Diary is an autograph manuscript signed, neatly written in pencil, covering 1 January 1862-31 December 1862. Writes about the battle being raged at Fort Donelson in his entry of 15 February, reporting that the "citizens are in a terrible state of excitement in regard to the battle now raging at Fort Donelson. The news so far is favorable to the success of the Union forces & no doubt is entertained as to the ultimate result of the contest. This is regarded as the most important battle which has occurred during the war. The position itself is very important one." Adds in the entry for 16 February that "[i]t is reported tonight that Ft. Donelson has surrendered." He discusses the Battle of Shiloh in his entries for 6-9 April, describing in detail the fighting "rag[ing] terribly" and the "shocking sights" he beheld on the battlefield. Discusses the siege of Corinth at some length in his entries for late April, describing how his men helped cut off rebel access to the town.