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
(1,001 - 1,020 of 1,066)
Pages
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- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
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Letter discusses snow in camp and delays in moving, diarrhea cures, the Surgeon’s remedy, and those who have been sick. His desire for a box of goods is also mentioned, as well as what to put in it (including food), especially newspapers and magazines for the men in the Hospital. He also...
Show moreLetter discusses snow in camp and delays in moving, diarrhea cures, the Surgeon’s remedy, and those who have been sick. His desire for a box of goods is also mentioned, as well as what to put in it (including food), especially newspapers and magazines for the men in the Hospital. He also discusses his desire that the family stay healthy this year, as opposed to the last.
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- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
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Henry writes that he is getting along well and that Captain Dillingham and Lieutenant Thompson are both at the Hospital with him. They are all staying with Assistant Surgeon Dr. Rutherford and the Chaplain, Edwin M. Haynes. As well, Henry writes that because of his experience in the Hospital, he...
Show moreHenry writes that he is getting along well and that Captain Dillingham and Lieutenant Thompson are both at the Hospital with him. They are all staying with Assistant Surgeon Dr. Rutherford and the Chaplain, Edwin M. Haynes. As well, Henry writes that because of his experience in the Hospital, he now has a greater appreciation of the Sanitary Commission and the Christian Commission, and he asks his wife to give the Sanitary Commission a ten dollar donation.
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- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
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Topics include Captain Johnson taking command of Company D, the illness of a few men, the possibility of Ned Wells returning home, Henry's side business not doing as well now as the men are out of money to spend, mud prevents drills so men study tactics and go on picket only once every five days.
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- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
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A brief letter stating the probability of falling back instead of moving towards Richmond ; all quiet on the Rapidan River. Money is also discussed, as well as the desire that no questions are asked about it being sent to Father Beebe. Sat on Courts-martial trial.
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- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
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Henry writes with details of the Battle of Monocacy, including that he and Major Edwin Dillingham were nearly captured and only escaped by using two lame artillery horses. The 10th Vermont was on the left of the line, and when the line to the right of him collapsed, he was able to hold long...
Show moreHenry writes with details of the Battle of Monocacy, including that he and Major Edwin Dillingham were nearly captured and only escaped by using two lame artillery horses. The 10th Vermont was on the left of the line, and when the line to the right of him collapsed, he was able to hold long enough to let them retreat, and then retreat successfully himself, though cut off from the main army. He was complimented by General Wallace and General Rickett for bringing in both his regiment and the 87th Pennsylvania, when both were feared to be taken prisoner. He ends the letter abruptly by writing that Confederate forces were two miles away and he needed to go investigate.
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- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
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Henry writes that the mail is being held up in Washington until the Regiment moves, that he has received postage stamps as he requested and that nothing much is happening except that some of the line officers are getting up a little “breeze” against Captain Frost. Reference to Captain Dillingham...
Show moreHenry writes that the mail is being held up in Washington until the Regiment moves, that he has received postage stamps as he requested and that nothing much is happening except that some of the line officers are getting up a little “breeze” against Captain Frost. Reference to Captain Dillingham and Mr. Dillingham.
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- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
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Henry writes that he has returned to the regiment camped at Harrisonburgh, men cheered his returned and were in good spirits. Surgeon Willard A. Childe apologized to Henry for his behavior and spoke against Lieutenant Colonel Charles G. Chandler, which pleased Henry. Reference to the death of...
Show moreHenry writes that he has returned to the regiment camped at Harrisonburgh, men cheered his returned and were in good spirits. Surgeon Willard A. Childe apologized to Henry for his behavior and spoke against Lieutenant Colonel Charles G. Chandler, which pleased Henry. Reference to the death of Major Edwin Dillingham who died Sept 19th.
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- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
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Topics include the hardships of camp life, the sickness of Henry Daniels, wishing to be on his way home, selling the Elixir and liniment for twenty five dollars in two days.
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- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
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Letter discusses the Regiment’s position guarding the pass on South Mountain from the retreating Confederate army. As well he mentions the signs left by the battle that occurred there in 1862. Gettysburg is also mentioned, as well as hope that the war will end soon. Union general William Henry...
Show moreLetter discusses the Regiment’s position guarding the pass on South Mountain from the retreating Confederate army. As well he mentions the signs left by the battle that occurred there in 1862. Gettysburg is also mentioned, as well as hope that the war will end soon. Union general William Henry French mentioned a few times.
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- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
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News that the battle of Fredericksburg was a Union victory, how much he misses his wife, news that photographs he sent home were received, and the ill health of several members of the regiment.
- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
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Topics include William Henry missing his wife, having gained weight and health is good, of being glad he did not become the Captain of Company D, reference to a bill to disband the Bands, mentions his side business of selling to the men being pretty slim as he has "got them most all cured up",...
