Diary and Letters of Abolitionist and Union Soldier Benjamin C. Lincoln.

LINCOLN, Benjamin C. [The Civil War].

$2,500.00

Item Number: 148421

Rare original Civil War diary and letters of Union officer and abolitionist Benjamin C. Lincoln, who would become an officer in the 2nd United States Colored Troops, in which he describes the captured home of Robert E. Lee and Jeb Stuart’s Chambersburg Raid. Duodecimo, original parchment wrappers, saddle-stitched, containing 20 leaves with handwritten entries on 9 leaves for 18 pages, dated August 9, 1862 to December 26, 1862, with a further 9 pages of financial notations. Signed on the cover, “Benj. C. Lincoln, Co. G. 39th Mass Vols.” In Lincoln’s diary, which he began the day he enlisted in the 39th Massachusetts through December, 1862, Lincoln describes his journey from Boston to Washington, first aboard a steamer that landed at Jersey City and then by rail to the capital. While in Washington, Lincoln managed some time to take in the sights. Walking around Arlington he “saw Arlington house, the residence formerly of the rebel General Lee, situated near a large oak forest, with small houses around it for negroes and commanding a fine prospect of Washington & the Potomac. The house is now used by Gen Heintzelman as his head-quarters.” Later in October, Lincoln’s regiment was stationed approximately 20 miles up the Potomac from Washington, when they were ordered to march on an alarm after Stuart’s Cavalry crossed the river into Maryland (known today as the Chambersburg Raid). In good condition with wear, toning, and losses to the spine. Accompanied by two autograph letters signed “Benj C. Lincoln” and “Benny,” 11 pages, various sizes, from Edwards Ferry, Maryland and Camp Casey, Virginia, dated October 3 and November 2, 1862; an autograph letter (unsigned), 2 pages, from Key West, Florida, dated July 29, 1864; as well as four letters and documents addressed to Lincoln, dated August 15, 1864 to February 27, 1865. In very good condition with mail folds and toning.

Benjamin C. Lincoln (1840-65) enlisted in the 39th Massachusetts on August 9, 1862, and served that body as a clerk until May, 1863, when he was detached to Washington to work on the staff of General John Henry Martindale. A fervent abolitionist, Lincoln accepted a commission in the 2nd Regiment of the United States Colored Troops in the summer of 1863 serving first near New Orleans and later in Key West, Florida. Lincoln died of wounds received at the Battle of Natural Bridge in March, 1865.