This collection contains the diary of Otis Dean, a private in Company E, 56th Massachusetts Infantry during the American Civil War. The diary entries begin with January 4, 1865, with Dean listing the uniform and materials issued to him in camp. In very concise entries, Dean describes mostly routine personal and unit activities (making particularly careful note of the clothing and equipment issued to him), but he also mentions battles at North Anna River and Peebles' Farm; an inspection by generals Grant and Burnside; prices of various goods, and the names of comrades killed, wounded and captured. The diary's entries conclude with June 13, 1865: "I washed my shirt."