Original Listing Description

WELCOME TO SALLY’S DIARIES: Before I get started describing this piece, I want to let you know that I have a podcast. I’ve taken some diaries from my private collection and shared them on our podcast called “Diary Discoveries.” We’ve got 48 episodes out now and you can find it on all the usual podcast venues. So if you enjoy the compelling and adventurous stories from vintage diaries then please check it out. Plus, I was asked to do a TEDx talk in Vienna about this very thing, collecting diaries, and if you are interested in this sort of thing just put into the search engines “10,000 diaries” and you should come up with it. It was a privileged and blessing to be able to share what I’ve learned in the last 36 years. And with all that said…… Up for auction today is one of the most extensive handwritten civil war diaries I’ve seen. It also came with original photos of the author and other people that I have yet to find out who they are. Please note, the photos you see above of the Rebel Prison Castle Thunder and then the author during his older years in his GAR uniform are copies, the other photos are original. I’ve had this particular diary in my collection for years now and feel it’s time to part with it. As mentioned above we have a podcast and we did use this particular diary in one of the episodes, #48, titled “Castle Thunder Prison Survivor – A Civil War Story.” So you can really get an idea of what this diary is all about on that podcast. I will try and share a bit of it here but there is way too much to this diary to do it justice in my description. The first thing I need to say about this diary is that I believe our author had another diary or perhaps just notebooks or pieces of paper that he carried with him and used during his time in the Civil War and then transcribed all of his entries into this diary after the war was over. I don’t think he had it with him as the hand writing seems continuous (if that makes sense). But I could be wrong about that and it could have been with him the whole time. He’s definitely not doing it from memory because the entries are like he’s right there when every thing is happening. But the second part of the diary, when he heads west, is like he picked up his diary once again and decided to write in the back all about his journey west as it was happening. Again, hope I’m making sense. Not only does this diary cover all three years our author fought in the Civil War (including travel through 8 different states during that time), the part that the podcast did not cover (and has not been shared anywhere) are the diary entries when our author decided to head West to the great state of Idaho in 1882 and spend the rest of his life there. So you actually get two very different yet very historical and monumental experiences in the life of our author. The diary contains 122 handwritten pages and 106 of those are about his time in the Civil War, the rest have to do with his trip West. The authors name was Gillis James McBane and he was born on December 30th, 1829 in Logansport Indiana. He claims he was the 1st white child born in Logansport. His father was Gillis McBane Sr. who was born in Scotland and came to America when just a little boy. Gillis Sr. married Elizabeth Kintner in 1921. They had 7 children, Gillis Jr. of course being one of them. His father was an Indian Agent and also owned a hotel there in Logansport. His mother died before he was 10 years old and then his father died when Gillis Jr. turned 10. He worked and lived on different peoples farms and then with his brother’s family while growing up. On July 2nd, 1862 Gillis enlisted with the 73rd Indianapolis Volunteer Infantry Regiment. I actually found a book written about the Regiment and will also include that with this auction. Gillis fought in numerous battles and writes about them all, some of which were The Battles of Stones River, Decatur, Perryville, Athens and more. Perhaps the most incredible thing when it comes to his life in the Civil war was the fact that he was taken prisoner from December 31st, 1862 while fighting in the battle of Stones River. He is taken to Richmond Virginia in box cars (terrible conditions while on the cars and traveling to Richmond) and put in one of the most notorious Rebel prisons called Castle Thunder. He is in the prison until February 3rd, 1863. When released he is taken to a Parole Camp in Annapolis Maryland and is there from February 6th to December 7th, 1863. While there he shares his experiences and talks about so many things including the 3,000 prisoners who arrive from Gettysburg. He’s a carpenter and chief cook at the camp. He starts his journey to meet up with his