George R. Farley, 117th New York Infantry, Civil War Diary 

This war-date diary of George R. Farley covers his entire Civil War service in the 117th New York Infantry, from August 18, 1862, to October 3, 1864 with an entry from Hampton Hospital. The diary is endorsed on the flyleaf Memorandum of George R. Farley, Co I 117th Regt NYSV. In pencil above that, in a shaky hand, it is endorsed For Miss Abbie M Janes.

Farley enlisted as a corporal in July 1862 and was mustered into Co. "F" of the 117th New York Infantry one month later. He was promoted to sergeant in February 1863. The 117th New York’s first major action was in the Bermuda Hundred campaign under Butler, where it was heavily engaged at Drewry’s Bluff. In the early part of the campaign, the 117th was involved in destroying the railroad between Richmond and Petersburg at Clover Hill Junction. Farley gives daily first-hand accounts of the Bermuda Hundred campaign, Cold Harbor (where the 117th was in the second line of battle,) and the start of the Petersburg campaign.

For Sgt. Farley, the most memorable day in the war came on Thursday, Sept. 29, 1864: Last night at twelve o’clock we crossed the James river at Deep Bottom. As soon as the break of day, we drove the rebs. and in the second charge that was made, I was wounded. I was struck with a shell in my right hand. I then went to the field hospital and Dr. Carpenter amputated part of my right hand and three fingers. I was then taken to Deep Bottom in an ambulance. At twelve oclock at night we took a boat for Hampton. Farley was discharged as a result of these wounds on December 11, 1864.