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Civil War Diary: 'Gun Boats Have Proved Of So Much Service In The Storming Of Fort McHenry'

By Becca Costello

Posted February 15, 2019

A graphic reads from the diary of peter thomas matthews hoosier and union solder feb. 15 1862 the Adjt. proceeded to read telegraphic dispatches laden with good news! the Hoosiers greeted it with cheer after cheer

(Becca Costello, WFIU/WTIU News)

157 years ago, a Hoosier from Monroe County wrote about fighting for the Union in the Civil War in a diary he kept almost daily. Peter Thomas Matthews was 20 years old when he enlisted in the army and served as a drummer in the 19th Indiana Regimental Band. 

Follow along as we publish his diary entries in real-time on the day they were written. 

Read the first entry here. Learn more about Matthews and read all former and future entries here. 

Editor's note: We have left Matthews' words as he recorded them, which means spelling and punctuation may not conform to modern standards.

February 15, 1862

Two from every Bunk of the Band turned out to chop a load of wood It snowed all the time we were out covering the ground deep enough for a good sleighing At noon the Regt was Drawn up by Gen McDowell to get volunteers Sailors for [illegible] B[illegible] now laying Idle for want of men while Gun boats have proved of so much service in the storming of fort McHenry in Tennessee & Roanoke Island by the Burnside Expedition about a dozen and a half volunteered who were taken having seen that kind of servise before the war. At night the long Roll was but expected sure to see fun. Every man that could walk turned Out. But the Adjt. said to fall in with out arms. This was soon explained. The Regt was form up in hollow squar when the Adjt. proceded to read telegraphic dispatches laden with good news! About the Evacution of Bowling Green the surrounding of fort Donalson (Tenn) Victories in western virginia and upper Potomac and Retreat of Prices Army This was splendid news and the Hoosiers greeted it with cheer after cheer the Band was Out and had to play National Airs This put all in excellent Spirits It was against orders for the long roll as it was a false alarm: the cavalry stationed near us mounted and armed ready to advance. They were considerable fooled

Check back for the next entry on February 16. 

Diary entries provided by the Monroe County History Center.

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