Wells, Hiram C. (fl. 1825-1865) [Collection of Hiram C. Wells]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03131.15 Author/Creator: Wells, Hiram C. (fl. 1825-1865) Place Written: [various places] Type: Manuscript Date: 1847-1912 Pagination: 101 items Order a Copy
The collection includes his 1863 diary, military papers and personal and legal papers (mostly pre and post-war). Gives good view of life in cavalry with skirmishes, scouts, etc. Regiment took part in siege of Knoxville. Wells was later captured, imprisoned at Andersonville, and on the Sultana when it exploded, subjects covered in manuscript written in 1880s (includes typed transcript). The diary is approximately 106 pages and spans over the year 1863.
Enlisted on 10 November 1862 at Almont, Michigan as a private. On 20 January 1863 he mustered into "E" Co. MI 8th Cavalry. He was discharged on 9 June 1865 at Detroit, Michigan. Throughout the war he was listed as POW on 4 August 1864 in Macon, Georgia, exchanged on 22 April 1865 in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and survived an explosion on 27 April 1865 on the steamer "Sultana," in Memphis, Tennessee.
Some transcripts available.
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