Hunt, Henry Jackson (1819-1889) [Journal of General Henry Jackson Hunt]
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02382.205 Author/Creator: Hunt, Henry Jackson (1819-1889) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph manuscript signed Date: 1864-1866 Pagination: 1 v. : 67 p. ; 12.2 x 8.2 cm. Order a Copy
First third of this journal is war date and primarily war-related: lists of corps, artillery returns, morning reports, etc. through 1865. Probably created principally in Virginia in 1864 and early 1865 (the Army of the Potomac was then engaged in operations against Petersburg). Second third of content dates to Hunt's postwar military career. There are a number of blank pages in the last third of book, interrupted by a 2-page spread of expenses and investments with the note "All the above, were expended during the War - because I did not have my proper rank…Had I recd my rank of Maj General with my cerf. Command I would have saved all this - HJH". The last several pages of the book contain 1864-1865 accounts. Contains several addresses, including that of Colonel Charles Shiels Wainwright (probably in his hand). Written in ink and pencil. Bound in leather.
Selected excerpts:
[Nov 12, 1864:] "Saw Genl Meade respecting a reorganization of the Art. In Genl Humphreys tent and presence…Genl Meade directed that the Artillery should be reordered as follows…."
[Nov 13, 1865:] "Handed in my report of His Campaign to him. 1st with Col Abbots reports to July 31. And also to Oct 31."
[Jan 12, 1864:] "Paid Major Whittier of Genl Wrights staff…."
[January 10, 1865] "Artillery Army of the Potomac…" Lists captains, organization of troops, number of men, etc.
[March 1, 1865 morning report Army of the Potomac:] Lists officers, organization of troops, number of troops, etc. "Before Petersburg, Va. / Includes Siege Train"
[March 15, 1865] "Artillery as arranged for the Campaign…" Lists officers, "R.C", etc.
[March 15, 1865] "Artillery Centered…" Lists the names of the men, "R.C", etc.
[March 21, 1866:] "Ask Genl Sanborn to send to Gray & Swift at Fort Arbuckle some blanks for Contract with Negros. Reports (Swift) that some two months ago, as is said an Indian Sheriff whipped a Negro For carrying arms. Does not know if this report is true. Since the 'status' of the negro has been [known?] in the nation, the indian law on the subject has not been executed - The indians submitting and accepting. No disp[illegible] [illegible phrase] Genl Sanborns circular."
[undated entry, Washington, D.C.] Lists a number of individuals, including a senator and congressman. Note at bottom of entry reads "Cherokee Indian Regts Bounty pay to outsiders who have their discharges…."
[Nov 5, 1865] "Menu" "See about Hay trains. Quarters at Van Buren. Quarters at Cla[illegible] & Discipline of that court - [struck: Van Buren [illegible]] …"
[August 10, 1865] "John Extracts note for 2200$ at 7. per. cent date July 15, 1857 Interest paid regularly [draw] to [July] 15, 1864 154 per [au]
[Dec 1, 1865?] Selected with Col Craig for [illegible] to [date] ser[vices] & [works] [illegible] for ammunition bought in [Washington] - Bal due [illegible] [struck: paid] on 10$ given [Wallace] $4 …" Various calculations are listed.
[March 2, 1865] Received from John Thomas for safe keeping three hundred dollars. - $300.00"
[April 15, 1865] Recd from John Thomas in addition to the above one hundred dollars…"
Hunt served as Chief of Artillery for the Army of the Potomac during the Civil War.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.