George W. Quimby Correspondence
Collection Overview
George W. Quimby was an 1859 graduate of Dartmouth College before becoming a teacher and law student. Quimby was commissioned from Barton on September 4, 1861 as 1st lieutenant in Co. D, 4th Vt. He was promoted to captain on February 20, 1862....
Show moreGeorge W. Quimby was an 1859 graduate of Dartmouth College before becoming a teacher and law student. Quimby was commissioned from Barton on September 4, 1861 as 1st lieutenant in Co. D, 4th Vt. He was promoted to captain on February 20, 1862. Quimby was killed in action at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862. Captain George Quimby's letters contain good descriptions of camp duties, observations on the Peninsula Campaign, and a brief description of the Antietam battlefield after the Confederate withdrawal. Two letters from Lieutenant Charles C. Kinsman and one letter from Chaplain John L. Roberts concern Quimby's death at Fredericksburg on December 13th, 1862.
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(1 - 8 of 8)
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- George W. Quimby to Emeline B. Masta
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Topics include a "miniature" (porttrait?) that Quimby wants to send home; instructions for his sister to collect on a debt owed by Captain Tucker; and expectation of the Regiment advancing. The order to advance would come from Lincoln himself on Jan. 27, 1862, and would be his first General War...
Show moreTopics include a "miniature" (porttrait?) that Quimby wants to send home; instructions for his sister to collect on a debt owed by Captain Tucker; and expectation of the Regiment advancing. The order to advance would come from Lincoln himself on Jan. 27, 1862, and would be his first General War Order.
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- Title
- George W. Quimby to Emeline B. Masta
- Description
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Topics include the hardships of war, the unfairness between the men who are at home and those that are fighting, and the progress of George W. Quimby’s recuperation. Mentions a long march "on a certain Sunday" from Charles City C. H. (Court House) across the Chickahominy River.
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- George W. Quimby to Emeline B. Masta
- Description
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Topics include descriptions of George W. Quimby’s superior officers, plus an incident that led to the arrest of a commanding officer, who was later exonerated.
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- George W. Quimby to Emeline B. Masta
- Description
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Topics include an account of a battle starting on the 27th of June (Battle of Gaines' Mill/First Cold Harbor/Chickahominy). Quimby mentions some explosions that surprisingly caused less harm than expected. Difficulties include long marches, usually at night; surprise attacks; and water deprivation.
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- George W. Quimby to Emeline B. Masta
- Description
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Topics include the hardships George W. Quimby is enduring, a brief account of fighting on the 6th of May (Battle of Williamsburg, Va.). Quimby describes "the horrid scenes of war": dead and dying soldiers in the aftermath of battle. Mentions generals Smith, Hancock, Sumner, Hooker, and Magruder.
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- George W. Quimby to Emeline B. Masta
- Description
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Topics include the anticipation of marching to Alexandria in just over a week’s time, the resignation of Captain Tucker, and the promotion of George W. Quimby to captaincy. Mentions the slow moving Grand Army of the Potomac and the feeling that it may never see any fighting.
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- George W. Quimby to Emeline B. Masta
- Description
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Topics include George W. Quimby giving advice to his sister on whether or not to sell her house and the location of the regiment. Also, some grumblings about "that imbecile cabinet in Washington" and the post-McClellan command.
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- George W. Quimby to Emeline B. Masta
- Description
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Topics include the terrible weather at Camp Griffin, Va. and the numerous deaths from sicknesses such as Typhoid Fever. "Smith's Division" refers to the Vt. 5th Infantry Regiment under the command of Gen. William F. "Baldy" Smith.