Archives West Finding Aid
Table of Contents
Silas Russell diary , 1865-1866
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Russell, Charles Silas, 1835 or 1837-1919
- Title
- Silas Russell diary
- Dates
- 1865-1866 (inclusive)18651866
- Quantity
- 0.025 linear feet, (1 container) : 1 folder
- Collection Number
- A 283
- Summary
- Silas Russell (1835 or 1837-1919) was an Oregon pioneer who farmed near Pleasant Hill, Lane County and who also served in Company H, First Oregon Volunteer Infantry, during the period of "Indian Wars" in Oregon. The collection (1865-1866) contains a diary that describes Russell's experience in the infantry.
- Repository
-
University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
UO Libraries--SCUA
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene OR
97403-1299
Telephone: 5413463068
spcarref@uoregon.edu - Access Restrictions
-
Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.
- Additional Reference Guides
-
See the Current Collection Guide for detailed description and requesting options.
- Languages
- English
- Sponsor
- Funding for production of this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).
Historical NoteReturn to Top
Charles Silas Russell (1835 or 1837-1919) was born in Illinois, came to Oregon with his parents, and farmed near Pleasant Hill, Lane County.
On December 16, 1864, he enlisted in Company H, First Oregon Volunteer Infantry during the period of "Indian Wars" in Oregon.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
The collection contains a diary that describes Russell's experience in the infantry. In some parts Russell crosses out the pre-filled date of 1865 and writes in 1866, and other times he does not. The exact dates are difficult to determine.
The diary commences as Company H leaves Ft. Vancouver for The Dalles. In April, the company was ordered to Camp Watson, from where it made a series of scouts in the John Day country. In October, Captain Loren L. Williams assisted in the building of the post and spent the winter there.
Russell often writes that he "cooked for the boys," that he had not seen any Indians, and his most common notation is, "nothing strange going on today. He was "mustard out" on June 19, 1866.
The last page of the diary contains song lyrics; the beginning line starts, "Just before the battle, Mother..."
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
| Description |
|---|
| Guide to the Silas Russell Diary |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Indians of North America--Oregon
- Indians of North America--Wars--1862-1865--personal narratives
- Snake War, 1864-1868
- Soldiers--United States--Diaries
Personal Names
- Russell, Charles Silas, 1835 or 1837-1919
Corporate Names
- United States. Army
- United States. Army. Oregon Volunteers, 1st. Company H
Geographical Names
- Camp Watson (Or.)
- Oregon--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
- United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Regimental histories
- United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--personal narratives
Form or Genre Terms
- Diaries
