This collection contains the American Civil War dairy of Joel H. Jenks, 78th Illinois infantry, beginning January 1, 1865 through December 31, 1865. The diary does not contain battle descriptions, but does record the movements of the 78th Illinois during the Carolina campaign until early March, when Jenks is shipped out to a Hospital due to “Rheumatism.” The diary often contains descriptions of the weather and “grub,” as well as his own activities in camp or the hospital ward. Jenks continues the diary after the war, and describes waiting to be mustered, his return to his wife and family, and setting up Singing Schools in Plano, Il.

Highlights of the diary include his reaction to the end of the war, President Lincoln’s assassination, and his visitation of Lincoln’s body while it lay in state in Columbus, Ohio.

A transcript of the diary is available in the collection.