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
A brief letter stating that Henry is now in command of the 10th Vermont, that it is raining, and that he hopes the river at White Ford will rise to make it easier to guard.
A brief letter mentioning receiving letters from home, that he is in good health, states that folks back home get more regular news updates than he does.
Henry writes that he has finally been examined by Dr. Hollman, Sixth Corps surgeon, and that he has approved Henry’s medical discharge, so he will be selling his horses and will probably leave for Washington the next day. He writes that his wife should follow the instructions to meet him in New... Show moreHenry writes that he has finally been examined by Dr. Hollman, Sixth Corps surgeon, and that he has approved Henry’s medical discharge, so he will be selling his horses and will probably leave for Washington the next day. He writes that his wife should follow the instructions to meet him in New York which he sent in an earlier letter. Show less
Writes of rumors & the possibility of raids by the Rebels, a wedding between a corporal in the 10th Vermont and a Maryland woman, General Milroy’s retreat from Winchester by Ewell, the massing of Confederate troops across the river ; Mosby mentioned to have 500 men with him, challenges the... Show moreWrites of rumors & the possibility of raids by the Rebels, a wedding between a corporal in the 10th Vermont and a Maryland woman, General Milroy’s retreat from Winchester by Ewell, the massing of Confederate troops across the river ; Mosby mentioned to have 500 men with him, challenges the accuracy of newspaper reporting compared to his account of military action. Show less
Expresses big disappointment about preparing for a raid by Confederate General Jeb Stuart that never happened due to a Union military blunder, a pontoon bridge at Edward's Ferry (between Virginia and Maryland), mentions the names of several men regarding sickness in the regiment's companies,... Show moreExpresses big disappointment about preparing for a raid by Confederate General Jeb Stuart that never happened due to a Union military blunder, a pontoon bridge at Edward's Ferry (between Virginia and Maryland), mentions the names of several men regarding sickness in the regiment's companies, sends kisses to his children. Show less
Henry writes that the Sixth Corps has returned to Petersburg, and the 10th Vermont is camped near General Meade’s Head Quarters and they recently glimpsed General Grant leaving after a meeting. He has not yet been examined by Dr. Hollman, surgeon of the Sixth Corps, but when he is, he will know... Show moreHenry writes that the Sixth Corps has returned to Petersburg, and the 10th Vermont is camped near General Meade’s Head Quarters and they recently glimpsed General Grant leaving after a meeting. He has not yet been examined by Dr. Hollman, surgeon of the Sixth Corps, but when he is, he will know his fate. He plans on visiting his brother, J. Edwin Henry, who is a 2nd Lieutenant in the 17th Vermont Infantry, is hearing rumors but no official word. Show less
Topics include the health of his son and wife, sending hundreds of dollars home & always wants to know that it is safely received, confiscating goods from Rebel sympathizers, turning the goods over to the government, the arrest of the landowner for harboring Confederate officers. Henry writes... Show moreTopics include the health of his son and wife, sending hundreds of dollars home & always wants to know that it is safely received, confiscating goods from Rebel sympathizers, turning the goods over to the government, the arrest of the landowner for harboring Confederate officers. Henry writes that things are going well --"no change"-- and that the men are healthy (even though the weather is dry) ; upcoming courts martial. Show less
Discusses the possibility of moving towards the front, and encourages his wife to seek comfort in her religious beliefs. Lack of pay from the Army, as well as the need for money for the family as well as himself is mentioned. The feelings that the troops have towards the inhabitants of the town... Show moreDiscusses the possibility of moving towards the front, and encourages his wife to seek comfort in her religious beliefs. Lack of pay from the Army, as well as the need for money for the family as well as himself is mentioned. The feelings that the troops have towards the inhabitants of the town where they are staying, and the feelings of the town towards the troops, are also discussed. Mentions Mr. Trundle (correct spelling?)not expected to live. (The Trundel family befriended the Union officers despite being southern sympathizers. Mr. Trundel was given medical care by Dr. Joseph Chase Rutherford). Show less
Henry writes of his disappointment that his wife was unable to leave Vermont, due to the sickness of their children, and his hopes that she will be able to come down to Virginia soon.
Topics include having his leave of absence denied, disappointed but being philosophical about it, wanting to get a photograph of himself as a Lieutenant Colonel to send home, and family matters.
Henry writes with news of the death of Captain Lucian D. Thompson at the Battle of Cedar Creek. The letter was written after the morning fighting but before the counterattack in the afternoon. Henry hopes to recover Thompson’s body, if possible, after the next attack. He also mentions other... Show moreHenry writes with news of the death of Captain Lucian D. Thompson at the Battle of Cedar Creek. The letter was written after the morning fighting but before the counterattack in the afternoon. Henry hopes to recover Thompson’s body, if possible, after the next attack. He also mentions other officers who were wounded. Show less
Letter describes an attack on the 6th Michigan Cavalry, the response of the 10th Vermont, and the arrival of reinforcements. Henry uses the verb "skedaddled" in its original context: Union soldiers describing the fleeing of Confederate soldiers. He also expresses some of the typical bravado, how... Show moreLetter describes an attack on the 6th Michigan Cavalry, the response of the 10th Vermont, and the arrival of reinforcements. Henry uses the verb "skedaddled" in its original context: Union soldiers describing the fleeing of Confederate soldiers. He also expresses some of the typical bravado, how the men were "fighting mad" and ready to fight so as to earn a good report. Show less
Letter discusses guarding a railroad bridge, while the Second Brigade is heading for a big battle (the Battle of Gettysburg July 1-3 part of the Gettysburg Campaign). He also mentions that all the officers’ wives were returning home to Vermont.
Topics include William Henry's arrival at Camp Griffin, Virginia ; the men petitioning for Lt. Henry to be their captain ; mentions not yet receiving Elixir yet but has high hopes of sell a lot of it.
Brief letter stating receiving a letter from his wife with photographs, his being promoted to lieutenant colonel, and hearing fighting in the distance.
Brief letter stating he has been in charge of the Regiment since the Colonel is gone to Washington to get his wife, Henry camped 13 miles from Washington to which he will go to get money and request a furlough to be home for Thanksgiving.
Letter discusses the new location of the army, and the movement of the enemy across the Rapidan River as they retreat to their entrenchments. He also speculates on whether they have reached winter quarters as the area is good for such with wood and water available, as well as the hope of... Show moreLetter discusses the new location of the army, and the movement of the enemy across the Rapidan River as they retreat to their entrenchments. He also speculates on whether they have reached winter quarters as the area is good for such with wood and water available, as well as the hope of receiving a leave of absence. Show less
A very short note stating he will send recent photographs of himself home for wife to distribute as she see fit, photo negative exists and more photos can be made if desired, reference to Capt. Dillingham and letter from Sister Katie Parker.
