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     MANUSCRIPTS and ARCHIVAL MATERIAL

John McKnight Brayton diary

 Unprocessed Material
Identifier: ViU-2017-0102

Content Description

Diary kept while serving with the United States Christian Commission in devastated Richmond, Va. Brayton's job included supplying wounded soldiers with Bibles, crutches, paper, food, and other necessities, detailed on two pages later in his diary, and taking down soldiers' letters to their family members: 17 of these are written at the back on 19 pages. Eighteen pages written about Brayton's "Trip to Richmond," include numerous descriptions of the scenery as his ship neared the former Confederate capital, including wrecks of the CSS privateer Florida, and the ram Atlanta, and incidents when landing at City Point. Many names and places are documented throughout, including Rebel General Winder, Provost Marshal General M. R. Patrick, Castle Thunder Prison, Hollywood Cemetery, and Shockoe Hill Cemetery.

Acquisition Type

Purchase

Provenance

Purchased from Ian Brabner

Restrictions Apply

No

Dates

  • Creation: 1865-04 - 1865-05

Extent

0.03 Cubic Feet

Inventory

1 volume