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
(261 - 280 of 1,053)
Pages
- Title
- Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
- Description
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Topics include being ready to move out, hearing the sounds of battle near White's Ford (at Leesburg and Edwards Ferry), a description of the military ball he attended with Col. Jewett and Col. Henry in Poolesville, he getting acquainted with some of the officers' wives at the ball including Mrs....
Show moreTopics include being ready to move out, hearing the sounds of battle near White's Ford (at Leesburg and Edwards Ferry), a description of the military ball he attended with Col. Jewett and Col. Henry in Poolesville, he getting acquainted with some of the officers' wives at the ball including Mrs. Childe, respect of Rutherford paid to him by Col. Jewett
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- Title
- Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
- Description
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Topics include instructions should he be taken as a prisoner, preparing to pack camp and march.
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- Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
- Description
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Topics include the possibility of action, ammunition and the mini ball, of high morale among the soldiers, of John Piper being described as the best marksman and now being Rutherford's body guard, an order from the War Department for Surgeons to remove themselves from action as much as possible,...
Show moreTopics include the possibility of action, ammunition and the mini ball, of high morale among the soldiers, of John Piper being described as the best marksman and now being Rutherford's body guard, an order from the War Department for Surgeons to remove themselves from action as much as possible, a case of Typhoid and the improbability of Rutherford taking a leave of absence at this time.
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- Title
- Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
- Description
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Two letters dated May 21st and 22nd topics include the sickness of J.C. Rutherford's son Jacob, sharpers (slang) insulting his wife and children, $25 sent home, regiment preparations for a raid from the Rebels from across the river, Rutherford being praised for having the best brigade hospital by...
Show moreTwo letters dated May 21st and 22nd topics include the sickness of J.C. Rutherford's son Jacob, sharpers (slang) insulting his wife and children, $25 sent home, regiment preparations for a raid from the Rebels from across the river, Rutherford being praised for having the best brigade hospital by the inspector and Dr. Childe, and a description of an ambulance drill for medical attendants and nurses.
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- Title
- Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
- Description
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Writes of camp life, of sending recipe for making some medicine, requests confirmation of previously sent money, of having stormy weather and his housing leaked getting things wet.
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- Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
- Description
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Topics include the regiment guarding the Potomac River at Whitesford, the Rebels gathering on the hills opposite the camp, of anticipating Christmas dinner and a medical disaster at Washington requiring more personnel in the medical corps.
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- Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
- Description
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Dr. Rutherford writes of camp life in the open air at "Camp Briggs" located along the Potomac River, of the proximity to the rebels and of being able to hear the firing of guns. He writes of being on the move, in the saddle all day, of having no tents to sleep in and being very happy with his...
Show moreDr. Rutherford writes of camp life in the open air at "Camp Briggs" located along the Potomac River, of the proximity to the rebels and of being able to hear the firing of guns. He writes of being on the move, in the saddle all day, of having no tents to sleep in and being very happy with his situation.
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- Title
- Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
- Description
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Rutherford is wax poetic in his writing of Spring weather in Virginia, discusses Hannah's previous letter disclosing her political opinions, offers up his him political views, states the resignation of Col. Jewett (Albert B. Jewett?) due to poor health, and the changes that come with new leadership.
- Title
- Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
- Description
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Writing from White's Ford, Maryland two letters of Jan 23 (or 25?) and 27 topics include photographs, military pay, of ambulance drill to teach hospital attendants medical practices, warm weather, men singing, being made the Surgeon if Dr. Willard Augustus Childe is promoted, moving to...
Show moreWriting from White's Ford, Maryland two letters of Jan 23 (or 25?) and 27 topics include photographs, military pay, of ambulance drill to teach hospital attendants medical practices, warm weather, men singing, being made the Surgeon if Dr. Willard Augustus Childe is promoted, moving to Poolesville, Maryland, Col. A. B. Jewett in command of the Brigade, the disgrace of two officers by getting drunk, the potential for a man from his Vermont county to receive a dishonorable discharge and of him being in good health.
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- Title
- Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
- Description
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Topics include the refusal of a leave of absence, Col. Jewett praise of Rutherford, Col concern for well being of hospital care and sanitation, expresses his anger and indignation of the Copper Heads, his bond and deep affection for his horse Lady Lightfoot, the very snowy weather, religious...
Show moreTopics include the refusal of a leave of absence, Col. Jewett praise of Rutherford, Col concern for well being of hospital care and sanitation, expresses his anger and indignation of the Copper Heads, his bond and deep affection for his horse Lady Lightfoot, the very snowy weather, religious services to be observed indoors, the hardships in camp that are worth the cause, and the great deal of singing among the officers including the song "There is music in the air."
