Call Number:

3576

Repository:

Historical Society of Pennsylvania

Extent:

0.25 linear feet (; 1 box, 7 volumes)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

[Indicate cited item or series here], Thomas Cole Wright diaries (Collection 3576), The Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

Date:

1850-1864 (inclusive)

Creator:

Wright, Thomas Cole, ca 1825-1864

Abstract:

Thomas Cole Wright was a young glove and hosiery shopkeeper in Philadelphia. The diaries trace his courtship and marriage to Emma Butler, the birth of their daughter, the death of both daughter and mother in close succession, his remarriage several years later, his service in the Pennsylvania militia during the Civil War, and the decline of his health which eventually led to his death in November 1864. Entries also discuss the weather, his glove shop, church attendance, purchases, social activities, and charitable contributions. There are seven volumes, with entries for approximately 2,500 days, plus ca. 100 pages of miscellaneous loose papers.

Thomas Cole Wright was a shopkeeper of a glove and hosiery firm (R. K. Stewart Hosiery Gloves and Trimmings), of which he acquired from his Uncle Rude in 1854. Not much is known of Wright’s life, but what we do know is that he was a man of faith. He spent a great deal of time attending religious events; more specifically, evening sermons offered by a number local parishioners in Philadelphia. At times, he would spend at least three or more evenings a week attending such events. While the volumes in the collection provide glimpses of his daily encounters with various persons concerning his business and personal affairs, none however offer commentary or critique of the day. Consistent with his lack of interest in detailing his thoughts, he offered no commentary regarding the sermons he attended. Several unfortunate circumstances would leave him to suffer “afflictions” of loss: Emma J. Butler, his wife, died from a lost battle with consumption on January 23, 1853; his daughter, Annie Butler, died in the same year on July 23 from a “disease of the brain;” and his father, William Wright, on August 28, 1863.

In 1862/’63 the country was in desperate need of support from its citizenry, given the relative shortage of soldiers. Calling on willing members of society, the Pennsylvania Militia was able to recruit a considerable number of men from Philadelphia and other parts of the Pennsylvania. Thomas Wright, of course, was among them. Wright does not reveal his motivations for joining the militia or other thoughts and opinions on matters regarding social and political affairs. However, he would join just as the growing opinions of the Northern public became more and more radical by 1862, which favored the ending of enslavement in the South. He joined the war effort on June 16, 1863, and was subsequently mustered in ten days later on June 26th in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He was 38 years of age. His failure to reflect upon the political climate of the day may suggest that he was not as politically active as his participation in the Civil War might suggest. Perhaps it is suffice to assume that he was merely obliging his patriotic duty toward the Union.

According to the Civil War Veterans’ Card File, Wright was assigned to Company E of the Philadelphia Brigade and served for a total of 41 days; although, the journals show that he was involved in some military training (and related activities) at the local Armory prior to this enrollment on June 16th. During those 41 days, he would describe the weather conditions as he awoke each day, movement patterns of his regiment from camp to camp, fiery encounters with rebel troops and subsequent injuries of company members, and picket duties. Wright’s recordings are somewhat consistent with many historical texts about the 1863 Gettysburg Campaign—days one, two, and three of the fighting beginning on July 1, 1863. When he returned to Philadelphia one late afternoon around six o’clock on Sunday, July 26, 1863, he exhaustedly rejoiced: “[I am] Tired and Hungry but well.”

This collection contains 7 volumes of diary entries created by Thomas Cole Wrigt in which he recorded from 1850 to 1864; however, there are no recordings between the years 1855-1862. Also included is one folder of a variety of material: epherma, newspaper clippings, correspondence, and receipts.