Pre-war and Wartime Diary, 1836 - 1864

He wrote about his, childhood, his occupation as a cattle driver, and his marriage to Mary Small. He also described his time as growing up on a farm in Indiana, his work as a teamster driving cattle and goods to places in the west and mid-west. Adams also assisted the United States Army during the Utah War of 1857-1858. In addition, Adams met with the Ute’s and spent a night carousing with them. Between 1858-1861 he worked various jobs in the timber industry.

His military diary began on April 11, 1863 and ended in December of 1863. This contains a handwritten transcript of portions of his wartime diary. He described his recovery from his eye wound and his time as a nurse in a hospital after his recovery. There are large gaps between July 10-November 21, 1863, and December 7-9th, 15-18th 1863.