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
Writing from in the field topics include a detailed description of the fighting and victory near Williamsburg, Virginia, reference to Hookers Division, Fort Magruder, General Smith, General Hancock, the men that were injured or lost in the battle, public buildings being used as hospitals and... Show moreWriting from in the field topics include a detailed description of the fighting and victory near Williamsburg, Virginia, reference to Hookers Division, Fort Magruder, General Smith, General Hancock, the men that were injured or lost in the battle, public buildings being used as hospitals and Confederate General Ripley killed in action. Show less
Veazey requests a photo of his wife, Julia, in her new cloak, wants to be present when the baby comes but knows it is not likely and mentions a New Hampshire paper in which Atherton’s articles appear,
Veazey writes of his deep love and passion for Julia, reassures her he never distrusted her regarding her behavior, his minor health problems and expresses sympathy for a newly married comrade possibly wounded or very ill.
Writes General (Edwin Henry Stoughton) was kidnapped (March 8th) at night out of his own bed (by Confederate Ranger J. S. Mosby & his men), Veazey writes of no troops near him, pickets "imperfect", Colonel Blunt put in command, and inquiries about folks at home, teases Julia about her and her ... Show moreWrites General (Edwin Henry Stoughton) was kidnapped (March 8th) at night out of his own bed (by Confederate Ranger J. S. Mosby & his men), Veazey writes of no troops near him, pickets "imperfect", Colonel Blunt put in command, and inquiries about folks at home, teases Julia about her and her "twin" meaning the baby and mentions Election Day in New Hampshire. Show less
Topics include the disappointment about the week passing without an attack and on a personal note Wheelock G. Veazey’s feelings of jealousy concerning his wife.
Writing from Harrison's Landing, Virginia topics include an attack by Andrew Jackson and the subsequent fighting, Veazey's taking command of the 77th New York Regiment, and the great losses of both armies, brief references to Gen. John Pope and Secretary of War Edwin M.Stanton.
Topics include Wheelock G. Veazey being in command of the Regiment for about a week, scouting Virginia, and General Smith making recommendations for Lt. Col. Hyde to be promoted to Col. and Wheelock G. Veazey to be promoted to Lt. Col.
Topics include an attack made on the Californians and a counterattack, as well as Wheelock G. Veazey’s personal opinion on the difference between killing a rebel and murder.
Scolding his wife about letter writing, about her being off visiting in cold weather, an account of Wheelock’s trip to Washington, D.C., missing his wife and wishing she had been with him in Washington, exercising his horses upon his return to camp, the appointment of Wheelock as the Colonel of... Show moreScolding his wife about letter writing, about her being off visiting in cold weather, an account of Wheelock’s trip to Washington, D.C., missing his wife and wishing she had been with him in Washington, exercising his horses upon his return to camp, the appointment of Wheelock as the Colonel of the 10th Vermont Regiment and the subsequent issue with the appointment, sending military pay home & concerns about expenses. Show less
Writing from near Fairfax Court House, is in good health, drills practiced, men lost from the 15th and 16th regiments, a reference to a battle in Tennessee (maybe the Union win at the Battle of Stones River, Dec 31, 1862-Jan. 3, 1863), reflects on how the army will deal with the discharge of the... Show moreWriting from near Fairfax Court House, is in good health, drills practiced, men lost from the 15th and 16th regiments, a reference to a battle in Tennessee (maybe the Union win at the Battle of Stones River, Dec 31, 1862-Jan. 3, 1863), reflects on how the army will deal with the discharge of the soldiers signed up for only 9 months, mentions officers' wives in camp. Show less
