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 - 11 of 11)
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- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
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Barney writes that the Regiment has still not moved and he is very anxious that they do so, though the sickness in the Regiment is abating a little. Mentions several names of men (Col. [James Wolfe] Ripley, H. Meigs, Sartwell, Dr. Carpenter & Bellrose). He also writes of the arrival of another...
Show moreBarney writes that the Regiment has still not moved and he is very anxious that they do so, though the sickness in the Regiment is abating a little. Mentions several names of men (Col. [James Wolfe] Ripley, H. Meigs, Sartwell, Dr. Carpenter & Bellrose). He also writes of the arrival of another colored regiment and of the efforts of General William F. “Baldy” Smith in getting the Regiment moved. As well he writes of target shooting with his brother Lester and some of the other officers and nearly shooting himself in the leg while reloading.
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- Title
- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Two letters enclosed. Gives detailed account of his duties as officer of the day, details on camp life including cleaning the sinks (latrines), of some of the sight-seeing he has done and hopes to do in the area of Yorktown, of sickness in the camp, of rain and lightening that killed one horse &...
Show moreTwo letters enclosed. Gives detailed account of his duties as officer of the day, details on camp life including cleaning the sinks (latrines), of some of the sight-seeing he has done and hopes to do in the area of Yorktown, of sickness in the camp, of rain and lightening that killed one horse & injured several others. As well, he complains of Vermont towns that pay $300 rather than send anyone who has been drafted, compares them to the rebels. Requests photographs of the children Fred and Carrie.
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- Title
- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Barney writes of the men repairing the barracks in preparation for the winter, and of having a photograph taken of his horse. He also writes of food for breakfast, getting a firkin (56 lbs.) of butter of acquiring a cow for the field and staff officers’ mess and of hearing from Major Jarvis who...
Show moreBarney writes of the men repairing the barracks in preparation for the winter, and of having a photograph taken of his horse. He also writes of food for breakfast, getting a firkin (56 lbs.) of butter of acquiring a cow for the field and staff officers’ mess and of hearing from Major Jarvis who will be traveling to Brattleboro shortly.
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- Title
- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Barney writes of having only 83 men on duty due to sickness, and that he is currently in command of the fort, though General Wistar would be returning soon after a raid on guerillas. He also comments on the lack of experience of the colored regiment. The rest of the letter contains comments and...
Show moreBarney writes of having only 83 men on duty due to sickness, and that he is currently in command of the fort, though General Wistar would be returning soon after a raid on guerillas. He also comments on the lack of experience of the colored regiment. The rest of the letter contains comments and questions about life at home in Swanton.
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- Title
- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Topics include sitting on the examining board, officers resigning in fear of the board, and a description of a picture drawn by a 16 year old boy from Company C of Barney's quarters, including the Negro contraband boy who is taking care of his horse. As well, he includes a photograph of his good...
Show moreTopics include sitting on the examining board, officers resigning in fear of the board, and a description of a picture drawn by a 16 year old boy from Company C of Barney's quarters, including the Negro contraband boy who is taking care of his horse. As well, he includes a photograph of his good friend Dr. Carpenter. He also describes the kind of food they eat in their mess.
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- Title
- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Topics include a review of the Brigade by General [Henry Morris] Naglee, sickness in camp, and the reliability of the 9th Regiment and its officers, which causes them to be used by General [Issac Jones] Wistar in many responsible positions in the Brigade. Describes how well the officers are...
Show moreTopics include a review of the Brigade by General [Henry Morris] Naglee, sickness in camp, and the reliability of the 9th Regiment and its officers, which causes them to be used by General [Issac Jones] Wistar in many responsible positions in the Brigade. Describes how well the officers are living, foods they are eating. Again requests photographs of his children.
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- Title
- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Barney writes of the monotony of camp life in the fort and his wish for more action. Reflects on how the Rebels must see the hopelessness of their cause, mentions wishing to go to Charlestown, Va to help win the city and of the weather is getting cooler, but the many men still sick. Is glad Maria...
Show moreBarney writes of the monotony of camp life in the fort and his wish for more action. Reflects on how the Rebels must see the hopelessness of their cause, mentions wishing to go to Charlestown, Va to help win the city and of the weather is getting cooler, but the many men still sick. Is glad Maria is enjoying the outdoor excursions of fishing and riding.
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- Title
- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Very short letter in which Barney lists all his activities, including sitting on the examining board, holding a court martial, commanding the Regiment and being complimented by the Officer of the Day on the cleanliness of the camp.
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- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Barney writes of imagining himself at home with his family, and of fixing up the camp barracks for winter with comfortable living quarters. He thanks his wife for sending him slippers and asks for cloth, shirts, towels and socks to be sent to him.
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- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Topics include receiving news from home from Lieutenant Jewett, inquiring into what newspapers his wife is reading and whether she has had work done on building a barn. Writes winter barracks continue to be worked on. He also wishes to have photographs of his children sent to him, preferably in...
Show moreTopics include receiving news from home from Lieutenant Jewett, inquiring into what newspapers his wife is reading and whether she has had work done on building a barn. Writes winter barracks continue to be worked on. He also wishes to have photographs of his children sent to him, preferably in their every day clothing.
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- Title
- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Letter is short because Barney in command of the Regiment and many duties, including signing passes for each Company. Writes that Colonel Ripley is sitting on an examining board which examines the competency of officers sent before it. No Vermont officers will be examined. Writes of keeping the...
Show moreLetter is short because Barney in command of the Regiment and many duties, including signing passes for each Company. Writes that Colonel Ripley is sitting on an examining board which examines the competency of officers sent before it. No Vermont officers will be examined. Writes of keeping the camp clean to try and avoid sickness with the help of a mule and cart to remove debris daily. .
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