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.
Show less
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
(721 - 740 of 779)
Pages
- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
-
Henry writes that his hand is getting better and he hopes to return to his command in a couple of days. The army is currently resting, though there are rumors that the cavalry and gun boats will be going into action soon. He also writes that the army has confidence in Grant and Mead and that the...
Show moreHenry writes that his hand is getting better and he hopes to return to his command in a couple of days. The army is currently resting, though there are rumors that the cavalry and gun boats will be going into action soon. He also writes that the army has confidence in Grant and Mead and that the loss of the railroad will hurt the Confederates, since they have a large army to feed and many civilians have fled to Richmond and Petersburg. As well, Henry writes of how much he misses his wife and how angry he is with Dr. Child for not authorizing leave. He also writes of having to put down the young horse he bought for his wife to ride because it caught glanders.
Show less
- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
-
Henry writes that the 10th Vermont is in the same position and waiting for reinforcements. He also writes that he has seen terrible sights but will wait until he is home to tell his family about them. Henry continues the letter with a description of the political infighting in the regiment,...
Show moreHenry writes that the 10th Vermont is in the same position and waiting for reinforcements. He also writes that he has seen terrible sights but will wait until he is home to tell his family about them. Henry continues the letter with a description of the political infighting in the regiment, caused by Major (Charles G.) Chandler’s objection to the promotion of Captain Edwin B. Frost, which resulted in Governor (J. Gregory) Smith denying all the officers their commissions. Henry writes that he prefer charges against Major Chandler as soon as the Major gets drunk again.
Show less
- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
-
Henry writes that he has returned to command the 10th Regiment and that many officers are unhappy with the way Lieutenant Colonel Chandler manages the regiment. He also writes that the regiment is being held in reserve at the moment near Petersburgh where the Union troops hold half the city and...
Show moreHenry writes that he has returned to command the 10th Regiment and that many officers are unhappy with the way Lieutenant Colonel Chandler manages the regiment. He also writes that the regiment is being held in reserve at the moment near Petersburgh where the Union troops hold half the city and the Rebels the other half and that it came under fire the previous day, with seven soldiers wounded. Reference to Lt. Col. Chandler & his command & to the loss of Frost & Stetso
Show less
- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
-
Henry writes that the 10th Vermont was moved from the left to the right of the Union line in expectation of a battle, but the orders were bungled and the 10th came too late and only skirmished. They were then moved back to their old position on the left. Two soldiers were killed in the skirmish.
- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
-
Henry writes to reassure his wife that he is unhurt after the Battle of Monocacy on July 9th, and to let her know that he is now in command of a brigade guarding the approach to Washington D.C. at Relay House, Maryland. He also writes that none of the Waterbury men were wounded and that the 14th...
Show moreHenry writes to reassure his wife that he is unhurt after the Battle of Monocacy on July 9th, and to let her know that he is now in command of a brigade guarding the approach to Washington D.C. at Relay House, Maryland. He also writes that none of the Waterbury men were wounded and that the 14th N.J. and the 106th N.Y. lost many of their officers, and that the Rebels outnumbered the Union troops three to one. [Confederate victory]
Show less
- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
-
Written in camp in the field, letter discusses local politics back home, warning that they shouldn’t nominate any Democrats. Reports of a fight involving the First Vermont Cavalry Regiment near Williamsport, casualties, as well as the death of fellow Vermonters. He mentions that Major Wells...
Show moreWritten in camp in the field, letter discusses local politics back home, warning that they shouldn’t nominate any Democrats. Reports of a fight involving the First Vermont Cavalry Regiment near Williamsport, casualties, as well as the death of fellow Vermonters. He mentions that Major Wells fought like a “tiger”, men is good spirits, reflects on Gen. Lee is being defeated.
Show less
- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
-
Writes of wanting to go home to see his wife or her coming to the camp in Md., how muddy it is in camp, knows soldiers in the Advance are marching, suffering from cold, rain & mud while he has a comfortable tent, wanting the war to end quickly, the health of the regiment is better, wishing for...
Show moreWrites of wanting to go home to see his wife or her coming to the camp in Md., how muddy it is in camp, knows soldiers in the Advance are marching, suffering from cold, rain & mud while he has a comfortable tent, wanting the war to end quickly, the health of the regiment is better, wishing for more letters from home.
Show less
- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
-
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.
Show less
- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
-
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.
Show less
- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
-
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.
- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
-
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.
Show less
- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
-
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.
Show less
- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
-
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.
Show less
- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
-
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.
Show less
- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
-
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
-
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.
- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
-
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.
- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
-
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.
- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
-
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.
Show less
- Title
- William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
- Description
-
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.
Show less