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Sylvenus A. Fay Civil War diary

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 16708

Content Description

Sylvenus A. Fay diary recounting the daily events of camp life and fighting, his capture by Confederates during the Battle of Plymouth, North Carolina and waiting for an exchange for his freedom with hundreds of Union Officers. Lieutenant Fay was the commanding officer of Company F, 85th New York Infantry. In January 1864, the 85th Infantry was ordered to Plymouth NC, where in April, almost the entire regiment was captured.

There is significant...
information in the diary about how officers who were captured were often exchanged for officers in the Confederacy.

See more

Dates

  • Creation: 1864

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use. Photocopies are recommended since the diary is fragile.

Conditions Governing Use

Handle with care--diary is in fragile condition. Consider using enlarged photocopies instead.

Biographical / Historical

Lieutenant Sylvenus A. Fay, was the commanding officer of Company F, 85th New York Infantry. In January 1864, the 85th Infantry was ordered to Plymouth NC, where in April, it was obliged to surrender to a superior force of the enemy, almost the entire regiment being captured. Lieutenant Fay was one of the men captured but survived his captivity.He was paroled on December 10, 1864 at Charleston, South Carolina.

Extent

0.010 Cubic Feet (3 folders) : 2 letter size and one legal size

Language of Materials

English

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