162 years ago today, on May 26, 1863, William A. Bulkley, my great grandad's eldest brother and Civil War diarist, turned 21.
On that day he inscribed on the inside cover a formal declaration of his identify and unit:
Wm.A. Bulkley
1 Reg Mo Cavalry
Shelby’s Cav: Brig:
Marmadukes Div.
Batesville May 26th 1863
William had started the diary when he enlisted on August 17, 1862, with his younger brother Channing. Both brothers fought in battles at Springfield, Missouri. Channing, described as a "boy hero" died on January 8, 1863 and William was injured in the leg. William eventually died on September 5, 1863 in Little Rock, Arkansas, having served as a scribe for Shelby.
Their family grieved the loss of their young boys and kept the diary as a treasure. The diary was passed down to my great grandfather/grandmother to my grandfather to my mom and is now with my sister and me.
On Memorial Day, reading the thoughts of a young soldier who eloquently shares so much about life in a regiment, helps to remember all young men who died in wars. I find myself saddened by his and Channing's deaths, but tremendously grateful that the Union won the war and saved our democracy.
We have a multigenerational story to share in the posts to come.