William Wirt Henry was born on November 21, 1831, in Waterbury, Vermont, the eldest child of James Madison Henry (1809-1863) and Matilda Gale Henry (1811-1888). William Wirt Henry was educated in the schools of Waterbury and spent one term at... Show moreWilliam Wirt Henry was born on November 21, 1831, in Waterbury, Vermont, the eldest child of James Madison Henry (1809-1863) and Matilda Gale Henry (1811-1888). William Wirt Henry was educated in the schools of Waterbury and spent one term at People's Academy in Morrisville. William taught school for one winter (1849-50) in Wolcott, Vermont, and then caught "gold fever" and moved to California to seek his fortune. He returned to Vermont in 1857 and joined his father's druggist business, J. M. Henry & Sons. In 1861 he sold his interest in the business and enlisted as a first lieutenant in Co. D of the Second Vermont Volunteers. He resigned November 5, 1861, and then reenlisted as a major in the Tenth Vermont Infantry. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in November 1862 and to colonel in June 1864. He resigned December 17, 1864, and was made brevet brigadier general on March 7, 1865. He was wounded in the battles of Cold Harbor and Cedar Creek. After he returned from war, William Wirt Henry rejoined the family business, then known as John F. Henry & Co., manufacturer of patent medicines. William served in the Vermont Senate from Washington County in 1865-1868, and from Chittenden County in 1888-1889. He was mayor of Burlington from 1887 to 1889. He served for seven years as U.S Marshall for the District of Vermont and was a U.S. Immigration Inspector. From 1897 until 1907 he was the American Consul in Quebec. William W. Henry died August 31, 1915, at the age of 83. He is buried at Lake View Cemetery in Burlington, Vermont. Henry's correspondence contains letters between Henry and his wife and family. The letters address family concerns, his health, casualties from friendly fire, kindness fro Col. Stannard, and an artillery review by General McClellan. Show less
Topics include the good health of everyone except Tilton Sleeper, the hope of taking Richmond from the rebels, and the good weather near Cool Harbor, Virginia.
Strongly worded letter written to Governor Smith protesting his censuring of Henry for lack of discipline in the 10th Vermont, due to the complaints of Major Chandler over the promotion of Captain Frost. Henry writes that he believes the 10th Vermont is very disciplined and that the Governor’s... Show moreStrongly worded letter written to Governor Smith protesting his censuring of Henry for lack of discipline in the 10th Vermont, due to the complaints of Major Chandler over the promotion of Captain Frost. Henry writes that he believes the 10th Vermont is very disciplined and that the Governor’s action in not sending commissions has harmed that discipline. He also states that the 10th Vermont has been under fire continuously and has done it’s duty well. Reference to Col. Jewett, Capt Dillingham Henry writes this letter while lying in a rifle pit, 1,000 yards from the Confederate forces. Show less
Quiet now, no action, just picket and drill. Also this letter to his brother, James Edwin Henry, discusses an advertisement for a patent medicine sold by his business in Vermont that is causing problems for their surgeon Dr. Willard A. Childe, and asking that the advertisement be removed. He also... Show moreQuiet now, no action, just picket and drill. Also this letter to his brother, James Edwin Henry, discusses an advertisement for a patent medicine sold by his business in Vermont that is causing problems for their surgeon Dr. Willard A. Childe, and asking that the advertisement be removed. He also writes of a soldier named Justin (possibly Justin Carter), the difficulty he has had in keeping him from being cashiered and of praise from General Meade. Show less
Writing from Camp Chase, Va. topics include the death of Henry's sister Katie and the journey to Camp from Brattleboro, aboard the train to New Haven, on the steamer Continental to New York, on to Philadelphia and then to Baltimore and finally Washington, D.C. and on to his camp just beyond... Show moreWriting from Camp Chase, Va. topics include the death of Henry's sister Katie and the journey to Camp from Brattleboro, aboard the train to New Haven, on the steamer Continental to New York, on to Philadelphia and then to Baltimore and finally Washington, D.C. and on to his camp just beyond Fairfax, Va.under the command of Brig. Gen. Briggs of MA Show less
Letter giving details some of camp life, and activities while at winter quarters. Discusses dinner with Mr. Trundell, a prominent Maryland family, news concerning friends, family and plans for Mary Jane to come visit.
Written in the field, letter discusses General Morris’ leave of absence, which would leave Major Henry in charge of the Brigade as ranking officer, as well as the possible quick return of Colonel Jewett when he finds out that he would be in command of the Brigade.
Writes from Camp Griffin near Lewinsville about eating too many chestnuts that made him sick, of family business, of having had enough war and ready to go home.
Writes of his religious faith, of his wife's "hour of trouble", the regiment being under a new general (Brigadier General Cuvier Grover, III Corps, Army of the Potomac), the resignation of Lieutenant Colonel Edson and the likely promotion of himself from Major to Lt. Col.
