Diaries
The diaries cover the period of 1860-1872. From September 1862 to November 1864, Wayland, and his brother Ransom, were mustered into the Yates Sharpshooters, 64th Regiment Illinois Volunteers. In the summer of 1863 Wayland became sergeant major of 'H' Co., Alabama Volunteers, First U.S. Cavalry (Union). The diaries provide detailed daily entries spanning his entire period of service. Wayland participated in campaigns in the following states -Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Details are given of camp life, various skirmishes, the effect of the war on the south, foraging parties, the burning of Corinth, battlefield scenes and the siege at Lookout Mountain.
A diary entry in May 1865 describes a visit to Chicago, where Dunn paid his respects to the martyred President Lincoln whose body was lying in state in the City Hall building. Later that same year, Wayland and a friend went on a sightseeing trip. Leaving New York on November 25, the tour included England, France, Italy, Egypt, Palestine, Turkey (Ottoman Empire), a Danube excursion, Austria, Prussia, Netherlands, Scotland and Canada - in that order. During the entire tour, extensive daily entries (2 - 5 pp.) provide details of places visited, and Wayland's impressions of the people and living conditions. There are approximately 750 pages of entries describing the trip. During July-August 1868, Wayland relates his experiences while traveling by horseback in Kansas and Nebraska. The diary entries describe taking part in buffalo hunts, Indian life, customs, games, etc. He also mentions witnessing a near fight between Sioux and Pawnees. In October-November 1868, Wayland relates his experiences among the Mormons in Utah. He tells of Mormon meetings, life, efforts to rid Salt Lake City of non-Mormon merchants. Wayland attended several meetings where Brigham Young was present. He also talked with a young son of Brigham about the leader's family life. In 1869-1870, he describes a trip through California.