Name/Title
DiaryEntry/Object ID
2014.031.0029Scope and Content
This is a diary of the Civil War soldier Cyrenus Pullen Stevens of the 5th Maine Regiment. Cyrenus is the father of Sara Adele Stevens who married Walter Zerah Rankin who owned a grocery store in Benicia.
Cyrenus was born about 843/1845. He enlisted on 06/24/1861 in Co. "E" Maine 5th Infantry Regiment. He was made a full corporal on 11/01/1861 and a 1st Sergent on 06/15/1863. (The record says he was 18 at that time which would mean he enlisted at age 16.) He mustered out on 07/271864 but was transferred that same date. Not sure what this means but the diary doesn't mention anything unusual on that date. In later life he was an attorney and Notary Public in Benicia starting about 1896. His wife was Lola A. and he had a step-son Leslie C Cooper.
The copy of the diary is 21 pages typed. It begins with 01/16/1864. He talks about reviews and inspections until 02/27/1864 when they move out to Culpepper and Slaughter Mountain. He mentions a review by "Gen;l Grant" on 04/18/1864. On 05/02/1864 they got orders to break camp with 6 days rations. He realizes they may be heading into battle and asks that the "God of Battles" grant them success. They crossed the Rappidan (river) at Jeremiah Ford and marched about 17 miles. On 05/05/1864 the battle commenced. He reports that they lost Lt. Col. Carrol. He reports some skirmishes over the next few days. By 05/08/1864 they are in position about 5 miles in the rear of Fredericksburg.
On 05/10/1864 he reported that they were told that Butler had taken Petersburg and Sherman had fought the enemy at Tunnell Hill and Dalton, Ga.
He describes many of the battlefield experiences until 10/1/1864 when, under Sheridan, they attack Early's Rebel force where he is wounded. He is sent to Harper's Ferry and eventually to McClellan Hospital. This is where the diary ends.Collection
Benicia Historical Museum Collection
