'Acute, Painful Misery, How I Suffered Last Night'

A total  of  3,056 people were killed Sept. 11, 2001, a day that shattered innocence and forever changed a nation.

But 149 years before, almost to the day, nearly eight times as many people were killed at the Battle of Antietam, a Civil War battle that holds the tragic title of America's single bloodiest day.

About 23,000 people died at the Battle of Antietam, which was fought Sept. 17, 1862 near Sharpsburg, Md. And 11 of them came from Grafton.

"For a very small community, 11 men being killed in about half an hour is significant,'' said Linda Casey, president of the .

One of the Grafton victims, Jonathan Stow, left behind a wrenching written journal of his experiences as he lay dying, first on the battlefield and later at a nearby farm.

Samplings of his daily accounts, which he kept through Sept. 29, tell a story of agony and sacrifice far more vividly than any history textbook.

Sept. 17: "What sights I have seen. I am wounded....Am in severe pain.''

Sept. 18: "Acute, painful misery. I remember talking and groaning all night, Many died in calling for help.''

Sept. 20: Leg amputated about noon....There are a dozen or more stumps near me.''

His horrific accounts continue in similar sad, stoic fashion until Sept. 29. 

"10 AM my comrade died from 18th Minn. Regt. I recd 4 letters from friends or home but am so boozy [from treatments] it takes the whole AM to read them.''

That night, he sent an urgent telegram to family, stating he was "dangerous wounded'' and urging them to "come instantly.''

He died Oct. 1 from his wounds and the amputation. He was 30.

His body was returned to Grafton, where he is buried at the Oak Street cemetery.

Stories such as this are why the Civil War and its human toll should not be forgotten, Casey said.

His story has been made available to the public "so people could understand what a sacrifice it was,'' she said. "You never want to forget what it took. You never want to forget how horrible war is.''

In observance of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the society is hosting a speaker April 3 followed by a display of Civil War artifacts through April 23. The society is located at 1 Grafton Common.

Daniel McAuliffe will talk at 2 p.m. April 3 about "The Burnside Expedition, from Worcester County to New Bern, North Carolina.'' The talk will follow two Worcester County regiments from the time they leave the city to their capture of four Confederate flags at the Battle of New Bern, North Carolina on March 14, 1862.

On that day, visitors can see an original copy of the 13th Amendment, signed by Abraham Lincoln, which declared all men to be free.

Through April 23, the society will display the four captured flags and other Civil War artifacts.

Entries from Jonathan Stow's diary are part of the public record and are maintained by Virginia Tech University. To receive more information on Grafton Historical Society and its scheduled programs, call 508-839-000o or email l-casey@msn.com.