Vermonters in the Civil War
Collection Overview
Vermont soldiers in the Civil War wrote an enormous quantity of letters and diaries, of which many thousands have survived in libraries, historical societies, and in private hands. This collection represents a selection of letters and diaries from...
Show moreVermont soldiers in the Civil War wrote an enormous quantity of letters and diaries, of which many thousands have survived in libraries, historical societies, and in private hands. This collection represents a selection of letters and diaries from the University of Vermont and the Vermont Historical Society.
The collection includes materials dating from 1861-1865. Materials were selected for digitization to provide a variety of perspectives on events and issues. The voices represented in the collection include private soldiers and officers, as well as a few civilians. All of the extant Civil War-era letters or diaries of each of the selected individuals (at least, all that are to be found in the participating institutions’ collections) are included; each adds a certain experience and point of view to the whole.
Officers in the photo above are (from left to right): Lieutenant Colonel Charles B. Stoughton, Colonel Edwin H. Stoughton, Major Harry N. Worthen. All are from the Fourth Vermont Infantry Regiment.
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Sub-collections
- Daniel S. White Correspondence
- Edward P. Stone Correspondence
- George W. Quimby Correspondence
- Henry A. Smith Correspondence
- Henry Harrison Wilder Correspondence
- Horace Barlow Diary
- John Lester Barstow Correspondence
- John W. Campbell Correspondence
- John Wolcott Phelps Correspondence
- Joseph Chase Rutherford Correspondence
- Joseph L. Perkins Correspondence
- Joseph Spafford Correspondence
- Justus F. Gale Correspondence
- Lyman S. Williams Correspondence
- Orlando S. Turner Correspondence
- Ransom W. Towle Correspondence
- Roswell Farnham Correspondence
- Solomon G. Heaton Correspondence
- Valentine G. Barney Correspondence
- Wheelock Graves Veazey Correspondence
- William C. Holbrook Correspondence
- William Wirt Henry Correspondence
Lesson Plans
(1,081 - 1,100 of 1,269)
Pages
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- Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
- Description
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Writing from near Fairfax Court House, is in good health, drills practiced, men lost from the 15th and 16th regiments, a reference to a battle in Tennessee (maybe the Union win at the Battle of Stones River, Dec 31, 1862-Jan. 3, 1863), reflects on how the army will deal with the discharge of the...
Show moreWriting from near Fairfax Court House, is in good health, drills practiced, men lost from the 15th and 16th regiments, a reference to a battle in Tennessee (maybe the Union win at the Battle of Stones River, Dec 31, 1862-Jan. 3, 1863), reflects on how the army will deal with the discharge of the soldiers signed up for only 9 months, mentions officers' wives in camp.
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- Title
- Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
- Description
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Topics include picket duty over New Year’s, being stationed in a house well suited to his needs, cavalry unit having had a scrimmage nearby, mentions the death of General Kearny at Battle of Chantilly, Virginia, Sept 1, 1862 (Northern Virginia Campaign), the depleted and devastated area in which...
Show moreTopics include picket duty over New Year’s, being stationed in a house well suited to his needs, cavalry unit having had a scrimmage nearby, mentions the death of General Kearny at Battle of Chantilly, Virginia, Sept 1, 1862 (Northern Virginia Campaign), the depleted and devastated area in which they are encamped, forests gone, Union burned many of the "splendid barracks" the Rebels had used.
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- Title
- Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
- Description
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Topics include the snowy weather, a description of his comfortable and cozy two tent living situation in camp, and a love letter to Julia, missing her and home.
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- Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
- Description
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A brief and intense letter to his wife about her ill health, purchasing a new horse, and officers in the regiment who have resigned.
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- Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
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Topics include orders to march to Baltimore under General Banks on Tuesday.
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- Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
- Description
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A light hearted love letter to his wife, writing of her in the third person. Writes of a winter storm but of being comfortable in his tent, refers very indirectly using euphemisms about his wife's pregnancy, mentions George Eason, Mr. and Mrs. Tripp, refers to their baby as "her" baby, teases her...
Show moreA light hearted love letter to his wife, writing of her in the third person. Writes of a winter storm but of being comfortable in his tent, refers very indirectly using euphemisms about his wife's pregnancy, mentions George Eason, Mr. and Mrs. Tripp, refers to their baby as "her" baby, teases her about her behavior, (letter ends abruptly, remainder lost?).
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- Title
- Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
- Description
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A love letter expressing his love for his wife and baby, mentions Herman, Jason, the "Rice boy" and Mrs. Tilton.
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- Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
- Description
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From Head Quarters 16th Vt Volunteers, at a camp between Centreville and Bull Run, Virginia topics include the march to Fairfax Court House, the 24 sick men that were left behind at Camp Vermont, and the current living situation.
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- Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
- Description
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Wheelock’s comments on his wife's habit of being away from home visiting while pregnant, refers to the snowy and rainy weather in camp, mentions he intends to make a trip to Washington and nothing much happening in camp, even too muddy to drill.