Show moreTopics include William Henry missing his wife, having gained weight and health is good, of being glad he did not become the Captain of Company D, reference to a bill to disband the Bands, mentions his side business of selling to the men being pretty slim as he has "got them most all cured up", reference to the fall of Roanoke Island, North Carolina (February 7& 8, 1862) under the leadership of Ambrose Burnside, has sent money home,
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- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
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A brief letter telling of marching to the Maryland side of the Potomac River, guarding the river from Senaca Creek to Edwards Ferry, of a victory against the rebels, of having a horse to ride to enjoy the countryside and fresh vegetables to eat.
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- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
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A short letter written to reassure his wife, mentions arriving at Bull Run, marching, camping near Manassas Junction, the battle of Bristoe Station, Virginia (October 14), casualties of the rebels, horses killed and the number of cannons captured.
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- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
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Letter written on his knee in an open field it discusses movement of the Brigade to South Mountain and the anticipation of the arrival of more troops. The lack of letters received from family members is also discussed.
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- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
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Henry writes of heavy engagement of the Vermont 10th in battle and how the regiment has done itself proud. May be referring to Battle of Spotsylvania Court House or the Battle of the Wilderness. Few killed with few wounded from the regiment. One general was killed and another wounded by...
Show moreHenry writes of heavy engagement of the Vermont 10th in battle and how the regiment has done itself proud. May be referring to Battle of Spotsylvania Court House or the Battle of the Wilderness. Few killed with few wounded from the regiment. One general was killed and another wounded by sharpshooters. Reference to General Grant.
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- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
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Henry writes that he has been detailed to guard a supply train going to Martinsburg, Virginia, which also had 16 paymasters returning from paying off troops at the front. He was able to get two months pay from one of them, who he was acquainted with, and he sent the money home in a previous...
Show moreHenry writes that he has been detailed to guard a supply train going to Martinsburg, Virginia, which also had 16 paymasters returning from paying off troops at the front. He was able to get two months pay from one of them, who he was acquainted with, and he sent the money home in a previous letter. He is not sure he will resign yet, as he is feeling a little better, and his resignation will depend on where the regiment is sent for winter quarters. He doesn’t think there will be any more fighting this fall, since the Rebels will have to send to Richmond for more cannons and he doesn’t think they can be resupplied before the rainy season.
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- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
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Henry writes during a lull in the Battle of Cold Harbor that he has been wounded and a finger amputated, and that he will be in the Division Hospital for around three weeks, until he can wield a saber again. He then writes movingly about the death of Captain Edwin B. Frost, lists the names of...
Show moreHenry writes during a lull in the Battle of Cold Harbor that he has been wounded and a finger amputated, and that he will be in the Division Hospital for around three weeks, until he can wield a saber again. He then writes movingly about the death of Captain Edwin B. Frost, lists the names of some of the wounded and makes reference to Gen. Grant to lay siege to Richmond, Va. The letter was dictated to Lieutenant George P. Welch.
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- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
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Henry writes from the field near Spottsylvania that the Vermont Brigade has been in the midst of the battles, but the 10th Vermont has been lucky enough to avoid the worst fighting. He mentions that the Governor (J. Gergory Smith) is coming for a visit and will send this letter home with him, and...
Show moreHenry writes from the field near Spottsylvania that the Vermont Brigade has been in the midst of the battles, but the 10th Vermont has been lucky enough to avoid the worst fighting. He mentions that the Governor (J. Gergory Smith) is coming for a visit and will send this letter home with him, and that his family should keep up their courage during these “exciting times” and write to him often.
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- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
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Henry writes that he has returned to Cedar Creek with a supply train of 500 wagons and was complimented on not losing one. He also reports that Mosby raided another supply train about ½ hour before Henry got into the area. He has not made a decision about resigning yet but will wait until he...
Show moreHenry writes that he has returned to Cedar Creek with a supply train of 500 wagons and was complimented on not losing one. He also reports that Mosby raided another supply train about ½ hour before Henry got into the area. He has not made a decision about resigning yet but will wait until he finds out where the regiment will be camped for the winter, and feels that they may remain in the Shenandoah Valley.
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- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
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Brief letter reveals a sense of humor among the officers (General Morris) regarding picket responsibilities of the division officer of the day ; word of advancing Rebels had the pickets on alert ; but Rebels only scavenging after railroad iron ; railroad being repaired ; 10th Vermont complimented...
Show moreBrief letter reveals a sense of humor among the officers (General Morris) regarding picket responsibilities of the division officer of the day ; word of advancing Rebels had the pickets on alert ; but Rebels only scavenging after railroad iron ; railroad being repaired ; 10th Vermont complimented by General French.
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