Summary

The Henry Pippitt collection is extremely unusual in that it covers a Civil War regiment's entire term of service. Thus, it constitutes a history of the 104th Ohio as well as a glimpse into Henry Pippitt's life as a soldier.

The first journal in this series covers September 18, 1862 to May 19, 1863, and speaks mostly of military matters. Pippitt talks extensively of camp life, including camp conditions, his personal jobs in camp, the general health of the troops (including his own sicknesses), and the weather. He also mentions his unit's movements, including their reception in some of the towns that they pass. This journal is, however, unusual in that it provides detailed descriptions of military engagements, including troop movements, the battles themselves, and men wounded.

The second journal, originally bound using purple silk, covers May 13, 1864 to December 20, 1864. It is devoted primarily to descriptions of the battles that the 104th Ohio has participated in. It includes topics not covered in the previous journal, for example foraging and men taken prisoner.

The final journal, which is in nearly pristine condition, covers January 1, 1865 to June 29, 1865. Although it deals with many of the same topics covered in the previous two journals, it also introduces a new subject - travel over water. As such, it deals with conditions on Union ships, sea blockades, and blockade runners. It also deals with a one-day leave that Pippitt was granted in Washington, D.C. The journal ends with Pippitt's release from the army and planned return to Ohio in June of 1865.