This pocket watch and personal diary were carried by Private David J. Leech, Company F, 124th Regiment Illinois Volunteers. The watch is engraved with the names David Jones Leech, Fred Mott Leech, Joseph Landis Leech and Ralph Otis Leech. The diary covers the period January 1-December 31, 1863; included is a record of letters sent to and received from his wife. “For Mr. David J. Leech Co. G 124 Regt Ill Vols” is written inside the cover, along with “David J. Leech Co F 124 Regt Ills Vols—received from wife March 13, 1863 while encamped along Lake Providence Louisiana brought by George W. Lester; David J. Leech Co F 124th Ills Big Black River Mississippi.”
A native of Pennsylvania and a resident of Henry County, Illinois, David Leech joined the 124th in August 1862 and served until mustered out three years later. He died on April 24, 1921 in Red Oak, Iowa.
Excerpts from Leech’s Diary:
Wednesday May 20, 1863
“Siege of Vicksburg”
“Started this morning about 5 I joined our Brigade in of battle on the brow of a hill here all day took my bed under the root of a tree with my equipment an gun close to me without a blanket clear & warm”
Tuesday June 2, 1863
“Siege of Vicksburg”
“Commenced our sharp shooting again this morning & kept it up all day they made some pretty close shots at us this afternoon one ball killing Adam Pulling instantly clear & warm”
Saturday July 4, 1863
“Surrender of Vicksburg”
“Vicksburg surrendered to us this morning our Brigade the first to march in & put the Stars & stripes on the Court House Clear & very warm & dusty on guard in Vicksburg tonight Received a letter from Father & Mother”
Images Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 30190 & 30191
