Averell, William W. (1832-1900) [William Averell Civil War diary]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06581.01 Author/Creator: Averell, William W. (1832-1900) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph manuscript Date: 1 January 1861-21 October 1861 Pagination: 1 diary ; 12.5 x 8 cm. Order a Copy
One of three of Union General Averell's Civil War-era diaries (see GLC06581.02-.03). The entries are highly detailed with a great deal of battle content, particularly cavalry actions. Also contains content related to his conversations with military and political figures, including Abraham Lincoln, that offer insight into many significant events of the war. Averell also jotted down small snatches of poetry and made several drawings. Memoranda sheets at ends have notes on them as well. Accompanied by three war-era notes from 1862 and three pressed flowers, originally contained in the diaries (see GLC06581.04).
Averell, a noted cavalry commander, saw services at Bull Run, the Peninsula, Fredericksburg, and in various mounted skirmishes. At Kelly's Ford, Va. March 1863, he is credited with winning the first significant Union cavalry victory.
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