Civil War-era diary of Lottie A. Howe, a young woman teacher from Billerica, Massachusetts, kept from 1857 through 1865, 6.75 x 7.75, with fascinating content expressing her feelings on Union meetings, dressmaking, celebrations, deaths, weddings, and teaching. Some notable entries:
July 7, 1863: "Heard of Vicksburg's surrender before we arrived…the war news now are very encouraging but so terrible is the sacrifice of life, for liberty! Thousands slain. Grand victory on the Potomac! Vicksburg surrendered! Probably Port-Hudson will go next and then Brother Jamie can come home."
July 8, 1863: "Very warm. Thermometer 84 in the shade…we looked over all the daguerreotypes in the house."
July 12, 1863: "George got a carriage and we went to a military funeral at the Epis.—a son of Rev. Mr. Stone, former pastor of the church killed in battle; after which we four rode to Readville camp—got there in time to see the dress parade of the Negro Regiment 55th…They seem to be very well drilled."
July 15th, 1863: "Today they commenced drafting in town. Eighty one men have each paid 100 dollars so that in case some of them are drafted they can help each other pay the $200 required in case they don't wish to go…In New York, Boston, and Concord, there have been mob riots—gotten up by those liable for conscription and opposed to the measure—hope they have no such scenes here."
July 4, 1865: "The people of Billerica had quite a celebration for the returned soldiers…there was quite a long procession of citizens-fire engine company returned soldiers…Although I represented a state—Kansas, I marched with my school as the children were so small." In fine condition.
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