Letter discusses his being appointed Division Officer of the Day, of fighting with cannon fire being heard, of indifference to it, the questionable behavior of Colonel A. B. Jewett, complains Jewett becomes ill whenever difficulties arise and Henry has to do the work, requests that the... Show moreLetter discusses his being appointed Division Officer of the Day, of fighting with cannon fire being heard, of indifference to it, the questionable behavior of Colonel A. B. Jewett, complains Jewett becomes ill whenever difficulties arise and Henry has to do the work, requests that the information provided remain confidential. The arrival of the paymaster with intention of sending money home soon, as well as the behavior of Justin (possibly Justin Carter). Show less
News about the money sent home, wishing his family was in camp with him especially his young daughter, admonishing his wife to practice riding so she can ride with him when she comes South, states other wives are planning to be in camp next winter, credits his "old saddle horse" as being the best... Show moreNews about the money sent home, wishing his family was in camp with him especially his young daughter, admonishing his wife to practice riding so she can ride with him when she comes South, states other wives are planning to be in camp next winter, credits his "old saddle horse" as being the best riding horse. Show less
October 8, 1861 from Camp Advance, Virginia near Chain Bridge. Writes of family business, men to camp for the winter a little south of Virginia, desire to be Quartermaster.
Letter discusses a false story in the newspapers about a rebel attack, and he reminds his wife to not worry needlessly. As well, he describes a trip to the theater in Washington with his cousin, Martha Henry Young. Watching for Lee's army, feels that more Union troops are needed in the area.... Show moreLetter discusses a false story in the newspapers about a rebel attack, and he reminds his wife to not worry needlessly. As well, he describes a trip to the theater in Washington with his cousin, Martha Henry Young. Watching for Lee's army, feels that more Union troops are needed in the area. Reference to Capt. Dillingham, Col. Jewett and to photographs other officers of the regiment being sent home. He also mentions money and gifts that he sent home. Show less
Writes of waiting for discharge papers from Washington, D.C. and complains of how long it is taking, willing to wait for Vermont soldiers to be paid so he can bring the pay home to their families, no military action except a lot of drilling.
Henry writes he is still waiting for his discharge papers, and that though the regiment has been sent out to support the Fifth Corps, he has been excused by the surgeon and remains in camp “with all the sick lame and lazy ones as a camp guard.” The regiment had a hard time, as it began raining... Show moreHenry writes he is still waiting for his discharge papers, and that though the regiment has been sent out to support the Fifth Corps, he has been excused by the surgeon and remains in camp “with all the sick lame and lazy ones as a camp guard.” The regiment had a hard time, as it began raining and then hailing all night while they were out in the field, heavy firing heard but the 10th returned to camp without having to fight ; will be moving out toward Fort Durham Show less
Henry writes of the Battle of Cedar Creek, that the Union army was able to successfully rout the enemy by evening after the reverses of the morning, and that they were able to recover Captain Lucian D. Thompson’s body, which has been sent to Martinsburg to be embalmed and sent back to Vermont. He... Show moreHenry writes of the Battle of Cedar Creek, that the Union army was able to successfully rout the enemy by evening after the reverses of the morning, and that they were able to recover Captain Lucian D. Thompson’s body, which has been sent to Martinsburg to be embalmed and sent back to Vermont. He also writes that he was hit four times but not hurt, and that Charlie Crossett (Edwin C. Crossett), also from Waterbury, was wounded in the jaw, but that he saw him in one of the charges helping to recapture a cannon. As well, he writes that his color sergeant, Billy Mahoney, was shot through the heart. Show less
Short letter remarking that he is once again Division Officer of the Day on Sunday and so won’t be able to write his usual Sunday letter. Also that all the boys health is improving at the moment because of the cool nights.
Topics include the terrible muddy weather at Camp Griffin, Va. restricting moving about, not selling much Elixir due to the mud and restriction of movement, the living arrangements with Dr. Carpenter, how he spends his time in camp with visiting, going to the Sutlers, playing a card game Euchre... Show moreTopics include the terrible muddy weather at Camp Griffin, Va. restricting moving about, not selling much Elixir due to the mud and restriction of movement, the living arrangements with Dr. Carpenter, how he spends his time in camp with visiting, going to the Sutlers, playing a card game Euchre with Col. Stannard, wishing to be home to play with his young daughter and sends money home to his wife. Show less
Thinking ahead to life after the war, the brief letter discusses sending money, gives responsibility for managing it to his father-in-law, Father Beebe. He desires the money to be invested in sheep as he feels the demand for wool will be high. In addition he wishes to have money put into Five... Show moreThinking ahead to life after the war, the brief letter discusses sending money, gives responsibility for managing it to his father-in-law, Father Beebe. He desires the money to be invested in sheep as he feels the demand for wool will be high. In addition he wishes to have money put into Five-twenties bonds. Show less
A brief letter discusses the lack of letters received, money sent home via Sutler Geo Skiff, states various soldiers sick including Typhoid fever, some going home due to illness.
