Henry A. Smith of Royalton, Vt., enlisted in Co. E, 1st Vermont Cavalry, on September 23, 1861. He was taken prisoner on July 6, 1863, at Hagerstown, Md., and died at Richmond, Va., on Februrary 29, 1864. Smith's letters are written to his family... Show moreHenry A. Smith of Royalton, Vt., enlisted in Co. E, 1st Vermont Cavalry, on September 23, 1861. He was taken prisoner on July 6, 1863, at Hagerstown, Md., and died at Richmond, Va., on Februrary 29, 1864. Smith's letters are written to his family and friends. He describes the regiment's trip to Washington, D.C., and in 1863 writes from Belle Island where he is being held prisoner. The last letter is to Smith's mother from H. W. Spafford, May 16, 1864, and announces Smith's death. Show less
From Culpeper Court House (Virginia) topics include a list of regiments in the area including the 1st Vt, the hope that Captain Rundlett submits his resignation, the resignation of Colonel Kellogg, the acquiring of double barrel shotguns taken from the citizens, brief reference to Gen. McClellan... Show moreFrom Culpeper Court House (Virginia) topics include a list of regiments in the area including the 1st Vt, the hope that Captain Rundlett submits his resignation, the resignation of Colonel Kellogg, the acquiring of double barrel shotguns taken from the citizens, brief reference to Gen. McClellan and Gen. John Pope and the prediction that the war will not last much longer. Show less
From Snickers Ferry on the Shenandoah River topics include news from Richmond, rumor that Stonewall Jackson was killed, having enough to eat including local peaches & cherries found in Virginia, horses well fed, men on picket duty, newspaper report that General McClellan taken prisoner along with... Show moreFrom Snickers Ferry on the Shenandoah River topics include news from Richmond, rumor that Stonewall Jackson was killed, having enough to eat including local peaches & cherries found in Virginia, horses well fed, men on picket duty, newspaper report that General McClellan taken prisoner along with 40,000 of his men, and Henry Smith's homesickness. Show less
Topics include the journey from Harpers Ferry to Newmarket, reference to General Banks division, detailed description of the suicide of Major Colins' Colonel, Michigan Calvary refusing to obey orders to charge the enemy, the Calvary rode away, mention of Lieut Col Kellogg and a Col Ashby, an... Show moreTopics include the journey from Harpers Ferry to Newmarket, reference to General Banks division, detailed description of the suicide of Major Colins' Colonel, Michigan Calvary refusing to obey orders to charge the enemy, the Calvary rode away, mention of Lieut Col Kellogg and a Col Ashby, an encounter with the rebels that resulted in three rebel deaths and two rebel prisoners, getting pay. Show less
Topics include the arrival of the package from home that had includes apples and chicken but those were eaten by Jarvis Wentworth, pictures of relatives received, admiration of his new boots, Henry Smith's friend Fenney hoping to become his brother-in-law, and the death of a boy names Henry Holt... Show moreTopics include the arrival of the package from home that had includes apples and chicken but those were eaten by Jarvis Wentworth, pictures of relatives received, admiration of his new boots, Henry Smith's friend Fenney hoping to become his brother-in-law, and the death of a boy names Henry Holt of Hartland, gives advice on how to best care for a horse. Show less
Two letters dated Nov 6 and Nov 11.Topics include a skirmish at Thoroughfare Gap, Henry Smith out riding the rebels thus avoiding almost being captured, a number of Union soldiers captured, lots of honey and fowl to eat and the burning of Haymarket.
Six miles south of Culpeper (Virginia) two letters included dated Aug 15 and Aug 15. Topics include an exchange of fire near the Orange Court House, the numerous rebel deaths, injuries, and prisoners, and another terrible battle at Culpeper with references to Jackson, Banks and John Pope.
From Williams Post, Maryland Smith writes 2 letters one dated May 27 and one May 28. (First Battle of Winchester, May 25, 1862). Topics include a terrible battle in and near Winchester in which he escaped injury, of many men from the regiment being lost but many returning to camp the next day,... Show moreFrom Williams Post, Maryland Smith writes 2 letters one dated May 27 and one May 28. (First Battle of Winchester, May 25, 1862). Topics include a terrible battle in and near Winchester in which he escaped injury, of many men from the regiment being lost but many returning to camp the next day, rebels suffering great losses, mentions General Shields, General Fremont and General Banks, cautions given to his siblings at home regarding being in and near the water. Show less
From camp near Alexandria Va. topics include the journey from Alexandria to Munsons Hill and back to a camp near Alexandria, to his lending money to fellow soldiers, reference to Vermont regiments 9th, 10th and 11th, a description of Wesley Watts being wounded in a skirmish against the rebels,... Show moreFrom camp near Alexandria Va. topics include the journey from Alexandria to Munsons Hill and back to a camp near Alexandria, to his lending money to fellow soldiers, reference to Vermont regiments 9th, 10th and 11th, a description of Wesley Watts being wounded in a skirmish against the rebels, praise of McClellan, reference to Bull Run, John Pope and some of the other men who have been wounded. Show less
Topics include encamping near Alexandria, an update on the health of Lant Blake and Gene, his unable to mail a gun home for his younger siblings, the large loss of the rebels at Orange Court House, a request for boots and gloves from home and a comment that army issue are not worth what the... Show moreTopics include encamping near Alexandria, an update on the health of Lant Blake and Gene, his unable to mail a gun home for his younger siblings, the large loss of the rebels at Orange Court House, a request for boots and gloves from home and a comment that army issue are not worth what the soldiers have to pay for them. Show less
A very brief letter from near Alexandria, Va. Topics include Henry Smith getting paid, the resignation of Colonel Tompki, General Blake returning home, a fellow soldier awaits court-martial.
Two letters one dated Dec 5th and one 6th. Topics include the snowy weather, Henry Smith's good health, and the difficult times the men who were drafted will face.
Writing from Chantilla, Virginia topics include the anticipation of receiving a package from home. Box directed to the camp at Alexandria for a few items were sent on to his current location.Mentions his good health and that he often feels better out scouting than when he stays in camp. States... Show moreWriting from Chantilla, Virginia topics include the anticipation of receiving a package from home. Box directed to the camp at Alexandria for a few items were sent on to his current location.Mentions his good health and that he often feels better out scouting than when he stays in camp. States fellow Vermonter taken prisoner. Inquires about folks and activities at home. Show less
Letter written by Spafford to Mrs. Clarissa A. Smith, the mother of Henry A. Smith regarding the death of her son, Hnery A. Smith in the hospital in Richmond, giving details of the conditions there, both about the physicians and how prisoners were buried. Spafford gives Mrs. Smith contact... Show moreLetter written by Spafford to Mrs. Clarissa A. Smith, the mother of Henry A. Smith regarding the death of her son, Hnery A. Smith in the hospital in Richmond, giving details of the conditions there, both about the physicians and how prisoners were buried. Spafford gives Mrs. Smith contact information in order to be in touch with the Ward Master Sergt Jacob Saftig Co. G 4th K.Y. Cav. in the hopes of him being able to give Mrs. Smith more information about Smith's final hours. Show less