regiment on December 8th 1863, and finally meets back up with them on Christmas Eve, 1863, almost a year to the day of being captured. He’s taken sick and put in the hospital from May 20th, 1864 to March 6th, 1864. He sees a lot more action with his regiment and of course writes all about it. He receives a promotion to Sgt./Major January 16th, 1865. Finally the with the war coming to a close, Gillis arrives back home March 22nd, 1865, which means he’s been away from his home from August 31st, 1862 to March 22nd, 1865. On April 5th and 6th, 1865, he mentions downfall of Richmond and hearing that must have been quite the moment for Gillis after spending time in prison there. He heads to Indianapolis on April 15th, 1865 and talks about Lincoln’s assassination. This portion of the diary, this part of his incredible life, ends September 30th, 1865. Again, this is perhaps one of the most extensive Civil War (or really any) diaries I’ve read. He talks of constant marching, day and night, sheer exhaustion much of the time, staying in pre-occupied Rebel camps, bullets flying over his head, poor food rations such as only having crackers, raw bacon and coffee, the constant sound of cannonading, using the creeks and rivers for bathing and for drinking water, the dead and dying all over the battlefields, seeing shot up houses and buildings while passing through towns, men getting brain fever and other diseases, the battles themselves, etc. All of this and so much more fills the pages of Gillis’s diary. And this is BEFORE he gets captured! Then there’s his trips on the cattle cars which were so crowded with prisoners he had to stand most of the time. They also went without food much of the time not only on the way to the prison but during his time in the prison as well. His description of Richmond, the Rebel Capital is incredible as is his description of being in Castle Thunder Prison. And the news of all the different battles, not just the ones he is in but the great battles of the Civil War itself makes this diary (and his life) so very interesting. I could go on and on. Finally there’s the trip west. He boards a train, leaving Logansport Indiana on June 21st, 1882. He also takes ferry’s and steamers on this trip until he finally arrives in Walla Walla Washington on July 11th, 1882 and this is where this portion of the diary ends. Gillis spent the winter in Walla Walla and then in the spring moves to Moscow Idaho. He took a piece of land on Potlach Creek and lived there in Moscow the rest of his life until he passed away in 1914. I want to share a few example entries but it’s only the tip of the iceberg and I will also share a few entries from his trip west. And please note, these are only partial excerpts that I’ve picked out. I’ve left out so much because it would make this description way too long (as it already is). In fact, I did type up the entire diary (just the Civil War part) and it was 30 pages of typed script. (I am keeping my typed up manuscripts). He pretty much writes every day in the beginning and then gradually starts skipping days here and there, but really is pretty faithful with his entries. When you see the --------- between the quotes below, know that there are more entries that aren’t shared here. And if you need more examples of his entries let me know and I can get them to you. And with all that said…... 1862 “July 21st, Journal of Camp Life: “I enlisted in the service of the USA in Logansport and got a leave of absence to go out to my work near Monticello.” “Saturday, 26th, Returned to Logansport and home.” “Tuesday 29th, Went to Logan. Stayed all night at D. S. P.” “Wednesday 30th, Took the train 8 A.M. for South Bend. Had a huge time on the cars, some being highly spirited from the excessive use of ardent spirits. Arrived in Camp Rose 10 P.M. We being first squad in camp, found supper ready, drew our blankets and looked for a soft place on the ground to rest our weary limbs.” “Thursday August 2nd, Found the company in various circumstances. Those that were high spirited from the use of Whiskey the day previous was low spirited now.” “Thursday August 21st, The 73rd Regt. left Camp Rose for the land of Dixie and was escorted to the depo by the citizens and left amidst cheers and flags. Arrived at Indianapolis 11 P.M. and ordered to Louisville Ky.” Arrived at Jeffersonville 10 A.M. Laid over until 3 P.M. and crossed the river and marched through the principal streets of Louisville. The dust raised in such clouds that we could hardly distinguished each other. Through the dense fog of dust we could discern the form of many ladies greeting us with cheers. We went into camp one mile south of Louisville.” “Sunday August 31st, At 