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Maximilian Hartman Diaries, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary
The materials were acquired by Special Collections Research Center on 09/09/2007.
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: <a href="http://scrc.swem.wm.edu/wiki/index.php/Maximilian Hartman ">http://scrc.swem.wm.edu/wiki/index.php/Maximilian Hartman </a>.
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.