James M. Nichols, Perry’s Saints w/ Manuscript Diary

Description

James M. Nichols wrote this manuscript diary during the Civil War and then used it to write Perry’s Saints or The Fighting Parson’s Regiment in the War of the Rebellion.

James Nichols used this daily diary to record his experiences with the 48th New York Infantry Regiment. Nichols notes that he received the diary on May 5, so the pages for the first few months are used to reminisce about life and operations along the South Carolina Coast, and during the siege of Fort Pulaski.

Nichols, a lieutenant, had plenty of opportunities to lead small expeditions and boat reconnaissance in the swamps around the fort. He commenced his daily entries on May 6. Nichols was well-read and opinionated. Both his narrative history up till May 6, and his daily entries thereafter are vivid and interesting.

Perry’s Saints…., written partly from this diary, is an important contribution to the story of the war on the coast, but also follows the regiment to Virginia, documenting major combat at Drury’s Bluff and Petersburg.

The diary, toned by age as expected, is otherwise tight and in very good condition; Nichols struck through some passages, and left some ink blots. Perry’s Saints… is lightly toned, with light chipping at extremities; else very good. Priced together.

Nichols, James M. PERRY’S SAINTS OR THE FIGHTING PARSON’S REGIMENT IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. Boston: D. Lothrop, 1886. 1st edition, 299p., illustrations, maps. (Dornbusch-326), with James M. Nichols’ Clayton’s Octavo Diary for 1862. 365 days, manuscript entries.