Manuscript Database
Creator/Title
Southard, Leonard A., ca. 1844-1862. Diary, 1861-1862. 1 vol.
Call No.
Mss. A S726a vault
Content
A daily diary kept by Pvt. Leonard A. Southard, a soldier who fought for the Union in the 42nd Ohio Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. He enlisted in the voluntary regiment, commanded by James A. Garfield and Lionel A. Sheldon, in September 1861. The diary describes daily events concerning the regiment, including weather conditions, work assignments and occasional encounters with rebel forces. Much of 1862 was spent in Kentucky. The Battle of Middle Creek and the Cumberland Gap Campaign are briefly mentioned.