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- Title
- Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
- Description
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Topics include marching to South Pass, Middleton, Maryland, now defending only place the Confederates can cross the Potomac into Va., capturing, killing and wounding Rebels, brief mention of some desertions from the army, and the increased dangers of war for him and the troops.
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- Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
- Description
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Rutherford's surgical skills performed on a soldier's wounded food, not expecting to be paid off until the following month, expressions of feeling deserving of a promotion and Rutherford's wish to spend Christmas with his family.
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- Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
- Description
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The surgeon writes from Camp Washburn about being infected with dysentery, the regiment being mustered on Thursday, and a visit from the Governor and the Governor's son.
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- Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
- Description
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Writing in the field on the railroad line at Frederick Junction, Maryland (June 30 to July 1) ; topics include being with the 3rd Army Corps under Gen. French, days of rainy weather, having to sleep out doors with only a rubber blanket, put in charge of 3000 men, troops assigned to defend a...
Show moreWriting in the field on the railroad line at Frederick Junction, Maryland (June 30 to July 1) ; topics include being with the 3rd Army Corps under Gen. French, days of rainy weather, having to sleep out doors with only a rubber blanket, put in charge of 3000 men, troops assigned to defend a bridge crossing the Manoray River and hearing the distant sound of cannon (perhaps Pickett's Charge as part of the Battle of Gettysburg)
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- Title
- Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
- Description
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Topics include ways to help deal with small pox and keeping the face from pitting, how Rutherford entertains himself in camp that includes reading, writing and playing card game Euchre, the treatment of a secessionist, Mr. Trundle, for erysipelas (infection and redness of the skin) with the...
Show moreTopics include ways to help deal with small pox and keeping the face from pitting, how Rutherford entertains himself in camp that includes reading, writing and playing card game Euchre, the treatment of a secessionist, Mr. Trundle, for erysipelas (infection and redness of the skin) with the result that Rutherford is even more well respected by fellow officers, meeting Dr. Willard Augustus Childe's new wife, reference to a black regiment.
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- Title
- Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
- Description
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Topics include response to wives questions about not being paid in full and her asking about any alterations in medical department of the 10th regiment, reference to Major Chandler threatening to resign with hope from some that he will, improvement of duties in camp as all around health improves.
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- Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
- Description
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From Brandy Station, Virginia Rutherford writes of his swollen left hand due to infection resulting in his whole body having tremors and shooting pains, taking a dose of morphine, the rainy weather, winter quarters being built, of Chaplain offering to help erect Rutherford's cabin, his dedication...
Show moreFrom Brandy Station, Virginia Rutherford writes of his swollen left hand due to infection resulting in his whole body having tremors and shooting pains, taking a dose of morphine, the rainy weather, winter quarters being built, of Chaplain offering to help erect Rutherford's cabin, his dedication to duty for the wounded and the approaching of Christmas.
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- Title
- Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
- Description
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Writing from camp at White's Ford (over the Potomac River) two letters dated Jan 2 and Jan 6 include topics of a description of the night of the expected fight, of having enough food to eat that he is gaining weight, of the camp's glee club singing, of being homesick and wanting a leave but may...
Show moreWriting from camp at White's Ford (over the Potomac River) two letters dated Jan 2 and Jan 6 include topics of a description of the night of the expected fight, of having enough food to eat that he is gaining weight, of the camp's glee club singing, of being homesick and wanting a leave but may be on the eve of "some great event", a description of the camp ground, promotions within the camp including himself as Acting Surgeon and the possibility of a brigade hospital being created with himself most likely being put in charge of it.
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- Title
- Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
- Description
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Three letters included here. Rutherford tells his wife about the raising of two new Vermont Regiments, his anxious feelings and desire for the possibility of a promotion to lead a Regiment, Dr. Willard Augustus Childe's letter and a letter from Lieut. Col. William Writ Henry to Vermont Governor...
Show moreThree letters included here. Rutherford tells his wife about the raising of two new Vermont Regiments, his anxious feelings and desire for the possibility of a promotion to lead a Regiment, Dr. Willard Augustus Childe's letter and a letter from Lieut. Col. William Writ Henry to Vermont Governor Frederick Holbrook. Both letters recommending Rutherford for promotion.
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- Title
- Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
- Description
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Brief letter telling of delay of an expected early morning march, of hearing and being disrupted by the blasts from heavy gunfire about five miles away.