10 A.M. we arrived at Ky River and rested till 12 m. and found we was in the wrong pew as Curby Smith had crossed the river with 30,000 and was advancing on us and commenced cannonading our retreat. At 2 o’clock P.M. we then seen a heavy fog of dust raising to our left and heading us off and supposing then to be the enemy we formed a line of battle to make a gallant charge but when they arrived it was the Pa cavary (Cavalry) come to our aid. At 4 P.M. commenced raining. Myself, L. Smith, Wm. Jack and E. Powel being unwell stopped for the night in a barn.” (When he talks about Curby Smith I think he means the Confederate General E. Kirby Smith who lead the advance in the Kentucky campaign 1862.) “Friday morn. October 3rd, Up at 4 A.M. After laying all night in the rain and no shelter took up our line of march. At 7 A.M. went through Mt. Washington occupied the day previous by Rebs. Then crossed Salt River on rail bridge as the Rebs burnt the bridge. We went through cornfield and woods.” “Saturday October 4th, We again started for Bardstown 15 miles distant. We went 8 miles in a forward direction then flanked of past Fairfield. We marched very fast and it raining at 4 P.M. The cavalry skirmished in our advance we camped at 9 P.M. in sight Bardstown.” “Sunday October 5th, Got breakfast which consisted of one cracker and raw bacon then went into town. Poor houses captured 100 sick Rebs in hospital and some other prisoners.” “Friday October 10th, As I staid up until midnight night cooking I had battercakes for breakfast. We marched at 6 A.M. Went through the battlefield. The ground was covered with the dead. The hospitals was all full of dead and dying. We then marched in line of battle and heavy firing on our right and left. Went into camp at 2 P.M. Rain all afternoon. Co. “G” went out on picket. I took charge of the outside post of Co. “G”. We built rail pen and covered with fodder. I laid down and tried to sleep, too cool and wet.” “Saturday October 11th, It rained all night. Made coffee. The boys had drank their coffee but me. I had my coat off drying at the fire when Morgan and his men came in yelling and firing upon us like drunken Indians. I had to loose my coffee. We retreated back to camp and formed a line of battle. We opened fire on them with artillery and sent them back with some riders less we moved forward towards Harrodsburg scouting the country as we went taking many prisoners. Got to Harrodsburg at 4 P.M. Laid in town till dark. Moved 1 mile.” “Sunday October 12th, I got up early and had nothing to eat for breakfast. We marched at 9 A.M. Come upon the enemy. Formed line battle and marched all day in that position. We skirmished all day with the musketry and artillery. Our Regt. being in advance, returned back to the division to draw rations at night.” “Friday November 7th, In line and marched at 5 A.M. Chilly weather. Crossed all day the first state line 12 M. Snowed all day. The first house that represented the state of Tennessee had no glass in the windows but a darkey’s head in the place of glass (black glass). Hilly country and poor soil. Cold.” “Saturday November 8th, The brigade moved out at 1 P.M. to surprise the enemy at Gallatin Tenn. Had a slight skirmish. The Rebs fled. We camped three miles south of town on the bank of the C. River.” “Thursday December 4th, With orders to shoulder guns and knapsacks to go on grand review. General Rosecrans was present and told the boys they needed shoes. He wanted us to eat well, sleep well and fight well.” “Thursday December 25th, Christmas morn. In line at 7 A.M. to go foragin. March several miles before we met the enemy’s picket. We drove them several miles before us. Company “G” spent the day skirmishing with the enemy. Some killed and wounded in the 51st Regt. Got back to camp 9 P.M. Order to move at 6 A.M. in morn.” “Friday December 26th, In line and commenced moving toward Murfreesboro. I got two letters, one from S. E. S. and H. M. commenced raining and I no coat or blanket. The enemy made a stand at La Vergne. About 50 of our men left on the field dead. We skirmished all day through the rain and camped 1 ½ miles from La Vergne and no tents but take the rain. We camped 9 P.M. I an orderly Vaness went for an oil cloth to sleep under.” “Saturday December 27th, Wet and cold. The Rebs opened out with artillery. We camped on the yesterday’s battle ground. While I now write, 3 or 4 of the enemy shells pass over my head. We now, 11 A.M., open on them with artillery. Some wounded come to the rear. It rains. Co. “G” and “B” is skirmishers. We now advance. Skirmished all day in the rain and I no coat. Took 40 or 50 prisoners. In evening we pushed the enemy so they lost hats