Title: Sgt. Charles H. Pierce Roll Books and Diary

Date/Date Range :   1863-1864

Extent: 0.2 linear feet

Abstract:

The Sgt. Charles H. Pierce Roll Books and Diary, 1863-1864, contain muster rolls for the 129th Regiment, Company C of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry as well as Pierce's diary, which describes military action around the Cumberland Gap and the Clinch River during the Civil War.

Call number: MS-2227

Repository: University of Tennessee Special Collections Library, Knoxville, TN

Aquisition Information:

Collection was purchased by Special Collections in March 2004.

Access Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Copyright:

The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library.

Preferred Citation:

[Identification of Item], Sgt. Charles H. Pierce Roll Books and Diary, MS-2227. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Special Collections Library.

Collection consists of two folders.

Charles H. Pierce served as a Sergeant with the 129th Regiment, Company C of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. Organized in August 1863, the 129th began its service with an expedition to Cumberland Gap in August and September 1863, where they were involved in the capture of the Gap on September 9. The soldiers picketed and foraged at the Gap until early December, when they began their march towards the Clinch River. They patrolled that area until January 1864 when they returned to the Cumberland Gap. The regiment returned to Ohio and was mustered out on March 10, 1864.

Consisting of two notebooks, the Charles H. Pierce Roll Books and Diary record the actions of the 129th Regiment, Company C of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Both notebooks contain muster rolls for the company, one from the Cumberland Gap dated November 27, 1863. In addition to a company roll, the other notebook also contains a daily account of Pierce's activities, dating from August 24, 1863 through January 12, 1864. Most of the entries detail marching orders and picket duties.

Some entries, however, provide detail on the preparations for attacks as well as skirmishes that the regiment faces. On November 18, 1863 at Cumberland Gap, Pierce notes that "on account of important news from the front," the soldiers are forced to abandon their winter quarters and move up the mountain to attain a better defensive position. The December 2, 1863 entry provides a detailed account of fighting at the Clinch River, noting that "it was the first time our men had been under fire but there was no flinching and we returned the fire with a will we kept up."

• United States. Army. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 129th (1861-1865).
• Tennessee -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865.
• Tennessee, East -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865.