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
Henry writes that he got wet and cold during a review of the Sixth Corps and so the beginning of the letter is rather curt. He continues the letter after having had supper, warmed up, and begun reading a good book, Alone by Mary Virginia Terhune. He feels that one of the characters talks like him... Show moreHenry writes that he got wet and cold during a review of the Sixth Corps and so the beginning of the letter is rather curt. He continues the letter after having had supper, warmed up, and begun reading a good book, Alone by Mary Virginia Terhune. He feels that one of the characters talks like him and another like his wife, and will send it on to Mary Jane after he finished it. He also writes that while he is now in command of the Brigade, he hopes Colonel William S. Truax will be reinstated. Show less
Letter expressing his surprise that Charles L. Beebe passed his physical examination, and his reaction to his father-in-law’s distress over paying for a substitute. As well he discusses the possibility of the his wife buying his father-in-law’s farm in order to raise the money. He then draws a... Show moreLetter expressing his surprise that Charles L. Beebe passed his physical examination, and his reaction to his father-in-law’s distress over paying for a substitute. As well he discusses the possibility of the his wife buying his father-in-law’s farm in order to raise the money. He then draws a word picture about the destruction faced by many farmers in Maryland, and Pennsylvania when large numbers of troops camp on their farms. Show less
Writes as cannon fire shakes the ground in camp, speculates that this a big battle (There was a naval assault on Fort McAllister), reflects on hoping this battle will help end the war, is acting Lt. Col., wonders who might replace him as major, sickness in camp, and family matters including... Show moreWrites as cannon fire shakes the ground in camp, speculates that this a big battle (There was a naval assault on Fort McAllister), reflects on hoping this battle will help end the war, is acting Lt. Col., wonders who might replace him as major, sickness in camp, and family matters including receiving photographs of his wife. Show less
October 8, 1861 from Camp Advance, Virginia. Writes of kindness from Col Stannard, wet weather, grand review of artillery by Genl. McClellan, illness among the men including homesickness and Typhoid Fever, family business.
Letter discusses snow in camp and delays in moving, diarrhea cures, the Surgeon’s remedy, and those who have been sick. His desire for a box of goods is also mentioned, as well as what to put in it (including food), especially newspapers and magazines for the men in the Hospital. He also... Show moreLetter discusses snow in camp and delays in moving, diarrhea cures, the Surgeon’s remedy, and those who have been sick. His desire for a box of goods is also mentioned, as well as what to put in it (including food), especially newspapers and magazines for the men in the Hospital. He also discusses his desire that the family stay healthy this year, as opposed to the last. Show less
Writing from Camp Bradley (later Camp Holbrook) in Brattleboro, Vt. topics include anxious to see his baby boy, continued anticipation of appointment to Major and as acting Adjutant for 11th Regt.until Mr. Curtis of Burlington arrives.
Henry writes that he is getting along well and that Captain Dillingham and Lieutenant Thompson are both at the Hospital with him. They are all staying with Assistant Surgeon Dr. Rutherford and the Chaplain, Edwin M. Haynes. As well, Henry writes that because of his experience in the Hospital, he... Show moreHenry writes that he is getting along well and that Captain Dillingham and Lieutenant Thompson are both at the Hospital with him. They are all staying with Assistant Surgeon Dr. Rutherford and the Chaplain, Edwin M. Haynes. As well, Henry writes that because of his experience in the Hospital, he now has a greater appreciation of the Sanitary Commission and the Christian Commission, and he asks his wife to give the Sanitary Commission a ten dollar donation. Show less
Topics include Captain Johnson taking command of Company D, the illness of a few men, the possibility of Ned Wells returning home, Henry's side business not doing as well now as the men are out of money to spend, mud prevents drills so men study tactics and go on picket only once every five days.
