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
Letter discusses the sickness of Captain Edwin Dillingham, his probable death if he can’t get a pass home, the pass was lost and Henry’s efforts to get new papers through. He also writes of being in command of the Brigade, and that the command of the Regiment was given to a Captain, because of... Show moreLetter discusses the sickness of Captain Edwin Dillingham, his probable death if he can’t get a pass home, the pass was lost and Henry’s efforts to get new papers through. He also writes of being in command of the Brigade, and that the command of the Regiment was given to a Captain, because of the sickness of many officers throughout the camp. Show less
Letter discusses the challenges that his wife is having at home, and his advice regarding how she should deal with it. He also mentions the movement of some of the troops, as well as where he has positioned 10th Vt. companies. The death of a secesh (southern sympathizer) friend, Hezekiah W.... Show moreLetter discusses the challenges that his wife is having at home, and his advice regarding how she should deal with it. He also mentions the movement of some of the troops, as well as where he has positioned 10th Vt. companies. The death of a secesh (southern sympathizer) friend, Hezekiah W. Trundle (i.e. Trundel?), the funeral attended by Henry, Rutherford and a Capt. Frost at the invitation of the family, as well as his desire to receive the box of food. Show less
Topics include Captain Dillingham returning to Brattleboro, the recommendation of Lieutenant Johnson for Captain, deep mud all over camp restricting movement, expecting the Elixir soon and hopes to sell it, the number of deaths in the regiment, and a description of Ed Wells.
Letter discusses the health of his son, Ferdie, and the impending death of the wife of Sergeant Davis, who is at the camp. He also writes of the limits of their forces which are stretched along a 25 mile area, reference to Capt. Dillingham, Col. Jewett, of watching for Lee's army, possible... Show moreLetter discusses the health of his son, Ferdie, and the impending death of the wife of Sergeant Davis, who is at the camp. He also writes of the limits of their forces which are stretched along a 25 mile area, reference to Capt. Dillingham, Col. Jewett, of watching for Lee's army, possible promotions and photographs he is sending home of fellow officers. Show less
A long and emotional letter in which Henry writes of his relationship with his wife and his feelings about their marriage. He also mentions seeing General Grant for the first time and that he likes his looks, and that a big box has arrived from home. As well he writes of recommending various... Show moreA long and emotional letter in which Henry writes of his relationship with his wife and his feelings about their marriage. He also mentions seeing General Grant for the first time and that he likes his looks, and that a big box has arrived from home. As well he writes of recommending various officers for promotion. Show less
Letter written in the field discusses marching, the movement of the Army of the Potomac to the Rapidan River in the hope that there will be some form of action soon, Henry in new camp near Culpeper, Virginia, on the Pike to Sulphur Springs, possible move to Gordonsville where it is believed Lee's... Show moreLetter written in the field discusses marching, the movement of the Army of the Potomac to the Rapidan River in the hope that there will be some form of action soon, Henry in new camp near Culpeper, Virginia, on the Pike to Sulphur Springs, possible move to Gordonsville where it is believed Lee's army is, the sickness of several members of Company B, receiving military pay. Show less
Letter discusses the movement of his Regiment and the First Vermont Cavalry Regiment. As well he comments on the draft in Vermont and his hope that his wife’s brother, Charles L. Beebe will not pass his physical examination, and how odd it was that none of the “boys from the shop” were drafted.... Show moreLetter discusses the movement of his Regiment and the First Vermont Cavalry Regiment. As well he comments on the draft in Vermont and his hope that his wife’s brother, Charles L. Beebe will not pass his physical examination, and how odd it was that none of the “boys from the shop” were drafted. Henry refers to the $300 fee one could pay to either not be drafted or to get a substitute, a loophole in the draft law that favored the wealthy. Show less
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
Henry writes that he has received his wife’s letter, explaining why she couldn’t get on the train, and he commiserates with her about her having the measles. He then goes on to suggest ways in which she might still make the visit to Virginia. He also writes of visiting with Doctor Charles C.... Show moreHenry writes that he has received his wife’s letter, explaining why she couldn’t get on the train, and he commiserates with her about her having the measles. He then goes on to suggest ways in which she might still make the visit to Virginia. He also writes of visiting with Doctor Charles C. Parker, minister of the Waterbury Congregational Church, and of how popular the Doctor is with the officers. Show less
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
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
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.
September 9, 1861 from Camp Advance near Chain Bridge. Writes of the men being sent out to steal food near Lewinsville, Leesburgh road, casualties, picket duty.
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
Heart broken he not with wife for Thanksgiving, Capt. Dillingham rounding up Marylanders for the draft, a report on the health of several members or the regiment, anxious for letters from home.
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
Henry writes of returning from leave and finding his “log cabin” built very snug. He also writes that the weather has been unpleasant and that it is hard adjusting to camp life after being at home. As well he writes that his servant, Johnny, is very pleased with the present he has received from ... Show moreHenry writes of returning from leave and finding his “log cabin” built very snug. He also writes that the weather has been unpleasant and that it is hard adjusting to camp life after being at home. As well he writes that his servant, Johnny, is very pleased with the present he has received from “Grandma Beebe,” Mary Jane’s mother. Show less
Henry writes with more details of the killed and wounded in the aftermath of the Battle of Cedar Creek. He repeats his feelings of loss at the death of Captain Lucian D. Thompson and Color Sergeant Billy Mahoney. As well he mentions having dinner with Colonel William Wells, who he feels could be... Show moreHenry writes with more details of the killed and wounded in the aftermath of the Battle of Cedar Creek. He repeats his feelings of loss at the death of Captain Lucian D. Thompson and Color Sergeant Billy Mahoney. As well he mentions having dinner with Colonel William Wells, who he feels could be a brigadier general if he would put his name in. Finally, he writes confidentially to his wife that he is still not recovered from his bilious fever and will be putting in his resignation soon, probably in November. Show less
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