and blankets. I picked up a hat and blanket (Rebs). Go in camp at dusk. Co. “G”, “B”, and “E” goes on picket. Ceased raining and turns cool. The boys go for cotton to sleep on. We are relieved from picket 1 A.M.” “Sunday December 28th, Co. “G”, “B” and “E” goes on picket again and while I note this the roar of musketry is heard all around. I and E. Powell is on one post on the bank of Stewards Creek. We are relieved at 1 P.M. Go back to camp. Co. “G” and the 51st volunteered to cross the river and go into the Rebel camp. The Rebs made their appearance but repout (report?) of reach. We captured wagon load, sabers and guns and went back.” “Monday December 29th, The roar of musketry has commenced. We move our line forward at 5 A.M. The skirmishers are in motion. Co. “G” and “B” is ordered forward again on the skirmish line. Skirmished all day. The balls flew as thick as bees and at dusk we advanced cross the river. Drive the enemy from the timber throng cornfield into wheat field. The flask of guns reminded me of lightening bugs and the Minnie balls, mosquitoes. We held the line till 12 M. night then fell back and recrossed the river. We got in quite a mess with the Rebs. The killed and wounded is not known. We camped on the bank of S. River.” “Tuesday December 30th, Morn at 3 A.M. Rained all night. As soon as day begins to dawn the roar of cannon and musketry commences. Co. “G” and “B” again on the line. A brisk cannonading kept up all day to cover the prisoners. Great many killed. The Rebel shells come over our heads. “Wednesday December 31st, Breakfast over by 4 A.M. Some up all night, too cold to sleep. Cannonading commenced daylight. Spitting snow. The battle commenced at 6 A.M. and lasted all day. Our Regt. got into a regular Shiloh fight about 12 M. fought well and repulsed the enemy then was flanked and forced back at a heavy slaughter on both sides. Great many killed and wounded. Killed Capt. Doil Co. “H”, J. Fiddler, E. Powell, Wm. McDonough, J. Kies, Wm. Etnier. A number out of Co. “G” wounded while falling back. I was surrounded and captured and taken to the rear through the battle field which was three miles back. It was covered with the wounded and dead and dying. The enemy captured 1,000 of us and took us to Murfreesboro and paroled us. However, the battle raged furiously on the 2nd inst. Then General Rosecrans fought them back over the same ground. The 3rd inst we had 72 pieces artillery in position and killed 1800 in one hour and 40 minutes. A decided victory.” 1863 “Thursday January 1st, Cold and frosty this morn. Up at night. No place to sleep. Secesh took my coat, ruber (rubber) and blanket, canteen. Took all from me and give me no grub. We took corn for fuel. Poor fare. The battle rages. The wounded Rebs come in by wagon loads. I with the rest of prisoners was put in the courthouse yard. At night formed line and drove to another lot. At 1 A.M. draw pint flower (flour?) and nothing to cook with.” “Thursday January 8th, This morn finds us in Atlanta. We march ¾ mile out from town and drew ½ loaf bread and put in the day hunting graybacks at 8 P.M. Took the train toward Chattanooga. Lay at Dalton all day. I went to the spring for water, found 3 pretty girls. Sung songs for me. Secesh songs.” “Friday January 9th, Lay all day here. Out of rations. I bought a pie, 50 cents. The boys go for the rebs sugar.” “January 10th, This morn finds us in Dalton in an old hog car. Rained all night. This morn at 8 A.M. we leave for Knoxville Tenn. Travel all day and all night. The boys sing and try to be merry, sometimes fight and quarrel. Go at a snail’s gallop. Go all night. Crowded so we cannot lay down, no sleep, no grub. So it goes with us.” “Friday January 16th, Still finds us traveling slow, 30 miles from Richmond. Had one fight in my car last night. Rained all night. 11 A.M. we are now layin 13 miles from town waiting other troops to leave before we enter town. We arrive in Richmond 3 P.M. March up Main Street and stood at rinks till they find some place to put us. 6 P.M. now we go into old tobacco factory (Castle Thunder). Plenty tobacco. Draw rations, ½ loaf bread, little beef, mess of. In squads of 20. Cold.” “Saturday January 17th, This morn finds me on the 2nd floor. Sleep pretty well. I feel unwell. The day is spend gaming. I have been playing checkers through the window with my nose. At 5 P.M. draw our rations, ½ loaf bred spoilt meet (meat). Evening quite cool.” “Sunday January 18th, Still in prison playing checkers through the window. It’s Sunday and none of us going to church. We draw our rations as before. Men steeling each other’s haversacks. Our rations only ¼ ration.” “Sunday February 1st, Again a disappointed set