157 years ago, a Hoosier from Monroe County wrote about fighting for the Union in the Civil War in a diary he kept almost daily. Peter Thomas Matthews was 20 years old when he enlisted in the army and served as a drummer in the 19th Indiana Regimental Band.
Follow along as we publish his diary entries in real-time on the day they were written.
Read the first entry here. Learn more about Matthews and read all former and future entries here.
Editor's note: We have left Matthews' words as he recorded them, which means spelling and punctuation may not conform to modern standards.
March 28, 1862
Todays paper (Herald) speaks in the highest terms of commendation of our appearance yesterday The Britishers said we were equal to many Regular Regts & Gen McDowell sent complimentary orders to the Brigade engaged The Paymaster came out today & settled for 2 months
Check back for the next entry on March 30.
Diary entries provided by the Monroe County History Center.
