Lyman S. Williams was born in Burlington, Vermont in December, 1839, the son of Warren and Caroline (Pennock) Williams. The family moved to Essex, Vermont before 1850. Lyman S. enlisted as on September 26, 1861 as a Corporal in Company I, Sixth... Show moreLyman S. Williams was born in Burlington, Vermont in December, 1839, the son of Warren and Caroline (Pennock) Williams. The family moved to Essex, Vermont before 1850. Lyman S. enlisted as on September 26, 1861 as a Corporal in Company I, Sixth Vermont Infantry Regiment and was mustered in on October 15, 1861. He rose through the ranks and was commissioned captain of Co. I of the 6th Vermont Regiment on November 12, 1864. He was mustered out June 26, 1865. He married Mary Mirandi Gorton of Essex, Vermont and in 1867 moved to Estherville, Iowa. He died there on June 29, 1905. The letters from Lyman S. Williams of the 6th Vermont Regiment are addressed to his father, Warren Williams, his mother, Caroline Williams, and his sister, Lois L. Williams. They discuss camp life, he election of officers, and the journey to Camp Griffen. Show less
Topics include the camp being shelled twice, the regiment camping on the east bank of the James River, the losses in both armies, and the regiment being reviewed by President Lincoln.
Topics include moving camp towards Winchester, Virginia, a Confederate attack on the picket lines resulting in rebel prisoners, captured artillery & ammunition trains, receiving his commission as 1st Lieutenant of Company I, and his happiness that President Abraham Lincoln was re-elected.
Topics include receiving a long letter from his sister, Lois, and apologizing for scolding her, complimenting her on her studies and wishing he could attend a Lyceum in which Lois is giving a paper. He also writes of the importance of getting letters from home and his promotion to 1st Lieutenant.
Topics include wishing for letters from home, being in command of two companies and Adjutant as well, and his hopes for a leave of absence when the Brigade goes to winter quarters.
Topics include marching to Washington from Richmond, sightseeing in Richmond, the possibility of a review, and rumors about an attempt by the Governor of Vermont to get the old Brigade home all at once, though Williams doesn’t think this likely.
Letter to sister, Lois, about the 6th regiment's long hard march due to rain and muddy roads ; had to haul artillery, baggage and pontoon trains with great difficulty ; has been relieved from orderly duties ; wishes box from home to be sent ; heavy snow (6 inches) fallen ; asks for postage stamps.
Writes being Brigade Officer of the Day, shaving off all his beard except a mustache, news of Sergeant John C. Swan who was exchanged and who reports that the rumors about Confederate treatment of prisoner is true, and that recruits are coming in from Vermont to fill the companies.
Writes of returning to the regiment after a visit home, the warm welcome of his fellow soldiers and the visits he received, how lonesome he feels for his family, and how grateful he is to the kindness shown by his family to Mary Gorton, now Mary Williams. He also writes of a case of measles in... Show moreWrites of returning to the regiment after a visit home, the warm welcome of his fellow soldiers and the visits he received, how lonesome he feels for his family, and how grateful he is to the kindness shown by his family to Mary Gorton, now Mary Williams. He also writes of a case of measles in the regiment. Show less
Recounts trip to from New York City to Washington, D.C. via steamboat and train ; warmly welcomed in Philadelphia on the way ; states visited with folks and had received ten dollars from his father.
Detailed list of the marches made by the 6th Vermont from July 12th through August 3rd. He also writes of visiting the burial ground of some of the soldiers from Company I at Camp Griffin and of visiting former members of Company I when in Washington D.C. siting several by name, of receiving... Show moreDetailed list of the marches made by the 6th Vermont from July 12th through August 3rd. He also writes of visiting the burial ground of some of the soldiers from Company I at Camp Griffin and of visiting former members of Company I when in Washington D.C. siting several by name, of receiving photographs of his family, and of receiving his back pay as Sergeant but not as Lieutenant. Show less
Williams has left NYC via steamboat, Rip Van Winkle and thought to be on way to Albany, NY ; had a chance to visit with friends ; draft continued with no trouble but threats were made to burn the city if the draft was brought to NYC.
Topics include taking part in a raid against guerrilla fighters, capturing a large quantity of cider brandy which was drunk by both officers and men and by their guide, so that they had to turn back, and a cavalry fight on October 2 (Battle of Saltville, Va.), near their camp. He also writes of... Show moreTopics include taking part in a raid against guerrilla fighters, capturing a large quantity of cider brandy which was drunk by both officers and men and by their guide, so that they had to turn back, and a cavalry fight on October 2 (Battle of Saltville, Va.), near their camp. He also writes of being detached to the 5th Vermont Infantry Regiment temporarily and being in command of two companies, and asks when the Town of Essex will pay the bounty to soldiers who reenlisted. Show less
Writes of a raid on the railroad line between Richmond, Virginia and Welden, North Carolina at Ream’s Station destroying tracks, his wish to be at home visiting with his brother, Nathan, the hot and dusty weather, and getting paid.
Writes his health is good, the weather is hot, the men have a good camp ground and good water close by. States he has received letters from home and tells of the different types of food crops grown in Virginia ; gives his opinion of some men folk at home, of men drafted but who run away and... Show moreWrites his health is good, the weather is hot, the men have a good camp ground and good water close by. States he has received letters from home and tells of the different types of food crops grown in Virginia ; gives his opinion of some men folk at home, of men drafted but who run away and refuse to fight, and sends this letter with no postage stamp as his request for some has not yet been fulfilled. Show less
A poem entitled "Battle of Cedar Creek" and a letter to his sister, Lois, that includes a description of the fighting the 6th Vt Vols. was involved with starting April 1st and leading to the fall of Richmond on April 3, 1865.