of men. Instead of being on our way to Fortress Monroe we are in the prison. We have a general cleaning up the floor as though we was going to leave soon. I believe I shant go to church today.” “Monday February 2nd, It moderated. Look like Indian summer. We are still in same place. Reports say we leave at 3 in the morn. Joyful times if so.” “Tuesday February 3rd, Up all night. At 2 A.M. fell in line, 750 march out in the street and stood in ranks till 6 A.M. And it snowing and cold. Took the train at 7 A.M. Cross J. River bridge, ¾ mile cross and 40 feet high. Arrived at Petersburg 2 P.M. (22 m) took cars for City Point (10 miles). I seen Water Birch with red buds. Arrived City Point 4 P.M. The Flag of Truce Steamer New York there with Stars and Stripes flying. We gave three cheers. Took the boat for Fortress Monroe. Anchored 40 miles from City Point.” “Wednesday February 4th, Finds us at anchor 40 or 50 miles from City Point. At 6 we set sail for Fortress Monroe. We arrive at Fortress Monroe 10 A.M. Laid at anchor till 5 P.M. We pass the blockade. The Monitor on picket. I see the two large guns in the U. S. A. The Lincoln and Union. The bay full of ships. At 5 we raised anchor for Annapolis Md. Rough sea. Some sick. Travel all night.” I must stop here and to give you an idea about how much is left for this portion of the diary, I’m only on page 9 (of my typed manuscript) out of the 30 pages. As far as the written pages I’m not even half way through the diary. I want to now get to his trip West. I’ve quoted most of this part of the diary, but there are a few entries that I haven’t to try and save space here. JOURNEY WESTWARD 1882 “June 21st, Leave Logan 7 A.M. Arrive in Terre Haute 12:15 P.M. Dined in depot. Leave Terre Haute 2:50 P.M. Pass Martinsville 4 P.M. and It raining. Some harvesting, some planting corn. Arrive at St. Louis 8 ½ P.M. Took train 9 P.M. 3 trunks missing, 2 of Fry’s and my own. Arrive at C. B. & Q. crossing near Monmouth 4 A.M.” “Friday June 24th, Missing trunks arrived. We cross Mo. River to Omaha. Laid in our supplies. Come back to transfer depot at C. B. Quite warm. Took emigrant train. Was assorted according to nationality. Leave Omaha 5 P.M. Travel all night.” “Sunday June 25th, Travel all at 5 A.M. Pass through Clarks. Quite storm pass over and terrible cyclone pass in front of the engine and took everything in its way. Stop at Grand Island 5:45 A.M. Took breakfast. Clear off quite a nice day. We pass Kearney Junction 12 M. See quite a number dug outs and sod houses. Level prairie. 2 P.M. Rev. Galiger preached on train from 2nd Corn. 5th Chap and later clause 20th verse. In sight N. Plat River. All day cross N. Plat. 58:45 P.M. Arrive in N. Plat City. 6 P.M. lay here 20 minutes for supper. The river bank full.” “Monday June 26th, Travel all night. Stop at Sidney 5 A.M. to breakfast. Cool and pleasant. Altitude 3,000 feet. Pass Antelope, a place noted for quantity antelope. At 9 ½ A.M. we are passing between Bushnell and Pine Bluff. The line Nebraska and Wyoming T. (Territory). Prairie dogs and gofers are numerous. Passengers amuse themselves trying to kill them. We stop at Cheyenne (Chian) 2 P.M. in view of Black Hills, 50 miles of and Pikes Peak. The grade so heavy they put 2 engines on. Cheyenne capital of Wyoming. 6,000 inhabitants and 6041 feet elevation situated on broad plain with Crow Creek around two sides. From Cheyenne to Sherman is 100 feet elevation to the mile. Sherman is 8242 feet elevation. Black Hills in view to the N.W. and snow caped Mts. to the S. W. Made a stop at Thornburgh. The T. Hotel quite a building. Specimen of the products of the country, such as stuffed bear, deer, elk, antelope, lynx, swift grouse, pelican &c.” “Tuesday June 27th, We cross N. Plat River 7 A.M. and come into Fort Fred Steel to the south, 4 miles is hog back. Mt. Runs parallel with road 15 miles and is from 1 to 200 feet high. We see a herd antelope. L. Smith shot at them but no kill. Come to Rawlins 9:15 A.M. Lay here 3 hours. Quite a town for a destitute country. Leave 11 A.M. Pass the division of the continent or the summit of the Rocky Mts. At 1 P.M. see a herd of antelope on the hill. Bitter Creek runs parallel with road. 60 miles and empty in Green River. Arrive at Green River 8 P.M. Travel all night at 5 A.M. we arrive at the city of Evanston.” “Wednesday June 28th, Utah. Nice clear morn. Snow caped Mts. in view . We are now entering Utah Territory. We stop at Echo 10 A.M. In Echo valley and by Echo Creek. We cross Echo Creek 36 times in 26 miles. In a narrow canyon the rocky hill range from 2 to 500 feet high. Formed of red sand stone. Here we view the Pulpit Rock said to be the place where Brigham Young