Ohio History Journal

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A CIVIL WAR

DIARY

OF

ALBION W. TOURGEE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

edited by DEAN H. KELLER

Albion W. Tourgee's Civil War diary, which covers a period of six months

in 1863, is an important document in the author's biography and in the

literature of the Civil War. It reveals Tourgee in many lights -- from the

thoughtful, loving husband to the stern, high-minded Unionist, and from

the dedicated military man to the impatient individualist. All of these

traits were present to some extent in Tourgee's character, and evidence

of them may be seen throughout his varied and colorful career.1 Tourgee

was a careful observer, and in his diary he presents a vivid picture of

army life. His descriptions of engagements in which he took part are

incisive, and his comments on their larger importance are always interest-

ing. It is probable that Tourgee relied on the diary for some details that

he incorporated in the history of his regiment, the One Hundred and Fifth

Ohio Volunteer Infantry.2 Thus we have in this diary a personal revelation

of an extraordinary character who later became famous and a vivid

first-hand account of events of some historical importance.

Tourgee was born in Williamsfield, Ohio, in 1838. Nine years later his

family moved to a farm near Kingsville, Ohio, and there he received his

 

 

NOTES ARE ON PAGES 146-148