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Excellent set of diaries by a young 16 year old enlistee, Francis Penny of the 3rd New York Cavalry, Co. A. Although official records show Penny's age as 19 when he enlisted in June 1861, his actual age is documented in the diary as 16 since he writes that he turned 18 in December 1862. Penny was engaged in heavy fighting throughout the war, with a handful of battles in 1862 and almost continual fighting in 1864.
In addition to writing daily entries in 1862, he also summarizes the 1862 battles he fought in the memorandum section of that diary, beginning with "The number of my revolver is 108953" and then "Thursday May 15th 1862. I was engaged at the battle of Trenton N.C...Friday May 16/62. I was engaged in a skirmish 40 miles from Newbern...30 miles from Newbern June 2/62 was engaged in a skirmish...White Oak River. July 27th 1862 Had a heavy engagement which I was in. We put the Rebs to flight...Cedar Point. Aug 15/62 skirmish at Cedar Point I was engaged /Gore Stream, N.C. Nov 19. 3d NYC had a skirmish with the rebels, none killed on our side /Near Kinston Dec 12/62 we had another fight to day. Took many prisoners and killed a good many the ground was strewn with rebel dead. A few on our side got wounded and two taken prisoners...Dec 17th I was in the Battle of Gouldsboro. Shell Bursting over our heads and grape rolling beneath our feet."
In more detail he writes every day in 1862, always filling in at least half a page per day: ''January 11 - I have been on fatigue duty to day, burying six dead horses. Our horses die off about one a week. The field is covered with deceased horses...January 17 - This day my brother enlisted with the 54th Ohio Zouave Regt...February 12 - I went out to drill with the battalion. We drilled by platoons. While we were making a right wheel, the commanders horse of the second platoon kicked into the ranks and struck my leg below the knee. It split the bone and smashed it a little. I suffer a great deal from the wound this afternoon...February 27 - There was a man shot in company E...a family at a private home, the man of the home said he would shoot him if he did not go away. And so he did...''
On 15 May he describes the Battle of Trenton, ''...This morning about 5 o'clock, our regiment of cavalry are in Trenton and were attacked by the rebels soon as we arrived. There was three regiments and two pieces of rifle cannon. One Leiut of our regt taken prisoner. Major Simmons was wounded in the shoulder and neck. Killed 4 of the rebels and took prisoners, one badly wounded. The fight lasted half an hour. We captured some rifles, lost 2 horses, captured 8...May 16 - companies A & F went out scouting, advanced over 30 miles. The enemy's cavalry was 500 strong...We captured two of the rebels, a regiment of infantry...Heavy guns were heard among the night...
June 2 - we marched about 30 miles east to drive in the rebel pickets. The rebels burned a bridge by a mill. We could not cross in, nothing was seen of the rebels...June 18 - This afternoon I found a snapping turtle in the swamp. On his shell I carved the name of my company and number of the regiment. After this I replaced him in the swamp...June 26 - About noon we charged in this place and took it without firing a gun. The rebels run out as we charged in, took many prisoners. I got many trophies...
July 29 - Pollicksville, N.C. We left this place this morning...Co. K lost two men killed and some wounded in yesterday's skirmish. While was out on the march, our rations gave out. We killed hogs, turkeys...August 15 - Fought skirmish at Cedar Point...August 31 - Early this morning the camp was alarmed. The long call was beaten. Our picket was fired upon by a rebel, was shot through the hand and the ball lodging in the stock of his rifle. An officer of the NCV captured two rebel cavalry this morning. Went out hunting this afternoon and captured many guns...December 8 - One man had a saber run through him while on drill. He will not live...
December 12 - our cavalry had a fight with the rebs. We mowed them down like grass before the reaper...We killed many and took many guns. I shot one rebel in the shoulder and took two prisoners...December 14 - Last night camp was alarmed by the rebel pickets firing on our men...December 15 - A party of our men went out this afternoon and captured a rebel and some guns. I was on picket all night...''
On 17-18 December he recounts the Battle of Goldsboro Bridge, ''...we had an artillery engaged with the rebels. We burned a pontoon bridge. All our forces were drawn up in line of battle. We fought all the afternoon. I saw the rebel flags of two regiments fall twice. Our grape and canister mowed them down by platoons. Rebel loss is heavy...We expect to be attacked in the rear, but a sharp lookout is kept up to prevent it. Rebel straglers are picked up and taken prisoners every where...''
