The Douglas diary;: Student days at Franklin and Marshall College, 1856-1858

From the Preface and Introduction of this 192 page "Henry Kyd Douglas was born in Ireland in 1838. He was eighteen when he came to Lancaster, Pennsylvania from Virginia to attend Franklin and Marshall College in 1856. A few years later, as a Confederate officer and youngest member of General 'Stonewall' Jackson's staff, he served with bravery and distinction through the Civil War. Eventually he wrote one of the classic military histories of the Civil War, 'I Rode with Stonewall'. The diary that he kept for two years while he lived in Lancaster is a fascinating commentary and a valuable source of information about the college and the Lancaster community. Douglas was one of the first students to attend classes in the new Main Building - now 'Old Main' - which had just been dedicated inn 1856, as the first building of the new college formed through the union of two colleges - Marshall College from Mercersburg, and old Franklin College of Lancaster. He planted some of the first trees on the bare campus, participated energetically in the intense rivalry between the two Literary Societies in their new buildings, combined serious study with youthful mischief, and commented vigorously on national affairs during the administration of President James Buchanan. Douglas lived in the center of the town, a mile away from the college and found most of his social life and recreation in the community rather than the college. He describes concerts, public lectures, carnivals, county fairs, and parties at the homes of prominent Lancaster families. He wrote in a refreshing and expressive style, giving a vivid picture of the daily life of this community in the years just before the Civil War." This very interesting and informative book also contains more than twenty-five photo reproductions as well as illustrations drawn by Florence Starr Taylor.