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 picket duty over New Year’s, being stationed in a house well suited to his needs, cavalry unit having had a scrimmage nearby, mentions the death of General Kearny at Battle of Chantilly, Virginia, Sept 1, 1862 (Northern Virginia Campaign), the depleted and devastated area in which... Show moreTopics include picket duty over New Year’s, being stationed in a house well suited to his needs, cavalry unit having had a scrimmage nearby, mentions the death of General Kearny at Battle of Chantilly, Virginia, Sept 1, 1862 (Northern Virginia Campaign), the depleted and devastated area in which they are encamped, forests gone, Union burned many of the "splendid barracks" the Rebels had used. Show less
Topics include the snowy weather, a description of his comfortable and cozy two tent living situation in camp, and a love letter to Julia, missing her and home.
A light hearted love letter to his wife, writing of her in the third person. Writes of a winter storm but of being comfortable in his tent, refers very indirectly using euphemisms about his wife's pregnancy, mentions George Eason, Mr. and Mrs. Tripp, refers to their baby as "her" baby, teases her... Show moreA light hearted love letter to his wife, writing of her in the third person. Writes of a winter storm but of being comfortable in his tent, refers very indirectly using euphemisms about his wife's pregnancy, mentions George Eason, Mr. and Mrs. Tripp, refers to their baby as "her" baby, teases her about her behavior, (letter ends abruptly, remainder lost?). Show less
From Head Quarters 16th Vt Volunteers, at a camp between Centreville and Bull Run, Virginia topics include the march to Fairfax Court House, the 24 sick men that were left behind at Camp Vermont, and the current living situation.
Topics include Wheelock Veazey’s position as Judge Advocate of a General Court Martial, the inspiration of General McClellan, and a love letter to his wife.
Topics include a package that arrived from home, a new General who served in Florida through the Mexican War, and Wheelock G. Veazey telling his wife Julia A. Veazey how much he loves and misses her.
Topics include movement of the Army to Clouds Mills in a rainstorm, impossibility of getting to the enemy via land, presence of fortifications at Manassas, observations about McClellan, and reminiscences of good times spent with his wife.
Wheelock’s comments on his wife's habit of being away from home visiting while pregnant, refers to the snowy and rainy weather in camp, mentions he intends to make a trip to Washington and nothing much happening in camp, even too muddy to drill.
Wheelock comments on Julia’s size while pregnant, inquires about her well being, how she will treat their child, recalls how their relationship has evolved.
Topics include Veazey’s promotion to Provost Marshall, what his duties are, campaign strategy and reference to General Porter, Centreville and campaign in the south west.
Topics include orders for Veazey and Proctor to be ready to move to Harpers Ferry (W. Va.), the desire to go to Texas with General Banks, and the excitement of Veazey’s wife’s pregnancy.
Topics include new duties as Provost Marshall, reference to several officers, his opinion of the fighting is for an idea as the Southern land, climate and people are not worth much, longs to be at home.
Writing from camp near Harrison's Landing, Veazey laments of life as a soldier, being tired of war, of feeling soldiers will not be fit for civilian life, of the waters of Saratoga will benefit his father-in-law's health, of high cost of living.
