Gottshall, Samuel G. (1841-1902) [Diary of Samuel G. Gottshall] [Incomplete]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04564.05 Author/Creator: Gottshall, Samuel G. (1841-1902) Place Written: [various] Type: Diary Date: 1864 Pagination: 1 v. : 184 p. ; 15.3 x 8 cm. Order a Copy
Leather bound manuscript signed. First entry is not logged down until 18 February 1864. On 25 March, he reports that General Ulysses Grant is visiting. Reports on the battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania. Reports of heavy fighting from May through the 24th, right when his enlistment expired. On 5 May, he relates how "we crossed the Rabidan 1 p.m. fight commenced on plank road 11 p.m." On 6 May he reports, "fighting heavy," then a few hours later "still heavy fighting." Writes on 11 May that Company A is reported to have "suffered severely in loss… a regular engagement took place in our left. The rebels massed all their forces to turn out left. 7 a.m. tremendous fighting. 8 a.m. our men charged the enemy's works gained tow lines of battle it commenced raining…" On 3 June he left for Washington, then home to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. On 8 June he states "heavy fighting is still goin on," and on the 9th the battle is renewed.
Gottshall enlisted 24 July at the age of 19, listing his occupation as "plasterer." Served in the Pennsylvania 19th Volunteer Cavalry. Contacted measles while on march and spent December-January 1863 in a Washington hospital with complications resulting a medical discharge 19 January 1863. Re-enlisted 22 July 1863, returning to the 19th PA Cavalry until he was mustered out 6 June 1865. Received a pension due to war illnesses.
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