Letter discusses potential promotions for Col. Jewett and for himself, military pay, heavy expenses including owed to Sutler Geo Skiff, regiment to be at Poolsville, health of family and children as well as the potential for a visit from his wife. Appreciation for friends and family's help is... Show moreLetter discusses potential promotions for Col. Jewett and for himself, military pay, heavy expenses including owed to Sutler Geo Skiff, regiment to be at Poolsville, health of family and children as well as the potential for a visit from his wife. Appreciation for friends and family's help is also mentioned, as well as keeping the farm and taking care of elderly parents. Show less
A brief letter stating the probability of falling back instead of moving towards Richmond ; all quiet on the Rapidan River. Money is also discussed, as well as the desire that no questions are asked about it being sent to Father Beebe. Sat on Courts-martial trial.
Topics include reflecting on Katie's death and William Henry being in command of five companies and five miles of the Potomac River along Seneca Creek.
Family matters, acknowledging the battle of Fredericksburg was a Union loss, health of several members of the regiment, and the possibility of an encounter with rebel cavalry, General McClellan in command of the Army of the Potomac, soldiers happy about that, reference to Confederate Elijah V.... Show moreFamily matters, acknowledging the battle of Fredericksburg was a Union loss, health of several members of the regiment, and the possibility of an encounter with rebel cavalry, General McClellan in command of the Army of the Potomac, soldiers happy about that, reference to Confederate Elijah V. White's calvary. Show less
Family matters, ill health of the children with whooping cough, remedies recommended by the surgeon (sulphuric ether), rebels coming close the night before and taking prisoners, and the health of one of the members of the regiment.
Topics include the good health of the regiment, him having a good bay horse as he needs to ride 15 miles to visit all the pickets and the need for friends and family in a time of loss.
Henry writes with details of the Battle of Monocacy, including that he and Major Edwin Dillingham were nearly captured and only escaped by using two lame artillery horses. The 10th Vermont was on the left of the line, and when the line to the right of him collapsed, he was able to hold long... Show moreHenry writes with details of the Battle of Monocacy, including that he and Major Edwin Dillingham were nearly captured and only escaped by using two lame artillery horses. The 10th Vermont was on the left of the line, and when the line to the right of him collapsed, he was able to hold long enough to let them retreat, and then retreat successfully himself, though cut off from the main army. He was complimented by General Wallace and General Rickett for bringing in both his regiment and the 87th Pennsylvania, when both were feared to be taken prisoner. He ends the letter abruptly by writing that Confederate forces were two miles away and he needed to go investigate. Show less
Henry writes that the mail is being held up in Washington until the Regiment moves, that he has received postage stamps as he requested and that nothing much is happening except that some of the line officers are getting up a little “breeze” against Captain Frost. Reference to Captain Dillingham... Show moreHenry writes that the mail is being held up in Washington until the Regiment moves, that he has received postage stamps as he requested and that nothing much is happening except that some of the line officers are getting up a little “breeze” against Captain Frost. Reference to Captain Dillingham and Mr. Dillingham. Show less
Still has no news about his discharge. The regiment has moved again, but though they are fixing up winter quarters, they are unsure of whether they will be allowed to stay. Henry has had a number of visitors of Waterbury men, including his brother, J. Edwin Henry.
Henry writes that he has returned to the regiment camped at Harrisonburgh, men cheered his returned and were in good spirits. Surgeon Willard A. Childe apologized to Henry for his behavior and spoke against Lieutenant Colonel Charles G. Chandler, which pleased Henry. Reference to the death of... Show moreHenry writes that he has returned to the regiment camped at Harrisonburgh, men cheered his returned and were in good spirits. Surgeon Willard A. Childe apologized to Henry for his behavior and spoke against Lieutenant Colonel Charles G. Chandler, which pleased Henry. Reference to the death of Major Edwin Dillingham who died Sept 19th. Show less
Topics include the hardships of camp life, the sickness of Henry Daniels, wishing to be on his way home, selling the Elixir and liniment for twenty five dollars in two days.
