twining540 Posted October 17, 2015 Share #1 Posted October 17, 2015 This is not my area of collecting, but I couldn't leave it behind. I hope at $175 I didn't overpay. None the less I feel it was well worth it being a soldier having been from Grattan Michigan, only 15min from me. It belonged to Erwin C Watkins, and contains about 30 pages of information from picket duty, capturing confederate soldiers, casualties, and some engagements. The last half appears to have been finished after the end of the Civil War. I still have a lot of reading and encrypting to do given the legibility of the writing. Here is what I know of Watkins so far. He enlisted in the Michigan volunteers in 1860, and was attached to company K 1st New York cavalry(Lincoln division). He moved through the ranks very quickly, becoming corporal when he joined the 1st NY then lieutenant and then captain. He was appointed adjutant general on the staff of General Hunter in 1863 and later served under General Seward. He served with great distinction during the war, distinguishing himself during several battles. After his military career he was appointed US Indian Inspector in the administration of General Grant until 1878. That's what I know so far. I hope you enjoy the pics! I will try to post more information as it becomes available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twining540 Posted October 17, 2015 Author Share #2 Posted October 17, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottiques Posted October 17, 2015 Share #3 Posted October 17, 2015 Based on the content mentioned, I think you did fine on the diary-- probably could make some good money on a resale! If you don't have access, here is the HDS entry on your guy: Erwin C. Watkins Residence was not listed; 22 years old.Enlisted on 8/12/1861 at Grand Rapids, MI as a Corporal.On 8/12/1861 he mustered into "K" Co. NY 1st Cavalry He was discharged for promotion on 10/7/1864On 10/7/1864 he was commissioned into US Volunteers Adjutant Genl Dept He Resigned on 4/5/1865Promotions:* Sergt 5/25/1862 * 2nd Lieut 9/22/1862 * 1st Lieut 12/1/1863 * Capt 10/7/1864 (Captain & Asst Adjutant General)Intra Regimental Company Transfers:* 9/22/1862 from company K to company H * 1/1/1863 from company H to company K * 12/1/1863 from company K to company D Other Information:born 1/15/1839 in New Yorkdied 4/14/1911 Buried: Rockford Cemetery, Plainfield Twp, Kent Co., MI There is also a photo: Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twining540 Posted October 17, 2015 Author Share #4 Posted October 17, 2015 I stand corrected on some the dates I posted, given the recent information provided by scottiques. Thank you very much for the information! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottiques Posted October 17, 2015 Share #5 Posted October 17, 2015 Glad to help out-- I found it interesting that he enlisted into a NY Cav unit while he was in Michigan. The photo was just "icing on the cake" as only a small percentage of the bios contain an image. Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twining540 Posted October 18, 2015 Author Share #6 Posted October 18, 2015 I would guess that having originally been from New York is why he enlisted in the New York Cav. And yes, that photograph is definitely icing on the cake! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M24 Chaffee Posted October 18, 2015 Share #7 Posted October 18, 2015 I think that's a great civil war item to have! Very interesting and personal. I think that you paid a fair price and possible a bargain price. Frank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4th Miss Cav Posted October 19, 2015 Share #8 Posted October 19, 2015 Congratulations on the purchase. Definitely a one of a kind item. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1SG_1st_Cav Posted October 19, 2015 Share #9 Posted October 19, 2015 Great historical document! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turmanator Posted October 20, 2015 Share #10 Posted October 20, 2015 Yah the picture really adds the human touch to the diary ... cool pickup! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katieony Posted October 21, 2015 Share #11 Posted October 21, 2015 A great find well worth what you paid for it. Congrats! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james127 Posted October 22, 2015 Share #12 Posted October 22, 2015 I don't really collect anything from the Civil War, but at $175, I would have grabbed that in a heartbeat. Very cool! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USCapturephotos Posted October 22, 2015 Share #13 Posted October 22, 2015 Yeah. That was a great buy. I love it! I only have one Civil War diary in my collection and it is one of my most cherished pieces. Congrats! Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sundance Posted October 23, 2015 Share #14 Posted October 23, 2015 I'd love to find a Civil War diary. What time period does it cover? That photo really brings it to life. Great find. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgtdorango Posted October 23, 2015 Share #15 Posted October 23, 2015 Priceless!!...i bet that photo is valued at about what you payed...great piece of history!....mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twining540 Posted October 23, 2015 Author Share #16 Posted October 23, 2015 It appears to start Sept 1st 1861 and ends sometime in 1863. He talks about getting their horses and later traveling the Potomac to meet up with Gen Burnside with which they spent over four days with. He also talks about leading a charge against the rebels. The wartime portion of the diary appears to end when he received his 2nd lieutenants commission and leaves the regiment. And thanks for the comments! I'm enjoying every minute of reading this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USdog Posted October 23, 2015 Share #17 Posted October 23, 2015 That's a really cool diary! Awesome find... I would have snapped it up for that price as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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