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
Writes from Camp Butler, Fort Monroe, Va. of camp life including flea bites, of family matters, his sister Laura's earache, wife Mary's health, gives a detailed description of the soldiers experience going out at night with five other companies (Northfield of his regiment and four companies of... Show moreWrites from Camp Butler, Fort Monroe, Va. of camp life including flea bites, of family matters, his sister Laura's earache, wife Mary's health, gives a detailed description of the soldiers experience going out at night with five other companies (Northfield of his regiment and four companies of the Scott Life Guard of New York 4th) under the command of Lt. Col. McGregor. Show less
Topics include monotony of camp life, the warm weather, and rumors around camp that an attack is imminent. Farnham assures wife that rebels would need a large army to attack them so close to Fort Monroe.
Topics include the journey home and awaiting the paymaster before finally going home, concerns for his wife's health, the men refusing to drill or do any other military duty. Writes from Camp Phelps, Brattleboro.
Topics include encounter between Hawkins Regiment and a company of Rebels, Roswell's desire to "go out whenthe company goes," despite his wife's complaining. Also the weather, camp life, Roswell's eagerness to return home, and an article in the Telegraph titled "Pipes, Tobacco, and Whiskey" are... Show moreTopics include encounter between Hawkins Regiment and a company of Rebels, Roswell's desire to "go out whenthe company goes," despite his wife's complaining. Also the weather, camp life, Roswell's eagerness to return home, and an article in the Telegraph titled "Pipes, Tobacco, and Whiskey" are discussed. Show less
Topics include small disturbances by the rebels nightly, men is danger of guerrilla warfare by the Rebels, the ill health of the 13th regiment, a lot of inquiries about folks at home, a reference to Mr. Bond and the garden, him wanting the front yard at home spruced up before he gets back home,... Show moreTopics include small disturbances by the rebels nightly, men is danger of guerrilla warfare by the Rebels, the ill health of the 13th regiment, a lot of inquiries about folks at home, a reference to Mr. Bond and the garden, him wanting the front yard at home spruced up before he gets back home, again encourages his wife to drink porter and get fat as she only weighs 104 pounds. Show less
Farnham writes from nearby Hunting Creek, Virginia at the headquarters of the 12th Vermont Volunteers about the cold weather in the South, eleven sick in the hospital, two of which had shot themselves. Reference made to Gen. McClellan being superseded by Gen. Burnside.
Topics include remaining in Heintzleman’s corps and not joining Hooker’s Army & acting as a guard, inquiries about the house, Mary Farnham’s health and the little dog, Mac, states Mr. Batchelder can get money to Mary, and a description of Mr. Bowen who is pro Union but his wife and daughter are... Show moreTopics include remaining in Heintzleman’s corps and not joining Hooker’s Army & acting as a guard, inquiries about the house, Mary Farnham’s health and the little dog, Mac, states Mr. Batchelder can get money to Mary, and a description of Mr. Bowen who is pro Union but his wife and daughter are Confederate and he has a son in the Black Horse Cavalry (Army of Northern Virginia, 4th Virginia Calvary Confederate States of America). Show less
Topics include an encounter between the Zouaves and Rebels, flap-jacks and doughnuts in camp, an African-American prisoner by the name of Joe Wilson, the probability of not engaging in a fight, and the bugs and mosquitoes at camp.
From near Westminster, MD topics include the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3), eighth day of marching for the men, the 12th guarding trains of First Corps, the false rumor General Stannard was killed, hundreds of prisoners from the battle passed by camp, ammunition exploding in wagons, replacement... Show moreFrom near Westminster, MD topics include the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3), eighth day of marching for the men, the 12th guarding trains of First Corps, the false rumor General Stannard was killed, hundreds of prisoners from the battle passed by camp, ammunition exploding in wagons, replacement troops of the 15th coming in and the hope to be home soon. Show less
July 23, 1861. Topics include disastrous news from Manassas Junction that will delay the departure for home, death of a soldier named Whitney from Woodstock who left the troops with Lt. Becker but without being given leave by the Colonel, and terrible rain storms.
Report to Col Asa P. Blunt regarding an inspection of several items including saddles, horses and bugles in the Second Connecticut Battery stationed at Wolf Run Shoals, Virginia stating the unfitness of some horses for duty and the disrepair of two bugles.
Topics include being 21 miles away from the rest of the brigade, possibility of moving to the Rappahannock thus nearer to Kelly's Ford & the front, reports from Contrabands and refugees of fighting at Gordonville, relates again of the attack by Confederate commander John Singleton Mosby’s cavalry... Show moreTopics include being 21 miles away from the rest of the brigade, possibility of moving to the Rappahannock thus nearer to Kelly's Ford & the front, reports from Contrabands and refugees of fighting at Gordonville, relates again of the attack by Confederate commander John Singleton Mosby’s cavalry on Union Cavalry & of his defeat in that fight, of guarding the road so that Gen. Joseph Hooker’s army can receive supplies, and the rainy weather. Show less
Farnham's regiment in Rutland gets the news that they are to leave for Fort Monroe, Va., via rail car and then boat. News of the deployment raises morale; the men are ready for a good fight (recurring theme in Farnham's letters).
Writing from camp near Fairfax, Virginia to Brig. Gen. Stoughton this report includes placement of various troops including the 12th Vt. Vol. Militia regiment moving to the stone bridge, the passing of two bodies of cavalry, and a picket in the rear to look out for rebels.
To the Governor of Vermont, Frederick Holbrook regarding names recommended for promotions, reporting Colonel Blunt at Fairfax Station, and the capture of General Stoughton.
Farnham writes from Camp Vermont near Fairfax Court House, Va. to his sister, Laura, of rebel threatening, of military action with the rebels, of Col. Stoughton's entry into the rebel camp, of wife Mary's reaction to gunfire, of Jackson and his 12,000 men on the march maybe to Harper's Ferry.
Topics include the good times the officers' wives are having in camp, the watching of the Guard Mounting, Picket Guard Mounting, battery practice and regiment drill, ladies sent to Alexandria as orders received that the whole brigade is to move and information about Cyrus’ death and belongings.
