Conditions Governing Use

Handle with care--diary is in fragile condition. Consider using enlarged photocopies instead.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use. Photocopies are recommended since the diary is fragile.

Preferred Citation

MSS 16708, Sylvenus A. Fay Civil War diary, Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia Library.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was purchased from Beltrone & Company by the Small Special Collections Library at the University of Virginia Library on 17 December, 2018.

Biographical / Historical

Lieutenant Sylvenus A. Fay, was the commanding officer of Company F, 85th New York Infantry. In January 1864, the 85th Infantry was ordered to Plymouth NC, where in April, it was obliged to surrender to a superior force of the enemy, almost the entire regiment being captured. Lieutenant Fay was one of the men captured but survived his captivity.He was paroled on December 10, 1864 at Charleston, South Carolina.

Content Description

Sylvenus A. Fay diary recounting the daily events of camp life and fighting, his capture by Confederates during the Battle of Plymouth, North Carolina and waiting for an exchange for his freedom with hundreds of Union Officers. Lieutenant Fay was the commanding officer of Company F, 85th New York Infantry. In January 1864, the 85th Infantry was ordered to Plymouth NC, where in April, almost the entire regiment was captured.

There is significant information in the diary about how officers who were captured were often exchanged for officers in the Confederacy.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

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