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AN EXCELLENT, WELL WRITTEN CIVIL WAR DIARY

AND EYE-WITNESS ACCOUNT OF

 THE DEFEAT AND SURRENDER OF GENERAL LEE'S ARMY

Moody, Fred A. (sargent]. CIVIL WAR DIARY. Sept. 1864-June 1865:  MOODY, Fred A. [Sergeant]. Personal diary, written in ink, by Sgt. Moody of the 37th Massachusetts Infantry, covering his experiences from Sept. 1864 through June 1865; wallet style leather binding, 5 ¼" x 3 ½", 194 pages. Moody has written on the front free endpaper, "Fred A. Moody, Co D, 37th Mass. Vols. East Long Meadow, Hampden Co. Mass." Some of the more compelling entries follow:

Sept. 19 [1864]: ".....at sunrise, we then soon come on the enemy, & from that time till sun set it is one continual roar of musketry and of canon, it is frequently interspersed with the yell of our charging lines.....our division comndr. Brig. Gen. Russell was killed at the very first, we drove the enemy over five miles & beyond Winchester, capturing a large number of prisoners and several pieces of artillery, the enemy continue to fly till after dark. Should think it a complete rout. The 37th detailed as Provost Guard in the Town & camp in Court Yard. Have 1334 prisoners to guard....for my own part I only get a crack in the right shoulder by a spent hull doing no harm."

Sunday, Apr.2 [1865]: "At day light we charged across a field through a swamp, etc. and under the fire of both artillery and infantry but with small loss. The Regt. captured one battle flag, and two pieces of artillery. The whole brigade took 9 pieces, and several flags. Immediately after this we moved to the right for some ways, finding nothing returned. On our return we were passed by Gen. Grant. In the after noon we moved to the left driving the enemy before us into Petersburg..... Petersburg is surrendered to Col. Edwards and the 87."

Saturday, April, 8 [1865]: "Do not start very early. Draw rations. Flag of truce out to day but no terms are acceeded to and at night we are still pressing the enemy."

Sunday, April, 9 [1865]: "Start out early and march moderately till after noon making some long halts. Firing heard in front in the morning. Flag of truce out again to day and a conference is held between Grant & Lee. When the latter agrees to an unconditional surrender at 4 ½ o'clock and then for some time is heard the hearty cheers of men, and as the different Genls. rode through their commands they were heartily cheered. We move in to the woods and remain for the night." Saturday, April, 15 through Wednesday,

April, 19 [1865]. Sergeant Moody makes several comments about the assassination and burial of President Lincoln. The final few leaves record letters sent and letters received, as well as an inventory of Sgt. Moody's clothing. His rifle number appears on the last page. Original wallet style leather binding has expert repair to spine and tab; some fading and damp-staining to text, but generally quite readable. Housed in a custom brown quarter leather clamshell case.[pb.4322]

$6000