Wilson, William L. (1843-1900) [Diary of William L. Wilson, B company, 12th regiment, Virginia, cavalry]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00653.17 Author/Creator: Wilson, William L. (1843-1900) Place Written: [various places] Type: Diary Date: 1 January 1865 - 9 April 1865 Pagination: 1 v. : 150 p. ; 14.5 x 9.5 cm Order a Copy
Diary of a Confederate private in the 12th Virginia cavalry which includes detailed entries on the Appomattox campaign leading up to General Robert E. Lee's surrender. Begins entries for 1865 by saying that the end of the war seems farther away than ever. Entries for early January describe the movements of his regiment through the Alleghany Mountains, Cheat Mountain, and the Tygarts Valley in Virginia. Reports a skirmish with Union forces near Beverly, West Virginia, 9 January. Often mentions the arduous journey, the weather, prisoners of war, plunder, and his horses. On 28 January he reports that Brigadier General Henry B. Davidson has taken command of the brigade. On 3 February he informs that they are crossing the Blue Ridge Mountains to East Virginia. Records his movements and lodgings for each day. On 3 March he mentions that Union General Philip H. Sheridan is on a raid through Staunton, Virginia and has captured Confederate General Jubel Early's forces near Waynesborough. On 31 March he announces they have heard of the siege of Petersburg and that Richmond is to be evacuated. Expresses dismay, "Virginia, the bulwark of the South is lost . . . Where shall we turn our fugitive footsteps? What city of refuge shall open its hospitable gates for us?" On 5 April he describes crossing the Appomattox River and meeting a large wagon train. The Federal forces were advancing on the train and when this was found out, a stampede ensued among the Confederate forces. Gives a comprehensive account of each day from 4 April - 9 April. Discusses fighting at Farmville. In his entry for 9 April he dismally recounts the surrender of Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia. Still holds out a chance of hope for the Confederacy. Ends the daily entries by gloriously praising the Confederate army. The rest of the diary is filled with expense records and notes on historical events of importance like the Magna Carta, Edict of Nantz, and a list of the kings of England. He closes by rewriting Lee's General Order no. 9 in which he tries to imitate Lee's signature.
After the war, Wilson served as a representative in Congress from West Virginia. He was also the Postmaster General under President Grover Cleveland and President of Washington and Lee College.
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