Date from Oct. 18th 1861 through Dec. 31st 1862. Ink manuscript on 4to volume in marbled board with very worn leather spine, first end paper marked Mademoiselle Frances Belinda Brigham East Boston, Mass. From Father Oct. 18th 1861. This diary while written by a civilian is one of the more interesting that I have read during my career cataloging letter archive and diaries. This highly intelligent and educate upper middle class young lady has some of the most beautiful cursive handwriting I have seen in years, with 273 numbered unlined pages. On page nine Oct. 30th she writes: The Battle of Balls Bluff still continues to be the subject of much conversation and excitement and I believe nothing particularly new has transpired. The female or weaker sex, as they are more familiarly styled, are now actively engaged in knitting stockings for their dear and patriotic ones abroad, which righteous deed, I am sorry to say, I have not participated in, not for the want of worsted have I neglected it, but for that indispensable of all properties, Time. 100 pairs or more have been forwarded to our Mass. 1st Reg. by the ladies of our Parish and I consider that that is doing pretty well. Miss Brigham's father owned and operated one of the ferries that operated from East Boston to the main part of the city. Frances give a vivid account of the Nov. 2-3rd hurricane that struck the east coast described as the worst storm in over 40 years. Nov. 9th she writes: During the performance last eve, three cheers for Gen. Ben Butler were most emphatically given, and lo! Among the dense and compact audience, sat the bona fide stout self same individual Ben. He acknowledged and recognized the attention and respect given him, by three graceful bows. On Nov. 11th she writes about the naval and infantry assault at Port Royal and was overjoyed at a Union victory after so many defeats, such as Bull Ru and Balls Bluff. She writes often of her former church pastor, Mr. Cudworth (Warren H., author of History of the First Regiment: Massachusetts Infantry, Boston, 1866) who enlisted and is an army chaplain in the 1st Mass. Infantry, part of the Army of the Potomac. Write of how life goes on with dinners dinning and visiting friends and relative and courtiers visiting her home on some evenings. Many of her named male friends and courtiers eventually end up in the Army or navy, some returning wounded or not returning at all. On Nov. 19th she writes The Frigate Constitution is now anchored at Long Wharf and subjected to the inspection of thousands of visitors at this time. When to a lecture by Edward Everett, on the 20th. Writes on Thanksgiving day 1861: Many a charge was made upon the poor unfortunate fowl, and well might I say, the hope of turkey fell...Some of the bravest of New England's sons spent the day in the tented fields of the Potomac, far away from home and kindred. May they live to spend the next at their homes so dear to them. On Nov. 24th she first writes of the arrival of James Murray Mason and John Slidell, who were CSA envoys to Great Britain, taken off the ship Trent on their way to England from Cuba and taken to Fort Warren on the 24th. She writes: having on board the ambassadors (sic) of Seceshia in the persons of Mason and Slidell, arrived and landed the prisoners at Ft. Warren. The steamer anchored off the Navy Yard. As she came up with the National Colors flying the Old North Church chimed Home Sweet Home with very beautiful effect. On the 25th she writes: the Government has decided that Mason and Slidell should be treated in all respects like criminals, or until full assurance is received that Col. Corcoran (Michael, captured at 1st Bull Run) and the other Officers now in the hands of the rebels, shall receive due treatment to their rank and position, which in my opinion is perfectly justifiable. On Dec. 5th she writes of the Presidents message to Congress. She again writes of the Trent Affair on Dec. 16th: Much trouble is hourly anticipated with England as the arrival of the steamer Europa bears news from Queenstown to that effect. I can hardly believe it however, for in seizing those ambassadors we did and had a perfect right, and to have taken the vessel we could have without our infringement of any law. I declare the prospect of things is disheartening, out as well as inside of our troubled nation. One war is enough at a time. Dec. 17th she writes: The city of Charleston is still reported to be in flames. It has not been confirmed, whether it was set fire by the inhabitants, as one would naturally suppose to prevent it from falling into the hands of our troops, or by the slave population. It might possible be the latter. Dec. 19th: The visit of the Cavalry Regiment to the city was an occasion of great interest. The number of mounted men was 1200 and they presented a fine appearance in passing through the streets. They partook of a collation on the Commons. Dec. 21: Much at present is said concerning the delivery of Mason and Slidell, but government determination seems to be faltering, and I fear the ambassadors will be given up...Oh for a close of this patricidal contest. Dec. 28th writes of the impending release of Mason and Slidell and on Jan 1st 1862 she writes: Mason and Slidell left Fort Warren to day for Provincetown, where they will sail for England. They reused decidedly to enter the boat boat awaiting them, as they were uncertain of their whereabouts, but they were informed that if they did not, they should be reported as unwilling to go, and must suffer the consequences. They disliked in going in such a private manner, they desired more pomp and ceremony (confounded rebels), they when however despite their disinclination. Jan. 24th she writes: A very nice table was spread but was suddenly relieved of its contents, as soon as the juveniles teeth were set in motion. I imagined by the quantity brought that there would remain an overabundance, but was tremendously disappointed, all that was visible upon the surface, were a few empty nut shells, and one or two kernels of corn. Jan. 25th she writes of the Union victory in Kentucky and the death of CSA General Kirk Zollicoffer. Jan. 29th she writes again of the Trent Affair, or at least the fate of Mason and Slidell from a friend of her father who visited them for dinner, one of the more interesting first hand accounts that rarely make it into history books, she writes: Mr. Sherriffs came in during the evening and imparted some very important information to us upon the ambassadors Mason and Slidell. Mr S had the esteemed and honored privilege of carrying them down the harbor in the tug boat to the Rinaldo (HMS Rinaldo), in which they sailed for England. Soon instances concerning their departure from the Ft. to Provincetown were very amusing. Of their personal appearance, he spoke unfavorably, but better of Mason, whom he said was a perfect gentleman in his manner and address. Poor unfortunate Slidell lay upon his stomach heaving up Jonah (to use a Boston phrase) all the way down. He asked how much longer before they would arrive at the port, he was told one half hour, with a very indelicate preface he replied It has been that much ever since we started. He appeared very much out of health and was sick at the time of their departure, he appeared very reluctant to leave and at first declared he would not go, but finally agreed. He is quite old, long gray beard and very crusty, and withal, as rich as a Jew… Feb. 8th she writes I an delighted to hear of more success attending our army, as to day I think Fort Henry was taken. The Burnside expedition , for so long not heard from, is doing admirably. Although it experienced considerable losses during the heavy gale which attended them...Feb. 24 & 25th she writes of the destructive Boston fire which burned much of the waterfront, including parts of her fathers ferry business. This is just a tiny sample of Frances writings in this fascinating diary. Have given highlights on only the first third of this document. So much more of interest such as details of CSS Alabama, Battle of Fredricksburg and so much more. Condition loose boards, else VG+.