Unique display featuring the diary of James Gowers, Co. B, 14th N.Y.H.A., featuring his diary—open to its last entries—and the bullet which mortally wounded him at Spotsylvania. The diary is open to pages filled out in pencil, headed "Virginia," in full: "Battlefield, May 12th, near Spottsylvania, Va., Without breakfast and a stormy morning we were marched into the breastworks in front of the enemy. The work of death began early. The fight on the right was very heavy and gradually came nearer. About noon we were into it. Hancock's Corps carried enemy's rifle pits & captures a whole division. Battlefield, May 13th, Spottsylvania, Taken from the first by some 24th Cavalry boys to the first hospital after laying all night in the rain. Spottsylvania Hospital, Va., May 16, Went to Fredericksburgh into an old store." The content of the rest of the diary is not known, as it has not been examined outside of the frame.
Displayed beside the diary is a bullet with a handwritten caption below, identifying it as that which caused Gowers' mortal wound. In full: "This bullet was taken from the knee of James Gowers who was wounded in the battle at Spottsylvania, Va. and died from the effects. Civil War. Brother of Ann A. Gowers Wright." Impressively mounted, suede-matted, and framed to an overall size of 21 x 22. In fine condition.
James A. Gowers enlisted as a private on August 4, 1863, in Lima, New York. He was mustered into Company B, New York 14th Heavy Artillery on August 29, 1863, was wounded at Spotsylvania Court House on May 12, 1864, and died of his wounds at Washington, D.C., on September 19, 1864.
