Description:

WAR-DATE DIARY OF FRANK BROWNELL, "ELLSWORTH'S AVENGER"
A rare war-date relic of one of the North's most noted heroes, the complete 1863 diary of Francis E. "Frank" Brownwell, about 140pp., 3" x 7", contained within a black folding wallet with gilt letter in: "FRANK E. BROWNELL 11TH INFANTRY U.S.A.". Brownell completes pencil entries for every day of 1863 (three per page), and adds about two weeks of 1864 at the manuscripts conclusion. The contents show the life on the road of the Medal of Honor winner, travelling up and down the East Coast, meeting Lincoln and notable generals, and interestingly maintaining ties with an Ellsworth family member. In part: "...wrote to Ellsworth...and sent him list of articles...received binocular from Gen'l...received Certificate from Dr. Cogswell...reported to Gen'l Wool...met Gen'l Carr...Left New Haven for Providence, on train with Gen'l McClellan...wrote to Ellsworth...went to Fort Independence, dined with Major Gordon...Went to Oswego to Genl. [Edwin Vose] Sumner's funeral...reported to War Dept...called at President's House...went to Alexandria...called on Mr. Nicolay and recd letter of introduction to Secy of State of Ill....received letter from Ellsworth...wrote to Ellsworth and sent him my act...called upon by Ladies of the Loyal League...sent my revolver to Chicago to be plated...received binocular from Conn. Genl...called upon Col. Hancock...called on Genl. Hatch and wife...went to see the Iron Clads with Stewart...Ellsworth Monument found that some $600 [required?] in the Treasury...paraded with the Zouaves...". Disbound, many pages loose and moderate damp stained, yet virtually entirely legible. The content evokes the loneliness and alienation of future returning Medal of Honor winners Audie Murphy and John Basilone...so much so that Brownell makes no mention of his resignation on Nov. 4, 1863! A fine relic for display. Should be viewed.

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October 9, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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