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Pinckney Latham Collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-0903

  • Staff Only

In this diary, Pinckney Latham describes his service with Company A of the 4th Tennessee Infantry (CSA), nicknamed the Shelby Grays. Early entries mention troop movements, Latham's capture on February 12, 1865 near Memphis, Tennessee, and his parole at Vicksburg the following month. The diary goes on to describe his assignment to Meridian, Mississippi, including his journey to Meridian, the people he meets, the girls he sees, his activities when off duty, the weather, the progress of the war (including the fall of Selma, Alabama and Richmond, Virginia), and finally news of Lee's surrender. Only two entries were written after April 30, 1865. The end of the book includes account records and notes regarding finances. Also included are an index card regarding Imogene Latham's death, an obituary for Thomas M. Page, Confederate money, railroad vouchers, a blank furlough form for paroled or exchanged prisoners of war, and a note honorably dismissing Latham from Princeton University.

Dates

  • 1860 February 28, 1865 January 6-1867 November 10, 1952
  • Majority of material found within 1865-1867

Conditions Governing Access

Collections are stored offsite and must be requested in advance. See www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.

Conditions Governing Use

The UT Libraries claims only physical ownership of most material in the collections. Persons wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants on www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.

Extent

0.1 Linear Feet (2 flat folders)

Abstract

In this diary, Pinckney Latham describes his service with Company A of the 4th Tennessee Infantry (CSA), nicknamed the Shelby Grays. Early entries mention troop movements, Latham's capture on February 12, 1865 near Memphis, Tennessee, and his parole at Vicksburg the following month. The diary goes on to describe his assignment to Meridian, Mississippi, including his journey to Meridian, the people he meets, the girls he sees, his activities when off duty, the weather, the progress of the war (including the fall of Selma, Alabama and Richmond, Virginia), and finally news of Lee's surrender. Only two entries were written after April 30, 1865. The end of the book includes account records and notes regarding finances. Also included are an index card regarding Imogene Latham's death, an obituary for Thomas M. Page, Confederate money, railroad vouchers, a blank furlough form for paroled or exchanged prisoners of war, and a note honorably dismissing Latham from Princeton University.

Biographical/Historical Note

Pinckney Latham was born to Francis Stanton and Jane Catherine (Smith) Latham in Tennessee in 1839. He enlisted in Company A of the 4th Tennessee Infantry (CSA) on May 15, 1861. Although he originally enlisted for one year, he was later conscripted for two years or the term of the war. With this unit, Latham fought at Shiloh, Perryville, and Chickamauga. In December 1863, he was assigned to work as a clerk at the Headquarters of the Army of Tennessee. He returned to his unit in July 1864 and was captured in Desoto County, Mississippi on February 12, 1865. Latham was exchanged at Vicksburg the following month and seems to have finished the war with his unit. After the war ended, Latham returned to Tennessee. He married Mary Elizabeth Vance and the couple had seven children: Mary, Imogene (1872-1952), Irma, Pinckney (1876-1946), Garnett (1878-1905), Harriet (1880-), and Erskine. The family moved to California between 1900 and 1910 and Pinckney Latham died in Los Angeles on January 9, 1914.

Arrangement

This collection consists of two folders.

Acquisition Note

The Sharlot Hall Historical Society transferred this diary to Special Collections in January of 1977.

Repository Details

Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository

Contact:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville TN 37996 USA
865-974-4480