Penny was involved in even more fighting in 1864 with Overland campaign content. As with the 1862 diary, each page covers one full day: ''February 7 - the cavalry forces arrived at Bottoms Bridge on the Chicahomony. Here we found the enemy in great force. Our cav charged the bridge, but finding the bridge had been taken up, we fell back. While doing so the enemy on the opposite side cut us up pretty bad with shell. One man had his head shot off. We marched on to Williamsburg again. The enemy attacked in rear. This evening we remained in our saddles between Richmond and Williamsburg, fearing the enemy may make an advance...March 1 - saw a force of the enemy near Tenton. Their intention was to get us into ambush if we advanced further...
March 13 - This morning our pickets were attacked. 25 men from each company of the regt formed a scouting expedition. Went up about 20 miles on the Trent road, was fired into by the enemy. One man wounded, one horse killed...May 7 - Our Regt on the advance arrived at Stony Creek RR Station here we had an engagement with the enemy. Lieut Magee of NY Regt was killed and many of the men wounded. We drove the enemy. Their loss not known. Burned the RR Bridge Reported that the enemy on our flanks. Their loss not known...
May 8 - This morning burned a County Bridge over Stony Creek. Troops moved from this place. This morning we were attacked at the Petersburg RR Bridge fought all the forenoon drove the enemy. destroyed the RR Bridge. Killed and wounded a great many of the Enemy. a good many of our men wounded. We cut off Beauregard from some destined point. At sundown arrived at Sussecs CH remained til 12 o'clock there we resumed our march. After the fight to day we sent a flag of truce to collect our wounded and to bury our dead...May 10 - This morning the collom moved at daylight, arrived at City Point. At noon heavy firing heard up the river...May 13 - This noon we burned the RR and depot some 8 miles from Chesterfield marched til 11 o clock when we arrived at Chilia Station...May 14 - This morning we destroyed the RR Station at Chilia Station captured and burned a train of cars moved from the place at 7 o clock this morning marching all day. arrived at Wellvill Station, destroyed the RR at this place marched on to a place called Black & White on Wilson Depot Arrived about dark at 8 o clock we destroyed the RR at this place...May 15 - This morning we burned the Government Buildings at Wilson Depot and destroyed the R.R. left the place at 10 o clock marched till noon halted and fed our horses...
May 21 - Butler's troops badly cut up by General Hedaman [William Polk Hardeman] is wounded or captured, it's believed that he is killed...May 24 - There was heavy cannonading to the front last night. The fight was kept up all night. Musketry heard during the night...May 27 - To day while carrying a dispatch to the center, I was fired at by a Rebel Sharp Shooter...the ball passed me doing no harm. A small force went out to day to feel the enemy...May 28 - There was some sharpshooting up the line to day. Heavy guns shelling Rebel sharpshooters all day. Pickets were firing all night...June 1 - the enemy opened their artilary on our center. The firing was terrific and lasted about an hour...Musketry firing on the right. Our batteries have orders not to fire a shot unless the enemy comes in force and storms the works and then open on them grape & canister...
June 2 - Before Petersburg...This morn the enemy commenced shelling our center. We did not return a cannon shot. They opened on us at intervals during the forenoon. Some of their shells bursting directly on our works. We killed a Reb Col this morning. This noon the enemy captured our rifle pits, but we even got them again with a slaughter on their side. Ambulances passing by all the afternoon. Gen Grant's left is only 12 miles from our right...June 5 - This evening there was heavy artillery firing. The fighting commenced in the center and lasted some time. Then the enemy engaged our left. Our gunboats shelling them immensfuly. Our gunboats steemed up the river just before the city and shelled the place...''
On 9 June, Penny describes the first Battle of Petersburg: ''June 9 - This morning at 1 o'clock our cav div took up our line of march, crossed over the pontoon bridge on the Appomattox River, and marched on towards Petersburg, VA. Their pickets now fired upon and captured about 3 miles from the city. After some hard fighting, the first line of works was captured. We charge and killed and wounded a number of the enemy. One of our rifled pieces was captured and the other unmounted. We captured a large brass field piece from the enemy. We charge and burned their camp. The enemy dead and wounded and left on the field. At 3 o'clock we retreated in good order. Reached camp soon after sundown. Men and horses tire out with fatigue of the march and hard fighting. The top of my belt was took off by a piece of shell...
