W.H. Brooker U.S. Civil War diary

This collection contains a U.S. Civil War diary of dubious origin.

Because of three different handwriting styles and incongruous facts throughout, the following scenario might explain the source of this diary. The author of the diary was a private in the 39th Georgia Regiment, Cumming's Brigade, Stevenson's Division, Army of Tennesee. He fought in the Chattanooga campaign, in the Battle above the Clouds, and at Missionary Ridge. Retreating with his unit, he fought in holding actions against the North's Atlanta campaign, finally falling at Kennesaw Mountain. His book was picked up by a fellow soldier, perhaps in the hospital with him. Both soldiers apparently died, and the book came into the hands of W. H. Brooker, who was possibly the attending physician. After the war Brooker, or perhaps his landlord, used the book to keep accounts in.

The original materials are held by the Woodson Research Center in Fondren Library. Search the finding aid/inventory for the W. H. Brooker U.S. Civil War diary, MS 0126.