Wheelock Graves Veazey was born in Brentwood, New Hampshire on December 5, 1835 and attended Phillips Exeter Academy, Dartmouth College, and Albany Law School before being admitted to the Vermont Bar in December 1860. He then began a law practice... Show moreWheelock Graves Veazey was born in Brentwood, New Hampshire on December 5, 1835 and attended Phillips Exeter Academy, Dartmouth College, and Albany Law School before being admitted to the Vermont Bar in December 1860. He then began a law practice in Springfield, Vermont. When the Civil War began, Veazey enlisted as a private in Company A of the 3rd Vermont Infantry. He eventually attained the rank of lieutenant colonel before helping to form the 16th Vermont Infantry in 1862. As colonel of the 16th Vermont Infantry, he commanded soldiers in the Battle of Gettysburg. Wheelock Graves Veazey later received the Medal of Honor for his actions at Gettysburg. Upon returning to Vermont, Veazey resumed his law career and was eventually elected Reporter of the Decisions of the Supreme Court of Vermont. He was then elected to the Vermont State Senate in 1872 and was appointed a Registrar in Bankruptcy. Veazey served as a delegate-at-large to the Republican National Convention in 1876, and the Legislature elected him a judge of the Vermont Supreme Court in 1879. Veazey died on March 22, 1898 at the age of 62. Veazey's letters include descriptions of his regiment, their marches, a put-down riot, and other officers and regiments. Also included are sentiments to his wife, his ethical thoughts on the war, and predictions about upcoming events and battles. Show less
Topics include plans to capture a company in Virginia, the danger the Capitol is in according to General Smith, and the preventative steps being taken to protect it.
Veazey writes to Julia of how much he loves and misses her and addressing lies told about General Smith, McClellan's favorable opinion of Gen. Smith along with that of other officers.
Writing from camp near Cold Harbor, Virginia topics include the one year anniversary of the Veazey’s marriage to Julia, the defeat of the rebels on numerous fronts, his opinion and description of the horrors of war, fighting with the 5th Vermont Regiment, reference to General Porter, General... Show moreWriting from camp near Cold Harbor, Virginia topics include the one year anniversary of the Veazey’s marriage to Julia, the defeat of the rebels on numerous fronts, his opinion and description of the horrors of war, fighting with the 5th Vermont Regiment, reference to General Porter, General McClellan. Show less
Veazey writes of his recent time spent with Julia, his wife, how the muddy conditions at camp would be enough to discourage men from enlisting, troubles with his "nig" servant that Veazey "sent him adrift", and his love for Julia.
Veazey writes of his love for his wife Julia, refers to her being away from home on a visit, anxiety about her friends while away and wonders if Mrs. A. (i.e. Mrs. Atherton) is having an influence on her behavior.
Topics include a reference to the Battle of Seven Pines (May 31, June 1, 1862 Fair Oaks), battle casualties, praise for the New England regiments, his opinions of how the Southerners view the Yankees, his desire for the war to be over, his feelings that some abolitionists wish for slavery's end... Show moreTopics include a reference to the Battle of Seven Pines (May 31, June 1, 1862 Fair Oaks), battle casualties, praise for the New England regiments, his opinions of how the Southerners view the Yankees, his desire for the war to be over, his feelings that some abolitionists wish for slavery's end over union of the nation. Show less
Topics include a favorable description of Columbia College Hospital in Washington, D.C. and its surgeons, his praise of General McClellan and his command, and the sickness of Colonel Hyde.
Topics include worrying about his wife, the rainy weather, an update on General (Edwin Henry) Stoughton (who was kidnapped by Confederate Ranger J. S. Mosby and his men March 8th) having sent his mother a letter and Stoughton not being "confirmed" (for a position?).
Topics include military matters (court martial, foraging, picket duty) and disgust with the Congress, administration, government and fears the nation's downfall.
Still at Harrison's Landing and writing to Julia now in Boston topics include improved health of the men, the resignation of Major Seaver and Major Proctor, and Wheelock Veazey saying when he leaves the army he will not yet be fit for business, laments that if he does not get a regiment he will... Show moreStill at Harrison's Landing and writing to Julia now in Boston topics include improved health of the men, the resignation of Major Seaver and Major Proctor, and Wheelock Veazey saying when he leaves the army he will not yet be fit for business, laments that if he does not get a regiment he will resign from service, is distraught about the politicians, corruption of the army, and gives a brief mention of women with the army. Show less
Topics include Wheelock’s health and the health of other men in camp, wives in camp seem to enjoy being there, may be referring to Mrs. Blunt being pregnant as he thinks she must hurry home before she is to be "confined", a description of his comfortable two tent living conditions, has a boy... Show moreTopics include Wheelock’s health and the health of other men in camp, wives in camp seem to enjoy being there, may be referring to Mrs. Blunt being pregnant as he thinks she must hurry home before she is to be "confined", a description of his comfortable two tent living conditions, has a boy attendant even better than Jason, and how much he misses his wife. Show less
From Camp Vermont, Virginia topics include the possibility of the rebels attacking the camp and thus may not go to Harpers Ferry, predictions on the sex of the baby, and the death of General Stoughton’s loved one.
