A Civil War Soldier's Diary: Valentine C. Randolph, 39th Illinois Regiment (review)

In the Preface to his Civil War diary, Valentine C. Randolph wrote that his seven volumes were "not intended for any body to read excepting myself and those whom I permit" (p. 7). Luckily his diary has been rescued from obscurity and is now available for all interested in the Civil War. Randolph's diary traces his Civil War experiences in the 39th Illinois Infantry Regiment from 16 September 1861 until he arrived home on 27 September 1864. Each of the seven volumes is prefaced by commentary from Civil War author Steven R. Wise that places the entries in the context of the war. Randolph's diary has to rate as one of the most interesting and remarkable Civil War diaries ever published.

One of the striking aspects of the diary is that it is written so well. While most Civil War soldiers were not terribly literate, Randolph was well educated, had attended college, and knew Greek, Latin, and Hebrew. The diary is filled with examples of his precocious intellect. The diary is peppered with Latin phrases, and several entries invoke Mars, the Roman god of war. Randolph also noted reading Paradise Lost, something not frequently mentioned in soldiers' diaries. In his entry for 30 January 1862, Randolph recounted the newspapers that were available at his various postings.

Like most soldiers, Randolph was supremely confident of success, noting on 24 January 1862 that "Jeff Davis and Co. had better take passage to the Fejee Islands" (p. 51). The diary is also noteworthy for being blunt and to the point, particularly if there was no activity in camp. Randolph regularly noted that nothing remarkable happened, giving the reader insight into the humdrum side of camp life in the Civil War.

Although he was a soldier, Randolph was committed to humanity, something that he demonstrated on several occasions. After witnessing the execution of two soldiers for desertion on 17 April 1864, he wrote "I hope that I may never be called on to witness another such scene" (p. 199). Earlier in the war, Randolph noted that 3,000 Confederate troops in Virginia had disbanded; he commented that it was better than those 3,000 enemy soldiers dying in battle.

Randolph's intellect and his detailed descriptions of soldier life make this book a refreshing, pleasurable read. Civil War scholars and enthusiasts alike are fortunate to have Randolph's diary in print.