Emilie Davis diary, 1863

Item

Title

Emilie Davis diary, 1863

Description

The first of three diaries by Emilie Davis, a young African-American woman who lived in Philadelphia during the Civil War. The three diaries, 1863-1865, contain memories of her day-to-day life with mention of some wartime events, including the fall of Vicksburg and draft riots in New York City during 1863. Davis was likely in her late teens or early twenties when she began writing her diary in 1863. Although a great deal of information is recorded, typical diary entries are not very detailed. Daily entries provide a glimpse of the life of a young woman in Philadelphia, including her visits with family and friends and her experiences attending weddings, funerals, lectures, school, and church fairs. Most of the news Davis recorded in her diary focuses on the Civil War. National events, such as National Fast Day (April 1863), the 1863 New York draft riots, and the 1864 presidential election, are mentioned. In July 1863, she observed that people in the Harrisburg area were fleeing that part of the state and moving towards Philadelphia as a result of the Battle of Gettysburg. Emancipation was also recorded in Emilie's diary , as was the fall of Vicksburg and President Lincoln’s assassination.

Identifier

1418

Type

text

Creator

Davis, Emilie Frances, 1838-1899

Date Created

1863

Format

Manuscript

Is Part Of

Emilie Davis diaries, Collection 3030

Spatial Coverage

Shiloh Baptist Church, S. 21st and Christian Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States| Bridesburg, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Subject

Davis, Emilie Frances, 1838-1899| Joness| Cristy, Nellie/Nell| Sue| Heather| Father Raiss| Father Shepherd| Dellores, D.| Gorge, Jon| Jake| Gibbs| Mr. Gordner| Augustes| Theodore| James| Jones, Mary| Little Frank| Thomas, Sarah

Extent

71 pages

Language

eng

Rights

This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. In addition, no permission is required from the rights-holder(s) for educational uses. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Item sets

Emilie Davis diaries