Diaries and Letters
Many of the soldiers who fought in Ripley County, whether from the area or other states, kept diaries or wrote letters back home about their experiences. Many of these have been located and preserved for future generations.
The following documents provide first person information that relates to the Civil War in Ripley County.
A diary and letter from two members of the 1st Indiana Cavalry which occupied Doniphan for 5 days in 1862. John Hoadgland's diary from March 27, 1862 to April 17, 1862 details the daily activities of a soldier in the area. Dr. Charles Brackett gives a different perspective in a letter over the same time frame.
HoaglandBrackett.docBranstetterLetter.docSgt. Simon U. Branstetter a member of Co. "I", 3rd M.S.M., doesn't mention the burning of Doniphan in his letter, he was one of the participants who was caught at Ponder's Mill. He was shot and left for dead and tells "his story" of survival.
Nil Littner was also a member of the 3rd Missouri State Militia. His letter was written in 1903 in response to Doctor Peterson who was gathering 1st account history about the burning of Doniphan.
NilLittner.docxNevinLetter.docWilliam Nevin was a member of the 3rd Missouri State Militia. His letter is his recollection of events leading up to and including the burning of Doniphan on Sept. 19, 1864.