Manuscript diary for the year 1862. 4¾x3, original full leather with closing flap.

Diary covers the 8 month period leading up to Sperry's enlistment on August 30th, 1862 with scattered mentions of war happenings, his trepidation regarding enlistment and the first 4 months of his service in the 98th Regiment, NY Vols.. Largely relating his experience in training, drilling, guard duty, etc. On the 26th of December, Sperry writes: " Woke up last night & ordered to have three days rations cooked, ordered to go on boat...do not know where or when we are going." December 27th: "Started this morn at 7 for Fortress Monroe, arrived at 9½, anchored in stream and laid-to all night, nothing doing. Several Gunboats are blockading the James River". Sperry survived the war and was mustered out as Second Lieutenant with the Regiment on August 31, 1865. Also included is a copy of "Annual Report of the Adjutant General, 1868, Volume Three: Register of Officers Commissioned in Volunteer Regiments from the State of New York, 1861-1865."