Item description: Diary entry, 20 May 1862, of David Schenck (1835-1902). Marks the passing of the anniversary of the secession of North Carolina from the Union; Schenck refers to this day as the “anniversary of our first and second independence.”

Item citation: From folder 4 (volume 3) of the David Schenck Papers #652, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

May 20th 1862

The anniversary of our first and second independence found me once more in the quiet of home – it passed without any event to mark its progress, though the changing scenes of the last year were the subject of frequent meditation.

Every arrival of the train in the morning finds and anxious crowd of citizens, who await the news of battle at Corinth and in the Peninsula with impatience and intense interest. The Batteries on the James have repulsed the enemy and he has retreated to renew his strength — it is difficult to say where the decisive fight will occur.

The enemy are making regular appearances to Corinth and Beauregard awaits them with confidence and coolness.

Stonewall Jackson has gained a decisive victory over Milroy and is on his way to “My Maryland”.

Capt. Morgan is harassing the enemy’s rear in Tennessee.