Day-Book of Sam W. Folsom, with ledger accounts and a Civil War diary. Cleveland, Ohio, 1860 and 1863. 12.25" x 8". Bound in period full sheep. Approximately 86 pages have been used (the balance of the pages blank.) A handful of paper scraps laid in at front also contain entries. The contents begin with an accounting ledger (approx. the first 59 pages) containing entries dated February through July 1860. The day-book was picked up again in the Summer of 1863 and used as a diary; this portion contains approximately 27 pages and includes some Civil War news. "We heard the news that Vixburg (sic) was taken," he writes in May, prematurely. Folsom was clearly a Union supporter, noting that one of his friends, Charles Holt of the 6th Ohio Cavalry, is "a true patriot and a strong Abolitionist." When news arrives that Vicksburg has fallen, Folsom decides to enlist in a local state militia. Thus, his diary has him at numerous meetings of the unit as they elect officers, receive their arms and undertake training exercises. Folsom would serve as a private in the 150th Ohio Infantry.

Binding intact, some flaws to the leather, a bit worn at extremities. Contents with some mild age-toning.