1861 + 1864 HANDWRITTEN MANUSCRIPT CIVIL WAR ERA DIARIES KEPT BY A YOUNG NEW YORKER AND MEMBER OF GOVERNOR CURTIN'S FAMILY

On offer are two handwritten manuscript diaries written by William Dufour of New York City. We are not sure of the precise connection but these diaries came from a Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania estate and connected to famed Civil War Governor Curtin of Pennsylvania. Further research should establish the connection. Mr. Dufour identifies himself on the fep of the earliest diary. While no war content these diaries are fascinating for the fact that these diaries are a look at the New York social scene and the gender sensibilities of the times. Young Dufour is obsessed with relationships with the girls around him. He has no problem expressing his most intimate thoughts and in fact writes whole essays about a few particular girls in the memoranda section of the book. The diaries detail his ups and downs with the various young women in his social strata and he is extremely active. Also of considerable interest are the changes William has gone through between 1861 and 1864. His issues and problems are the same but they have matured as he has. These diaries will provide a treasure trove of early New York and civil war era genealogists and social studies observers. 1861 is in somewhat rougher shape of the two, some text blocks lose and old dampstaining though very legible. 1864 is in very good shape. Both books are approximately 60% full.; Manuscript; 24mo - over 5" - 5¾" tall; DUFOUR, HANDWRITTEN, MANUSCRIPT, DOCUMENT, LETTER, AUTOGRAPH, WRITER, HAND WRITTEN, DOCUMENTS, SIGNED, LETTERS, MANUSCRIPTS, HISTORICAL, HOLOGRAPH, WRITERS, AUTOGRAPHS, PERSONAL, PERSONAL HISTORY, MEMOIR, MEMORIAL, DIARY, JOURNAL, DIARIES, JOURNALS, LOG, LOGS, KEEPSAKE, AMERICANA, Civil War, War Between the States, GENEALOGY, PENNSYLVANIA, NEW YORK, CIVIL WAR, CIVIL WAR ERA, SOCIAL STUDIES, WOMEN STUDIES, PRE SUFFRAGE,