Kennedy, Ronald A. (fl.1862-1865) [Diary of Ronald A. Kennedy of the Vermont Infantry, November 9, 1862-August 13, 1863]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03954.01 Author/Creator: Kennedy, Ronald A. (fl.1862-1865) Place Written: [various places] Type: Diary Date: 1862-1863 Pagination: 140 pp. ; cm. Order a Copy
One diary dated November 9,1862-August 13,1863, is signed, written largely in pencil. Includes key battle material in the entry for 13 December, which most likely refers to the Battle of Fredericksburg. Also describes the Battle of Chancellorsville, particularly crossing the Rappahannock River on 28 April, "hard fighting" on 30 April-3 May, and a particularly extensive and detailed entry on 4 May. Also describes the Battle of Gettysburg, especially in the entries for 2-3 July, in which he mentions repeated charges from the Confederate forces which were repelled by the Union forces each time.
Ronald A. Kennedy enlisted in June 1861 in Vermont and was mustered into I Company of the 3rd Vermont Infantry in July of that year. In February 1865 he was commissioned into the Vermont 5th Infantry and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
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