This collection contains a diary used by both a Union and Confederate soldier, both unnamed, who fought in the American Civil War in 1864.

The Union soldier chronicles his combat experiences at the Wilderness and Spotsylvania; his wounding and maneuvering outside of Washington, D.C., during Jubal Early's raid on Washington, including the hanging of a spy from the 65th New York until finally losing the diary during the opening of Philip Sheridan's Valley campaign in August.

The Union soldier was a private in the First New Jersey Brigade and was most likely a member of Co. D, 10th New Jersey Vols., better known as Olden's Legion named in honor of New Jersey Governor Charles Olden. His entries begin on February 21 and, as part of the Army of the Potomac's 6th Corps he chronicles the fighting that took place during the opening of Grant's Overland Campaign until he was "wounded by a slug" during the fighting at Spotsylvania Court House on May 8. After being wounded, he wrote about all his experiences including being removed from the front. He mentions that he was released from Jarvis Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, on June 17, and during Early's advance on Washington, he mentions marching throughout Maryland and writes on July 15 that a private of the 65th New York was hung for spying. Afterwards, he is present when Confederate General Early advanced on the Union army near Winchester, and he looses the diary.

The Confederate soldier's entries begin the day immediately following the last Union entry. His entries begin with Early driving the Union army before him on August 18. He details activity during Early's push to drive the Union army out of the Valley and concludes with the battle of Opequon or Third Winchester.