best horses sent from our regiment. We all had a good look at him. In pursuit of him they went about 15 miles.” The next day Ray wrote “…Jeff was sent on to Macon.”
On May 25, Ray’s diary recounts…“from Milledgeville, GA we escorted Major Williams. He is giving paroles to the Rebel soldiers. Food was still scarce in late July. 4 of the boys went out fishing. We had fish for dinner and green corn.”
Thomas Ray received orders to be relieved on July 31. On August 17, he records “Wm C. Adams private was sentenced to 5 years in jail at hard labor at Nashville for trying to take the life of Lt. McCoy.” On August 19, Ray started for Chestnut Hill near Philadelphia. His journey took him to Atlanta, Nashville, Louisville, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia. He traveled by train and steamboat, and the trip took a total of twelve days to complete. On September 12, Ray received his discharge and pay.
Outside of diary is in good condition, and the writing is legible.Condition
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