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 a retreat to the James River (known later as a "great skedaddle," a word that Williams uses here but in the context of not being paid), a fight at Savage's Station, a review by General McClellan, and the men killed and wounded in the fight.
Topics include Lyman Williams coming down with a fever, an encounter with the rebels that left four men wounded, and the rebels' description of the Vermont regiment as dare devils. Stationery has an illustration of a "Vermont Boy," plus two verses of a song with the title "Vermont Soldier." The... Show moreTopics include Lyman Williams coming down with a fever, an encounter with the rebels that left four men wounded, and the rebels' description of the Vermont regiment as dare devils. Stationery has an illustration of a "Vermont Boy," plus two verses of a song with the title "Vermont Soldier." The refrain, "Away down in Dixie," suggests an attempt to compete with the immortal southern song "Dixie." Show less
Topics include the expectation of a battle and reinforcements. The anticipated battle was probably the 2nd Manassas or Bull Run campaign (Aug. 26-30, another win for the Confederates).
Letter to Williams from Major William B Reynolds regarding trouble about Lyman S. Williams’ commission as 2nd Lieutenant of Company C, 6th Vermont Infantry Regiment, and whether he was properly mustered in. Reynolds also asks for news of Company I of the 6th Vermont, and writes that he feels ... Show moreLetter to Williams from Major William B Reynolds regarding trouble about Lyman S. Williams’ commission as 2nd Lieutenant of Company C, 6th Vermont Infantry Regiment, and whether he was properly mustered in. Reynolds also asks for news of Company I of the 6th Vermont, and writes that he feels “heavy work is coming soon”. Major Reynolds was killed in action on July 30th, thirteen days after writing this letter. Show less
