Civil War diary of Captain Alexander A. Arnold

Abstract

During the Civil War years Wisconsin mustered into the service of the Union various organizations such as the Thirtieth Volunteer Infantry. Although it did not take an active part in the war against the Confederacy, it carried out its duties well. These duties included protecting civilians from Indians, enforcing the draft, building forts, and guarding prisoners of war. Of the ten companies in the Thirtieth, Company C was under the command of Captain Alexander Arnold of Galesville, Wisconsin. During much of his life Arnold kept a diary which included his years in military service. This paper centers around his diary which has not been previously transcribed. Because the Thirtieth was not engaged in combat, not much is known of its day to day operations. Arnold's diary does reveal some of these operations particularly as they relate to Company C.