Civil War Archive Of George S. Walker / Diaries, Discharges, Photos, Knife, Etc.
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:150176 | Modified Item: No |
| Country/Region of Manufacture: United States |
George S. Walker ( 1843-1910 ) enlisted in the Union Army in 1861 but was discharged on July 30
having "enlisted by false representative". He re-enlisted and served in Company H, 93rd PennsylvaniaVolunteers. Because of severe diarrhea he was discharged in March 1863. After recovery he enlisted
in Co. K, 187th Pa. Vol. Infantry. He was wounded twice at Fair Oaks on June 18, 1864. His last day of service was August 3, 1865.
This archive consists of 9 diaries, 33 letters sent to... friends and 11 sent to him ( one letter describes
seeing Lincoln being carried from Fords Theater across the street ), a tintype & two cabinet photos of Walker, seven discharge papers, a certificate of appointment to 2nd Lt., pension papers and other papers, sunglasses in a case, a combination knife, fork, spoon, & corkscrew with Walker's name, and two small pieces of "Johnny Reb's" coat.
Most of the diaries' content is of the daily life of war. Food, clothes, & weather are described in detail of the terrible conditions the men experienced. Rain & mud, snow & cold are common themes. Confrontations with the rebels are highlights especially the battle where he was wounded and Yorktown previously. He was arrested on July 4, 1864 for being AWOL but was released on the 8th. Both orders are included. Walker sometimes draws patriotic symbols and decorative lettering for the dates. He writes both in pencil and pen and it is sometimes difficult to read. The letters often duplicate the diary content and are easier to read.
Condition varies as would be expected in war. Some covers are worn or torn and a few pages are missing. The letters are in very good condition as are most the other papers. The knife is also in very good condition but comes apart easily.
Included are about 18 pages of brief notes I took of the diaries. That was a major investment of time.
Please feel free to ask questions and I will try to answer them as best I can.
having "enlisted by false representative". He re-enlisted and served in Company H, 93rd PennsylvaniaVolunteers. Because of severe diarrhea he was discharged in March 1863. After recovery he enlisted
in Co. K, 187th Pa. Vol. Infantry. He was wounded twice at Fair Oaks on June 18, 1864. His last day of service was August 3, 1865.
This archive consists of 9 diaries, 33 letters sent to... friends and 11 sent to him ( one letter describes
seeing Lincoln being carried from Fords Theater across the street ), a tintype & two cabinet photos of Walker, seven discharge papers, a certificate of appointment to 2nd Lt., pension papers and other papers, sunglasses in a case, a combination knife, fork, spoon, & corkscrew with Walker's name, and two small pieces of "Johnny Reb's" coat.
Most of the diaries' content is of the daily life of war. Food, clothes, & weather are described in detail of the terrible conditions the men experienced. Rain & mud, snow & cold are common themes. Confrontations with the rebels are highlights especially the battle where he was wounded and Yorktown previously. He was arrested on July 4, 1864 for being AWOL but was released on the 8th. Both orders are included. Walker sometimes draws patriotic symbols and decorative lettering for the dates. He writes both in pencil and pen and it is sometimes difficult to read. The letters often duplicate the diary content and are easier to read.
Condition varies as would be expected in war. Some covers are worn or torn and a few pages are missing. The letters are in very good condition as are most the other papers. The knife is also in very good condition but comes apart easily.
Included are about 18 pages of brief notes I took of the diaries. That was a major investment of time.
Please feel free to ask questions and I will try to answer them as best I can.
