Edwin R. Osband Diaries
c.00136

Summary Information

Repository
Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections
Creator
Osband, Edwin R.
Title
Edwin R. Osband diaries
ID
c.00136
Date [inclusive]
1861-1866
Extent
0.2 Cubic feet , 2 folders
Language
English

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: "Item title, Collection title, Collection Identifier, Michigan State University Archives & Historical Collections, East Lansing, Michigan."

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Biographical Note

Edwin R. Osband enlisted in Company H, First Michigan Regiment of Engineers and Mechanics and was elected second sergeant in November 1861. He saw duty in Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia before his discharge in October 1864.

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Scope and Contents note

This collection consists of three diaries (1861-1864) of Edwin R. Osband of Wayne County, Michigan, kept during his service in the Civil War.

The diary entries express alarm at the "profanity and wickedness" among the soldiers (December 23, 1861), describe exorbitant prices in Nashville (February, 1862), and predict that "the war will not be of long duration" (January 9, 1862). There are also comments on a dispute over pay among members of the regiment (1862), and reports on food shortages (October, 1864).

The last journal contains the names and addresses of the men in Company H who were discharged with Osband. After the war, the last volume was used to record mileage charts, home remedies, and financial records.

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Administrative Information

Publication Information

Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections March 1965

Conrad Hall
888 Wilson Road, Room 101
East Lansing , MI, 48824
517-355-2330
archives@msu.edu

Revision Description

  March 2000

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Legal Status

Copyright: Michigan State University. Property Rights: Michigan State University.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from this collection must be obtained from University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.

Custodial History

Gift of Mrs. J.H. Larabee, 1962-06-18. Transferred by Michigan State University Museum.

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Controlled Access Headings

Corporate Name(s)

  • United States. Army -- Military life -- History -- 19th century.
  • United States. Army. Michigan Engineers and Mechanics Regiment, 1st (1861-1865).

Genre(s)

  • Diaries

Geographic Name(s)

  • United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865

Personal Name(s)

  • Larabee, J.H., Mrs.

Subject(s)

  • Traditional medicine

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Collection Inventory

Folder

Diaries 1861-1862 

 1

Diaries 1863-1864 

 2