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
From Camp Winfield Scott topics include Motts battery engaging the rebels, an account of Wheelock Veazey’s regiment driving the rebels back, references to several officers and their men and the losses during the skirmishes.
A brief letter stating that a hand carved laurel wood pipe with Masonic symbols on it given to Veazey from a wounded soldier, mentions his puppy Jeff is growing big, words of love to Julia and wondering what they will name their baby.
The regiment is at at Union Mills, Va., Wheelock's health is good, the puppy Jeff is giving him much pleasure and good company, and he is excited to return home to experience the love and happiness of his family.
Topics include moving to camp near Fairfax Station, giving advice to others, threatening to leave the country if the Union does not succeed, expressing strong political opinions, a description of the governmental parties, stating President Lincoln being nervous about the next Congress, wishing... Show moreTopics include moving to camp near Fairfax Station, giving advice to others, threatening to leave the country if the Union does not succeed, expressing strong political opinions, a description of the governmental parties, stating President Lincoln being nervous about the next Congress, wishing the President would be politically stronger. Show less
From Camp Vermont, topics include orders to prepare huts for winter quarters, Wheelock Veazey loving and missing his wife, of a visit to Col Stevens and Col. Bowers, and an indirect reference to his wife's pregnancy.
Topics include Wheelock G. Veazey telling his wife Julia A. Veazey how much he loves and misses her as well as the Regiment’s location on the banks of the Potomac near Washington.
Topics include Julia Veazey returning home after a visit with Veazey in Washington, the death of Herman Veazey, and a fruit cake the mother of Private Kingston of Proctorsville, Vt sent.
Topics include forgiving his wife, the snow and rain, and the ill health of the men in camp, they being careless after being sick and men dying, not concerned about the gender of the baby.
Writing from the field 26 miles from Richmond, Virginia topics include a description of camp at Cumberland Landing on the Pamunkey River (tributary of the York River in eastern Virginia), the White House Farm estate, restrictions of the soldiers to respect and not touch anything belonging to the... Show moreWriting from the field 26 miles from Richmond, Virginia topics include a description of camp at Cumberland Landing on the Pamunkey River (tributary of the York River in eastern Virginia), the White House Farm estate, restrictions of the soldiers to respect and not touch anything belonging to the house or grounds, the expectation of a battle at the Chickahominy Swamp, reference to Gen. McClellan and his divisions, praise from confederates prisoners of the excellence of the Vermont 3rd and the hope for a victory near Richmond. Show less
Veazey writes from Camp Griffin, Virginia to Julia about his love and devotion to her, his anxiety about her behavior and whether Mrs.A. (i.e. Mrs. Atherton) is having an influence on her behavior.
Writing somewhere near Richmond, Virginia topics include expression of sadness over the death of Captain William Parker Ainsworth of Nashua (May 30, 1862), a description of the Battle of Richmond (Peninsular Campaign), his praise for General McClellan and the reporting of the favorable opinion of... Show moreWriting somewhere near Richmond, Virginia topics include expression of sadness over the death of Captain William Parker Ainsworth of Nashua (May 30, 1862), a description of the Battle of Richmond (Peninsular Campaign), his praise for General McClellan and the reporting of the favorable opinion of François-Ferdinand-Philippe-Louis-Marie d'Orléans, prince de Joinville of the Yankees. Show less
Writing from Camp Union Mills, Va. topics include a description of the fast day with sports being played, a prediction that the next campaign will end the war, and a description of the rebel army.
Topics include plans for Veazey’s wife to visit him at Camp Vermont, the love he has for his wife, his concern for her safety traveling, recommending she travel with Mr. and Mrs. Adams, a brief reference to divine providence blessing his family.
Writing from Headquarters Smith's Division, Camp on Custis estate topics include Veazey missing his wife and a description of the camp that includes the presence of 50,000 men and lots of music.
Topics include the dull in camp, men digging rifle pits, terrible weather, how much Wheelock loves his wife, and instructions to Julia to look in his trunk for letters regarding C. C. White directing Veazey to pay Col. Proctor, an order from George Randal of Springfield to pay C. C. White,... Show moreTopics include the dull in camp, men digging rifle pits, terrible weather, how much Wheelock loves his wife, and instructions to Julia to look in his trunk for letters regarding C. C. White directing Veazey to pay Col. Proctor, an order from George Randal of Springfield to pay C. C. White, stories running around about Gen. Stoughton, slander about Miss Ford. Show less