June 13 - This morning the enemy commenced shelling our works, battle on our right, and on our left...This evening the enemy commenced shelling our signal station...June 15 - the enemy poured a volly of musketry into us. Then falling back two miles and we advanced on them, they opened their artillery fire then H[?] on us. We made several charges but now...every time with loss on our side. The enemy formed a cross fire of grape and canister shot. My Col was killed [Simon Mix] and my capt wounded and a great number of our men wounded. General Hinks captured 16 pieces of artillery from the enemy...
June 16 - I went on the battle ground this morning & saw many of the enemy died which...covered the ground. At intervals during the day cannonading was terrific on both sides. Late in the afternoon a heavy battle ensued. The roar of artillery and musketry was kept up till sundown...The enemy engaged our forces as we were leaving the field...June 17 - This afternoon heavy cannonading with musketry was heard of Petersburg and the fight continues until dark...Petersburg will be ours soon...''
On 21 June Penny writes a nice passage about visiting his brother Sanford, who is recorded as enlisting at 18: ''June 21 - I went to Co. A 22nd NY Cav and saw my brother Sanford. This was the first time that I had seen him in 3 years. I found him asleep, but was soon woken by his comrade saying that his brother was here. Stood for a few moments hand in hand earnestly conversing with each other. I could not stay with him long for the general and staff were moving on with the command and I had to follow on...I saw Sanford again this evening. He was out of money so I have him all I had which was $20.00. I remained with him about an hour...
June 22 - This evening we halted at Ford's Station until 1 o'clock. Distroyed two locomotives & two trains of cars. Also burned all Reble government property we could find. Captured some prisoners...June 23 - Passed through Welville Station and Blacks & Whites destroying all Rebel government stores & property. Passed through Nottoway Station, destroyed the water tank and R.Road also Reb Gov property. This afternoon 4 o'clock we halted at Nottoway Junction. Distroyed cars & Reb gov property...June 25 - Marched about 6 miles this morning and struck the RR again, destroying the RR for a great distance each way. Burned all rebel government buildings. Marched on again about 4 miles and came at a mill. Arrived at Roanoak Station on the Richmond & Darnville RR. Here we have a fight, a great many of our men was wounded. Our forces passing through this place all night. Sharp skirmishing during the night. Mane of our team giving out on the road...June 28 - I saw Lieut Newman of the 22nd Cav. He told me that my brother was killed or captured in the fight this morning...''
On 29 June Penny describes the Battle of Ream's Station: ''June 29 - We marched all night around near Reams Station. Arrived near that place this morning. Here we fought all day. A large number of our command was killed and wounded. This afternoon 3 o'clock the enemy closed in on us and surrounded our forces. There was no other alteration but to abandon every thing and leave our wounded. We destroyed our wagon trains, picked our cannon. As we had done this, the enemys whole force came in upon us and all that could get away beat a hasty retreat through the swamps...our men and horses were completely worn out...June 30 - We had the fight and when the enemy surrounded us, and if possible bring off our wounded. Took up our line of march. The command halted at Genl Meads Quarters, but I came in to camp. Yesterday if we could hold the enemy back 4 hours longer, the 6th Army Corps would have arrived and we would have captured all the enemy. Yesterday during the fight, a canister shot took off the heel of my shoe. The enemy send their grape and canister pretty freely. A spent canister struck my horse and lamed him...
July 4 - This morning my comand and myself received a pass and went in search of my brother Sanford who was said to be sufering in battle. I heard of him, he is well and will return to his co. soon...July 5 - The enemy batteries on the opposite side of the river are continually shelling our gunboats. This evening volunteer squadrons of Cav were made up of different regiments to go over and take the battery. Fighting all night at Petersburg...'' Penny finishes his diary on 16 July, leaving the service at age 19 after 3 years: ''July 16 - My time expires this day. I have served U.S. faithfully for three years...'' 1862 diary measures 3'' x 5'' with one day per page; front cover is detached and backstrip is mostly missing. 1864 diary measures 3'' x 6'', also one day per page; heavy wear and dampstaining to first few pages, not affecting writing. Lot also comes with an oil on canvas portrait of Penny standing proudly in uniform as an older man, measuring 12'' x 30''.
2 Civil War Diaries by 16-Year-Old Soldier, Describing Battles of Trenton, Goldsboro Bridge, Petersburg, Ream's Station & Numerous Skirmishes -- ''...the ground was strewn with rebel dead...''
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