American Historical Ephemera & Photography

3 1/4 x 6 in. leather bound pocket diary (wear to leather surface especially at spine, missing closure loop, some dampstaining to pages), inscribed four times with the name Lieut. Joseph McKnight, 110th OVI. 45pp feature writing in McKnight's hand, with entries spanning 1 January 1864 - 11 May 1865, and 6 pages of notes in the "Memoranda" section of the diary including lists detailing ordnance stores. 

McKnight's journal entries cover, among other events, recruiting duty at home in central Ohio in early 1864 and the Battle of Wilderness in which he sustained a severe wound. McKnight's entries while home recruiting shed light on duty that often receives less attention, but was crucial to the Union's ongoing war effort. On January 8, he writes: "Enlisted Thomas J. Weatherhead [DOD 3/27/1864 at Brandy Station]...made out Weekly Reports to Pro. Marshal...administered the oath to 3 Negroes and turned them over to S.B. Garvey [likely S.B. Garvey, Justice of the Peace and Notary Public, Piqua, OH]...." McKnight continues to indicate when he has recruits often listing them by name, and likewise indicating when he has failed at getting recruits. Other entries of interest include the presentation to McKnight of a sword by the citizens of Piqua (Feb 19), "an order to investigate the character of John Mathers" (Feb 20), and events surrounding the death of Capt. William R. Moore, including informing Mrs. Moore of her husband's death and attending the captain's funeral (Feb 27, 29, Mar 1 and 6).

On March 16 McKnight departed home to return to his regiment. Five days later he records a meeting in "Alexandria, DC," with fellow 110th soldiers George Pottorf, Otho Gale, and Elmer Thomas, a meeting of interest because Pottorf's name is also inscribed on the cover of the journal "Geo Pottorf Hd Qr / Gen Hosp Alex VA" suggesting that perhaps Pottorf may have had a hand in transferring McKnight's diary to his famly after McKnight's death. On April 6, McKnight notes the receipt of a "new stand of colors," which two days later were presented to Col. J. Warren Keifer with the old flag as well. Other entries in April and May discuss regimental activities including ordnance returns, drill, picket duty, marching orders, etc. 

On May 4 the regiment departs at 4:30AM for march of 18 miles which takes them to "some formidable Breast works...." The following day McKnight's entry records an overview of events occurring on the first day of the Battle fo Wilderness, writing in part: "Called up at 4 o'clock A.M. fine morning 2P.M., still remain near Germania [sic] Ford hear heavy musketry towards Mine Run...at neary sundowne we went into the fight and I was wounded in the left Shoulder about 8 oclock P.M., arrived at Hospital about 11 o'clock." The remaining diary entries describe McKnight's journey from the field hospital to Fredericksburg, noting on May 9 that "our wounded have suffered dreadfully having to ride in the Ambulances 3 days & nights we were as well cared for as could be under the circumstances."  McKnight's final entry comes on May 11, "did not rest very well last night wound still dischargeing very freely...." He died at Fredericksburg on the 25th of May.

[With:] 81 x 49 1/2 in. hand-sewn wool flag with cotton hoist and 35 hand-sewn double-appliquéd cotton stars organized in rows (toning, scattered spotting, light soil, occasional holes). Hoist inked "Whitmer" near center. 

The 35-star flag represents the inclusion of West Virginia to the Union. It was in use 4 July 1863 through 3 July 1865, thereby coinciding with McKnight's enlistment. "Whitmer" may reference McKnight's fellow soldier, George W. Whitmer. Like McKnight, Whitmer was an Ohioan who served in the 110th OVI, and was wounded at the Battle of the Wilderness. Whitmer's injury prevented him from active field duty service. He was mustered out in June 1865, and returned home to central Ohio where he became a prominent businessman and served as mayor.

[Also with:] "The Soldier's Text-Book: Or, Confidence in Time of War. By the Rev. J.R. Macduff, D.D." New York: American Tract Society, n.d. [ca 1860s]. 2 7/8 x 4 1/2 in., 64pp (toning, scattered spotting and pencil marks, wear).

Provenance: The flag and diary were acquired together at an estate sale in central Ohio.

HDS indicates that Lieutenant Joseph McKnight (1823-1864) enlisted on 8/8/1862 as a 39-year old 2nd lieutenant, and was commissioned into Co. E, Ohio 110th Infantry which was organized at Camp Piqua, Ohio. He was promoted to captain 11/25/1863, before ultimately dying of wounds received at Wilderness, Virginia. The 110th OVI was extensively engaged during its service, including at the Second Battle of Winchester, the New York Draft Riots, the Bristoe Campaign, Mine Run Campaign, the Overland Campaign, the Shenandoah Campaign and the Siege of Petersburg.