Ainsworth, Garrett Smith, 1839-1863

Scope and Contents This collection consists of Garrett Smith Ainsworth's memorandum book (diary), October 2, 1860-Dec. 31, 1861; diary, Jan. 1, 1862-April 28, 1863; and pocket diary, Aug. 24, 1862-April 27, 1863. They mainly recount his experiences while a private in Company A, 15th Illinois Volunteer Regiment, United States Army. Included are details of conditions in camp, particularly accidents and illness among the troops, especially the malaria from which Ainsworth suffered. He discusses day-to-day...