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Maximilian Hartman Diaries

 Collection
Identifier: Mss. Acc. 2007.79

  • Staff Only
  • No requestable containers

Scope and Contents

Two diaries written by Civil War soldier Maximilian Hartman are included as well as a transcription of their contents.  The first diary begins in September of 1861 and continues until February, 1862.  The second diary continues from February, 1862 and ends in May of that same year.  The diaries delineate the travels and military actions of the 93rd Regiment from Pennsylvania as it passes through Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Virginia.  Of local interest are the descriptions of events in Hampton Roads, Yorktown, and Williamsburg regarding the Peninsular Campaign.  The contents of the diaries are rich in details regarding military life, including duties such as marching and drilling, and skirmishes.  There are also descriptions about entertainment, food, sight-seeing, the effects of the weather, and personal observations of the life of a soldier.    Also included are a company roster, an index of letters sent and received, a list of expenses and the lyrics of five popular songs.

Dates

  • Creation: 1861-1862

Language of Materials

English German

Conditions Governing Access:

Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.

Conditions Governing Use:

Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.

Biographical Information:

Maximilian Hartman was born circa 1837 in Bavaria, Germany. In Germany, he worked as a tailor. After emigrating to the United States, he resided in Reading, Pennsylvania. In 1861, Maximilian and his brother John enlisted in the Union Zouaves, a regiment which consisted of a high number of men of German and German-American origin. At the time of enlistment, he was married and with at least one child.

In November, 1861, Hartman’s 93rd Regiment left Pennsylvania to take up position to guard the defenses of Washington. His diaries cover the entire time of his service, from Pennsylvania to Washington and ultimately Virginia. In May, 1862 Hartman took part in the Battle of Williamsburg; his regiment suffered few losses. At the end of May, Hartman’s left hand was seriously wounded at the Battle of Fair Oaks. He was captured, exchanged and sent to New York where his wounds were treated. Discharged in November of 1862, Hartman never regained the use of his hand.

Further information about this individual or organization may be available in the Special Collections Research Center Wiki: .

Extent

0.20 Linear Feet

Physical Description

3 items

Processing Information:

Arranged and described by Katie Ross, SCRC Staff, in 200_-200_. Archon record updated by Anne Johnson in January 2010.

Title
Guide to the Maximilian Hartman Diaries
Author
Finding Aid Authors: Katie Ross, SCRC Staff.
Date
2008-01-01
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
The collection description/finding aid is written in English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Research Center Repository

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