Henry Harrison Wilder enlisted from Weybridge, VT on August 23, 1861 as corporal in Co. F, 5th Vermont Regiment. He was killed in action at Savage's Station, June 29, 1862. Wilder wrote home about conditions at Camp Holbrook in St. Albans, Vermont... Show moreHenry Harrison Wilder enlisted from Weybridge, VT on August 23, 1861 as corporal in Co. F, 5th Vermont Regiment. He was killed in action at Savage's Station, June 29, 1862. Wilder wrote home about conditions at Camp Holbrook in St. Albans, Vermont, and Camp Griffin in Virginia, where the Vermonters were hit hard by disease. Wilder described the progress of the Peninsula Campaign in the spring of 1862, including the battles of Lee's Mill and Williamsburg. Also included is a letter from Sergeant Merrill Samson of Weybridge, Wilder's best friend in the army, giving an account of his death, and several letters of condolence to Wilder's family. Show less
Henry writes from Camp Griffin, Va. of a grave marker being made for Potter who died of consumption, of acknowledging that two months have passed since leaving home, of going on picket duty, of the expected presence of McClellan and of there being 30,000 men on the parade ground.
Topics include the rebels being strongly fortified at Lee's Mill, the preparations for a hard battle (the month-long siege of Yorktown), and Merrill's sickness. Detailed description of some dead and wounded soldiers.
Henry writes of having his military pay make interest, of a fight that had taken place and General Johnston was taken prisoner, of his health being better, of a soldier's discharge due to fever sore on his leg, of a woman named Marion and of a lot of letter writing being done by the soldiers.
Topics include two officers from the New York regiment joining the rebel army and a description of a rebel attack. Wilder is writing at the time of the Siege of Yorktown, Va.
Topics include the regiment remaining at Camp Griffin and Wilder asking his mother's opinion on him and Merrion entering the regular scouts for five years.
Topics include the route the regiment marched to arrive at camp near Newport News and a skirmish with the rebels coming down the river, firing at the coast.
Henry Harrison Wilder writes to his mother about his sickness and the treatment he is receiving from Doctor Russel. Mentions Captain Stowell, also receiving a box of cheese and pickles, minor illness among the men, anticipated discipline (to be shot) for a soldier found asleep at his post.
Henry writes from Camp Griffin, Va. of being in good health, of having gained ten pounds, of sleeping well, of having a comfortable bed and coverings, of the burial service of two men held by the Chaplain and of Fenton ill with the measles.
Topics include advancing on the Rebels to Prospect Hill, a battle at Hatteras Inlet where the Rebels lost many men, and two Rebels at Camp Advance that were taken prisoners. Reference to Gen. Scott, to Bull Run, to plenty of chestnuts available to eat. Also mentions the opinion that many believe... Show moreTopics include advancing on the Rebels to Prospect Hill, a battle at Hatteras Inlet where the Rebels lost many men, and two Rebels at Camp Advance that were taken prisoners. Reference to Gen. Scott, to Bull Run, to plenty of chestnuts available to eat. Also mentions the opinion that many believe the war will be short (six months) Show less
Topics include marching from Camp Griffin to camp near Flint Hill and the news that the regiment will continue on to Washington. This is the beginning of the Peninsula Campaign.
Topics include the death of Wilder; and his friend Merrill sending condolences to Wilder's mother. Wilder may have died during the Battle of Malvern Hill, which concluded the Seven Days Campaign; or in any number of skirmishes that occurred in early July.