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- Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
- Description
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Wheelock comments on Julia’s size while pregnant, inquires about her well being, how she will treat their child, recalls how their relationship has evolved.
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- Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
- Description
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Topics include orders for Veazey and Proctor to be ready to move to Harpers Ferry (W. Va.), the desire to go to Texas with General Banks, and the excitement of Veazey’s wife’s pregnancy.
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- Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
- Description
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A brief letter stating that a hand carved laurel wood pipe with Masonic symbols on it given to Veazey from a wounded soldier, mentions his puppy Jeff is growing big, words of love to Julia and wondering what they will name their baby.
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- Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
- Description
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The regiment is at at Union Mills, Va., Wheelock's health is good, the puppy Jeff is giving him much pleasure and good company, and he is excited to return home to experience the love and happiness of his family.
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- Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
- Description
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Topics include moving to camp near Fairfax Station, giving advice to others, threatening to leave the country if the Union does not succeed, expressing strong political opinions, a description of the governmental parties, stating President Lincoln being nervous about the next Congress, wishing...
Show moreTopics include moving to camp near Fairfax Station, giving advice to others, threatening to leave the country if the Union does not succeed, expressing strong political opinions, a description of the governmental parties, stating President Lincoln being nervous about the next Congress, wishing the President would be politically stronger.
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- Title
- Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
- Description
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From Camp Vermont, topics include orders to prepare huts for winter quarters, Wheelock Veazey loving and missing his wife, of a visit to Col Stevens and Col. Bowers, and an indirect reference to his wife's pregnancy.
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- Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
- Description
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Topics include forgiving his wife, the snow and rain, and the ill health of the men in camp, they being careless after being sick and men dying, not concerned about the gender of the baby.
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- Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
- Description
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Topics include plans for Veazey’s wife to visit him at Camp Vermont, the love he has for his wife, his concern for her safety traveling, recommending she travel with Mr. and Mrs. Adams, a brief reference to divine providence blessing his family.
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- Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
- Description
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Topics include the dull in camp, men digging rifle pits, terrible weather, how much Wheelock loves his wife, and instructions to Julia to look in his trunk for letters regarding C. C. White directing Veazey to pay Col. Proctor, an order from George Randal of Springfield to pay C. C. White,...
Show moreTopics include the dull in camp, men digging rifle pits, terrible weather, how much Wheelock loves his wife, and instructions to Julia to look in his trunk for letters regarding C. C. White directing Veazey to pay Col. Proctor, an order from George Randal of Springfield to pay C. C. White, stories running around about Gen. Stoughton, slander about Miss Ford.
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- Title
- Wheelock Graves Veazey Correspondence
- Description
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Wheelock Graves Veazey was born in Brentwood, New Hampshire on December 5, 1835 and attended Phillips Exeter Academy, Dartmouth College, and Albany Law School before being admitted to the Vermont Bar in December 1860. He then began a law practice in Springfield, Vermont. When the Civil War began,...
Show moreWheelock Graves Veazey was born in Brentwood, New Hampshire on December 5, 1835 and attended Phillips Exeter Academy, Dartmouth College, and Albany Law School before being admitted to the Vermont Bar in December 1860. He then began a law practice in Springfield, Vermont. When the Civil War began, Veazey enlisted as a private in Company A of the 3rd Vermont Infantry. He eventually attained the rank of lieutenant colonel before helping to form the 16th Vermont Infantry in 1862. As colonel of the 16th Vermont Infantry, he commanded soldiers in the Battle of Gettysburg. Wheelock Graves Veazey later received the Medal of Honor for his actions at Gettysburg. Upon returning to Vermont, Veazey resumed his law career and was eventually elected Reporter of the Decisions of the Supreme Court of Vermont. He was then elected to the Vermont State Senate in 1872 and was appointed a Registrar in Bankruptcy. Veazey served as a delegate-at-large to the Republican National Convention in 1876, and the Legislature elected him a judge of the Vermont Supreme Court in 1879. Veazey died on March 22, 1898 at the age of 62. Veazey's letters include descriptions of his regiment, their marches, a put-down riot, and other officers and regiments. Also included are sentiments to his wife, his ethical thoughts on the war, and predictions about upcoming events and battles.
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- Title
- William B. Reynolds to Lyman S. Williams
- Description
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Letter to Williams from Major William B Reynolds regarding trouble about Lyman S. Williams’ commission as 2nd Lieutenant of Company C, 6th Vermont Infantry Regiment, and whether he was properly mustered in. Reynolds also asks for news of Company I of the 6th Vermont, and writes that he feels ...
Show moreLetter to Williams from Major William B Reynolds regarding trouble about Lyman S. Williams’ commission as 2nd Lieutenant of Company C, 6th Vermont Infantry Regiment, and whether he was properly mustered in. Reynolds also asks for news of Company I of the 6th Vermont, and writes that he feels “heavy work is coming soon”. Major Reynolds was killed in action on July 30th, thirteen days after writing this letter.
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