An 1849 graduate of the University of Vermont, Farnham taught school in lower Canada and northern Vermont while studying law. He was admitted to the Orange County Bar in 1857 and began a private practice. Farnham was commissioned from Bradford on... Show moreAn 1849 graduate of the University of Vermont, Farnham taught school in lower Canada and northern Vermont while studying law. He was admitted to the Orange County Bar in 1857 and began a private practice. Farnham was commissioned from Bradford on May 1, 1861 as a 2nd lietenant in Co.D, 1st Vt. Infantry and mustered out August 15, 1861. He was later commissioned as a lieutenant colonel of the 12 Vt. on September 19, 1862. After returning to Vermont, Farnham was elected to the Vermont State Senate in 1868 and elected governor in 1880. The collection includes letters to family and friends during Farnham's service in the First and Twelfth Vermont Infantry regiments. The letters contain detailed descriptions of regimental activities, including a narrative of the Battle of Big Bethel, camp life at Wolf Run Shoals in Virginia, and the hard march to Gettysburg in June 1863. Some sketches and maps are included. Also included are four letters from Sergeant (later First Lieutenant) Ezekiel T. Johnson (Tenth Vermont Infantry) of Windsor, Vermont, three written from Camp Washburn, Brattleboro, where his regiment was mustered into U.S. service, and one (June 13, 1863) from White's Ford, Maryland, giving an account of a cavalry skirmish. A letter (May 31, 1863) to Mrs. Mary Farnham from Private Nelson J. Rogers (Twelfth Vermont Infantry) describes regimental activities and the Confederate attack on a train near the camp of the Twelfth Vermont. Show less
Topics include the ill health of Mary Farnham and Nelson (mustard paste applied to his back), rumors and conflicting reports about the Rebels, about Hooker & about Lee, snakes in camp, the importance of keeping an open mind about possibly moving to the city after the war, comments on happiness... Show moreTopics include the ill health of Mary Farnham and Nelson (mustard paste applied to his back), rumors and conflicting reports about the Rebels, about Hooker & about Lee, snakes in camp, the importance of keeping an open mind about possibly moving to the city after the war, comments on happiness versus wealth, the death of S. S. Leonard of Company H, paymaster has arrived with military pay and orders to move and guard the railroad. Show less
Topics include the expectation to start for home in about twenty days, Hooker crossing to Fredericksburg, many men needed for the line from Blackburn's Ford to Woodyard's ; Col. Randall at Occoquan, Virginia ; troops remaining on the railroad in anticipation of Lee, and the Court of Inquiry... Show moreTopics include the expectation to start for home in about twenty days, Hooker crossing to Fredericksburg, many men needed for the line from Blackburn's Ford to Woodyard's ; Col. Randall at Occoquan, Virginia ; troops remaining on the railroad in anticipation of Lee, and the Court of Inquiry taking place regarding the conduct of Lieut Hartshorn. Show less
Topics include the battle the previous Monday and the death of George Lougee from Vershire, Vermont. Farnham concerned that some of his letters may be misinterpreted and printed (presumably in the local press). Mentions Col. Phelps's anxiety, imminent court-martial of Mass. general, and some of... Show moreTopics include the battle the previous Monday and the death of George Lougee from Vershire, Vermont. Farnham concerned that some of his letters may be misinterpreted and printed (presumably in the local press). Mentions Col. Phelps's anxiety, imminent court-martial of Mass. general, and some of the hardships of the campaign. Show less
Topics include the food that the soldiers eat, and that pilfering from local farms--even "secessionist"--is forbidden. Farnham assures his wife that newspaper reports of the war are highly exaggerated. A rebel attack is unlikely before they return to Vt. A German scouting party caused a stir with... Show moreTopics include the food that the soldiers eat, and that pilfering from local farms--even "secessionist"--is forbidden. Farnham assures his wife that newspaper reports of the war are highly exaggerated. A rebel attack is unlikely before they return to Vt. A German scouting party caused a stir with an accidental gun discharge. Col. Phelps assigns Farnham a camp security position--provost marshall. One concern is the slaves that have just left their masters, who arrive at Ft. Monroe with food to sell but may also be spies. The able-bodied are put to work; all others are considered for deportation to Liberia. Names: Officers Phelps, Peckett; Everett Shaw. Show less
Topics include: gratitude among the men for gifts of food (incl. maple sugar) and other "luxuries"; Major Worthen's scouting expedition, which led to a small skirmish and some casualties among some St. Albans and Swanton soldiers; press inaccuracies; life at camp; how he misses his books and... Show moreTopics include: gratitude among the men for gifts of food (incl. maple sugar) and other "luxuries"; Major Worthen's scouting expedition, which led to a small skirmish and some casualties among some St. Albans and Swanton soldiers; press inaccuracies; life at camp; how he misses his books and reading; other domestic matters. Show less
August 2, 1861. Topics include Roswell telling his wife of the delay for the departure home, another description of Fort Monroe and Hygeia Hotel on Old Point Comfort similar to one written in the July 31 letter, of the incident of shooting of a drunken soldier, of the drunken condition of the 1st... Show moreAugust 2, 1861. Topics include Roswell telling his wife of the delay for the departure home, another description of Fort Monroe and Hygeia Hotel on Old Point Comfort similar to one written in the July 31 letter, of the incident of shooting of a drunken soldier, of the drunken condition of the 1st N Y regiment. Show less
Topics include the possibility of Roswell Farnham being promoted to Colonel if Colonel Blunt is promoted, the potential for the regiment to move, and business from home.