preached his first sermon to the Mormon’s. We pass on to Weber River where Chalk Creek, Silver and Echo Creeks put into W. River. Here some of the hills are composed of a chalky substance and of various colors. Weber affords excellent territory. Here we pass to 1000 mile. Tree designated by a sign board, 1000 miles from Omaha. Then we pass the Devils Slide or Serrated Rocks, from 50 to 100 feet high and 10 feet apart. Stone endwise run from base to top Mt. Pass through 2 tunnels. Follow this narrow canyon 40 miles. The Wasatch Mts. loom up on our left and in front covered with snow. The natives makin hay out of Alfalfa. The Weber River Canyon runs parallel with river. We arrive at Ogden 2:10 P.M. Transferred to other quarters. Pull out 3 ½ P.M. Come to Salt Lake. Travel several miles on the lake shore. Cross Bear River at Corinne. Game in abundance and ground all covered with alkali. Up, up, up we go with 3 powerful engines puffing and tugging, carrying us up to Promontory. At 7:10 P.M. where the last tie and last rail was laid and last spike driven that connects the east and west by rail.” “Saturday July 1st, Stop at Truckee City 12 ½ A.M. Pass through snow shed 48 miles long, also 2 tunnels. 8 A.M. breakfast at Blue Canyon. Here we hug around the side of Mts. while on the other side several hundred feet below us. We are at Shady Run. We pass around the Sierra Nevada Mts. then the great American Canyon. At this point the American River is compressed between two walls 2000 feet high. There we pass Colfax 10 A.M. Then Nevada, N. E. Mills, Applegate, Clipper Gap, Auburn. 11:30 A.M. New Castle. 12 M. pass Pino, Rocklin 1 P.M. dine. Arrive at Sacramento 2 ½ P.M. Fruit in abundance and confusion. Then Tremont, Dixon, Batavia, Elmira. From there Benicia. 9 ½ P.M. took ferry boat across the strait or bay, carrying 48 cars and 2 engines at one load from her back to Sacramento. One sea of fruit and grain.” “Sunday July 2nd, Finds at Oakland. Took ferry boat to San Francisco at 7 A.M. 2 miles across. Put up at the Montgomery House. Noisy town.” “Monday July 3rd, At Montgomery Hotel. The day spent in sight seeing. First to Woodward Garden, at museum and theatre. At night went to theater. See Uncle Tom’s Cabin play.” ‘ “Tuesday July 4th, At Montgomery Hotel. Everything decorated with flags. Quite street parade. All jubilant and patriotic. Several fires during the day.” “Thursday July 6th, At Montgomery House. At 9 A.M. all took steamer Columbia for Portland. All went well. All on deck taking in the sights. We see several whale and a lot of sea lions and fur seals. Also black fish 25 feet long. All went well until afternoon when sea arose and all on board sung New York except myself.” “Friday July 7th, All on board of steamer but very few up for breakfast. All in their bunks sick enough. I see whale and black fish. Sea ruff all day, continues into night.” “Saturday July 8th, On steamer. Sea not quite so rough but slim attendance at table. The sick made their appearance in evening 4 P.M. Crossed the barr at mouth Columbia River. Landed at Astoria few minutes. Sail all night.” “Sunday July 9th, Found us at two o’clock at the wharf at Portland. I and Scot strolled up through town till breakfast. We stop at Richmond House. Fry, Smith and myself crossed Willamette into East Portland to cemetery and to woods. Got shaved at Richmond Hotel.” “Monday July 10th, At Richmond Hotel. At 9 A.M. took Steamer R. R. Thompson down the W. River 12 miles to Columbia River. Mt. Hood in full view. Also Mt. St. Helena both covered with snow. However we may say Hood is visible 150 miles and is 17,000 feet high. We see the three twin sisters. Arrive at Cascade 2 P.M. Took train upriver at 3 P.M. Part time on trestle work over the river. The river lined with fishermen both whites and Indians. One Paten (?) trap caught 40,000 worth fish this season. We run all night.” “Tuesday July 11th, This morn finds us on train. Arrive Walla Walla 4 A.M. Rev. N. Evans comes on train and had us recheck for Huntsville as he now lives there. Arrive at Huntsville 6 A.M. Put up at Evans House. Afternoon went fishing. Caught mess mountain trout.” Well there you have it. As far as the condition of the diary and the photos the diary measures about 3 3/4” x 6” and the front cover is almost off but just attached by a tiny thread. The back cover is still attached and the binding is good along with the pages. The photos are in good shape. One is a tintype showing Gillis and another woman but I have no idea who she is or the children in the other photos.

Note: This item has been sold and is no longer available. This page serves as a historical price reference for Civil War collectors and appraisers.