Topics include marching to Wolf Run Shoals, strengthening the pickets, fighting at Aldie down to Thoroughfare Gap, firing heard near Dumfries, an invitation to join Hooker’s Army with a stay of another six months but will not in spite of mixed emotions about wanting to stay in the military and... Show moreTopics include marching to Wolf Run Shoals, strengthening the pickets, fighting at Aldie down to Thoroughfare Gap, firing heard near Dumfries, an invitation to join Hooker’s Army with a stay of another six months but will not in spite of mixed emotions about wanting to stay in the military and wanting to be at home with family. Show less
From camp at Westminster, MD topics include a description of the Battle of Gettysburg, the 12th ordered to guard the trains, supplies needed by the men in the field as they have none, the men of the 12th carrying out their duty and suffering much even though not engaged in the fighting, the... Show moreFrom camp at Westminster, MD topics include a description of the Battle of Gettysburg, the 12th ordered to guard the trains, supplies needed by the men in the field as they have none, the men of the 12th carrying out their duty and suffering much even though not engaged in the fighting, the determination of the men to continue marching despite severe hardship, horses giving out but coming to camp the next morning, men may be needed to stay on duty even though their military duties are up. Show less
Topics include inquiries about Mary Farnham’s teeth and dental health, the severe cold weather in camp, instructions on where Mary should go to meet up with Roswell, the house he lives in that has some chinks that allow the wind to come in.
Topics include sending his letter via another officer, the regiment not planning to move, Roswell Farnham feeling lonely without his wife and stating she may come to camp but then rethinks that suggestion, his horse Burnie is better, hopes General George J. Stannard (1820-1886) will make his... Show moreTopics include sending his letter via another officer, the regiment not planning to move, Roswell Farnham feeling lonely without his wife and stating she may come to camp but then rethinks that suggestion, his horse Burnie is better, hopes General George J. Stannard (1820-1886) will make his headquarters in camp thus relieving Farnham of regiment responsibilities, the improvement in Roswell and William’s health and including a letter for Mr. Peach, directed to Mr. Butterworth for his wife to send on. Show less
Farnham writes from Camp Phelps in Brattleboro to wife Mary about the possibility of mustering out, of the men getting paid, and Col. Phelps now General Phelps.
Farnham is writing from the SS Alabama after arriving safely off the coast of Virginia, at Fort Monroe. Some men are sea-sick, and another has measles. Company was greeted with three cheers by sailors passing by. Farnham called on again to be adjutant because of his demonstrated leadership skills... Show moreFarnham is writing from the SS Alabama after arriving safely off the coast of Virginia, at Fort Monroe. Some men are sea-sick, and another has measles. Company was greeted with three cheers by sailors passing by. Farnham called on again to be adjutant because of his demonstrated leadership skills. A few words about friends and acquaintances seen in New York, one being a secessionist. Show less
Topics include Mary Farnham finally heading home from her stay in Washington D.C., arrival of General George J. Stannard & his headquarters to be at Union Mills, Va., the prediction of moving soon & possibly guarding the railroad, an update on some of the men in camp, reference to Mr. and Mrs.... Show moreTopics include Mary Farnham finally heading home from her stay in Washington D.C., arrival of General George J. Stannard & his headquarters to be at Union Mills, Va., the prediction of moving soon & possibly guarding the railroad, an update on some of the men in camp, reference to Mr. and Mrs. Peach, and the possibility of Roswell Farnham becoming a colonel in a new regiment. Show less
Roswell Farnham checks up on his wife, Mary ; expresses being sad and lonely once she had left camp, asks her to write him and tell him how to direct his letters to her, instructions to her if she needs money and for her to check her clothing for vermin since she was in camp for such a long time.
In Virginia camp topics include the beautiful scenery at Rappahannock Bridge, good health of the men as well as himself, mentions his horses Burnie and White Face, General Stoneman with five thousand cavalry crossing at Kelly’s Ford following a successful cavalry expedition, the failure of Hooker... Show moreIn Virginia camp topics include the beautiful scenery at Rappahannock Bridge, good health of the men as well as himself, mentions his horses Burnie and White Face, General Stoneman with five thousand cavalry crossing at Kelly’s Ford following a successful cavalry expedition, the failure of Hooker, and contrabands in camp. Show less
Topics include a group of officers and men going on a ride to the battle field of Bull Run, thoughts of wanting to stay in the military but home and family pull at him more, the expectation of leaving on July 4th for Brattleboro, a visit to and description of Mr. Buckley’s family (Confederate... Show moreTopics include a group of officers and men going on a ride to the battle field of Bull Run, thoughts of wanting to stay in the military but home and family pull at him more, the expectation of leaving on July 4th for Brattleboro, a visit to and description of Mr. Buckley’s family (Confederate sympathizers), talk of drinking alcohol and of wife wishing for photographs. Show less
Four days of marching have left the men foot sore and exhausted & he writes of the hardships and consequences of men not being able to keep up. Tells of a mishap with an officer and his horse, of the men picking up stray horses, of the men cooking for themselves, of butchered cattle for fresh... Show moreFour days of marching have left the men foot sore and exhausted & he writes of the hardships and consequences of men not being able to keep up. Tells of a mishap with an officer and his horse, of the men picking up stray horses, of the men cooking for themselves, of butchered cattle for fresh beef, mention of Mrs. Capt. Williams and Mrs. Damon, moving towards Hagarstown and no expectation for a fight. Show less
