Vermonters in the Civil War

Vermonters in the Civil War

Collection Overview

Vermont soldiers in the Civil War wrote an enormous quantity of letters and diaries, of which many thousands have survived in libraries, historical societies, and in private hands. This collection represents a selection of letters and diaries from...
Show moreVermont soldiers in the Civil War wrote an enormous quantity of letters and diaries, of which many thousands have survived in libraries, historical societies, and in private hands. This collection represents a selection of letters and diaries from the University of Vermont and the Vermont Historical Society.

The collection includes materials dating from 1861-1865. Materials were selected for digitization to provide a variety of perspectives on events and issues. The voices represented in the collection include private soldiers and officers, as well as a few civilians. All of the extant Civil War-era letters or diaries of each of the selected individuals (at least, all that are to be found in the participating institutions’ collections) are included; each adds a certain experience and point of view to the whole.

Officers in the photo above are (from left to right): Lieutenant Colonel Charles B. Stoughton, Colonel Edwin H. Stoughton, Major Harry N. Worthen. All are from the Fourth Vermont Infantry Regiment.


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William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Title
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Description
Writes of waiting for discharge papers from Washington, D.C. and complains of how long it is taking, willing to wait for Vermont soldiers to be paid so he can bring the pay home to their families, no military action except a lot of drilling.
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Title
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Description
Henry writes he is still waiting for his discharge papers, and that though the regiment has been sent out to support the Fifth Corps, he has been excused by the surgeon and remains in camp “with all the sick lame and lazy ones as a camp guard.” The regiment had a hard time, as it began raining...
Show moreHenry writes he is still waiting for his discharge papers, and that though the regiment has been sent out to support the Fifth Corps, he has been excused by the surgeon and remains in camp “with all the sick lame and lazy ones as a camp guard.” The regiment had a hard time, as it began raining and then hailing all night while they were out in the field, heavy firing heard but the 10th returned to camp without having to fight ; will be moving out toward Fort Durham
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William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
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William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Description
Henry writes of the Battle of Cedar Creek, that the Union army was able to successfully rout the enemy by evening after the reverses of the morning, and that they were able to recover Captain Lucian D. Thompson’s body, which has been sent to Martinsburg to be embalmed and sent back to Vermont. He...
Show moreHenry writes of the Battle of Cedar Creek, that the Union army was able to successfully rout the enemy by evening after the reverses of the morning, and that they were able to recover Captain Lucian D. Thompson’s body, which has been sent to Martinsburg to be embalmed and sent back to Vermont. He also writes that he was hit four times but not hurt, and that Charlie Crossett (Edwin C. Crossett), also from Waterbury, was wounded in the jaw, but that he saw him in one of the charges helping to recapture a cannon. As well, he writes that his color sergeant, Billy Mahoney, was shot through the heart.
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William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
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William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Description
Short letter remarking that he is once again Division Officer of the Day on Sunday and so won’t be able to write his usual Sunday letter. Also that all the boys health is improving at the moment because of the cool nights.
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Title
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Description
Topics include the terrible muddy weather at Camp Griffin, Va. restricting moving about, not selling much Elixir due to the mud and restriction of movement, the living arrangements with Dr. Carpenter, how he spends his time in camp with visiting, going to the Sutlers, playing a card game Euchre...
Show moreTopics include the terrible muddy weather at Camp Griffin, Va. restricting moving about, not selling much Elixir due to the mud and restriction of movement, the living arrangements with Dr. Carpenter, how he spends his time in camp with visiting, going to the Sutlers, playing a card game Euchre with Col. Stannard, wishing to be home to play with his young daughter and sends money home to his wife.
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William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
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William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Description
Thinking ahead to life after the war, the brief letter discusses sending money, gives responsibility for managing it to his father-in-law, Father Beebe. He desires the money to be invested in sheep as he feels the demand for wool will be high. In addition he wishes to have money put into Five...
Show moreThinking ahead to life after the war, the brief letter discusses sending money, gives responsibility for managing it to his father-in-law, Father Beebe. He desires the money to be invested in sheep as he feels the demand for wool will be high. In addition he wishes to have money put into Five-twenties bonds.
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William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Title
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Description
A brief letter discusses the lack of letters received, money sent home via Sutler Geo Skiff, states various soldiers sick including Typhoid fever, some going home due to illness.
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Title
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Description
Letter discusses the sickness of Captain Edwin Dillingham, his probable death if he can’t get a pass home, the pass was lost and Henry’s efforts to get new papers through. He also writes of being in command of the Brigade, and that the command of the Regiment was given to a Captain, because of...
Show moreLetter discusses the sickness of Captain Edwin Dillingham, his probable death if he can’t get a pass home, the pass was lost and Henry’s efforts to get new papers through. He also writes of being in command of the Brigade, and that the command of the Regiment was given to a Captain, because of the sickness of many officers throughout the camp.
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William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Title
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Description
Letter discusses the challenges that his wife is having at home, and his advice regarding how she should deal with it. He also mentions the movement of some of the troops, as well as where he has positioned 10th Vt. companies. The death of a secesh (southern sympathizer) friend, Hezekiah W....
Show moreLetter discusses the challenges that his wife is having at home, and his advice regarding how she should deal with it. He also mentions the movement of some of the troops, as well as where he has positioned 10th Vt. companies. The death of a secesh (southern sympathizer) friend, Hezekiah W. Trundle (i.e. Trundel?), the funeral attended by Henry, Rutherford and a Capt. Frost at the invitation of the family, as well as his desire to receive the box of food.
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William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Title
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Description
Topics include Captain Dillingham returning to Brattleboro, the recommendation of Lieutenant Johnson for Captain, deep mud all over camp restricting movement, expecting the Elixir soon and hopes to sell it, the number of deaths in the regiment, and a description of Ed Wells.
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Title
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Description
Letter discusses the health of his son, Ferdie, and the impending death of the wife of Sergeant Davis, who is at the camp. He also writes of the limits of their forces which are stretched along a 25 mile area, reference to Capt. Dillingham, Col. Jewett, of watching for Lee's army, possible...
Show moreLetter discusses the health of his son, Ferdie, and the impending death of the wife of Sergeant Davis, who is at the camp. He also writes of the limits of their forces which are stretched along a 25 mile area, reference to Capt. Dillingham, Col. Jewett, of watching for Lee's army, possible promotions and photographs he is sending home of fellow officers.
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William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Title
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Description
A long and emotional letter in which Henry writes of his relationship with his wife and his feelings about their marriage. He also mentions seeing General Grant for the first time and that he likes his looks, and that a big box has arrived from home. As well he writes of recommending various...
Show moreA long and emotional letter in which Henry writes of his relationship with his wife and his feelings about their marriage. He also mentions seeing General Grant for the first time and that he likes his looks, and that a big box has arrived from home. As well he writes of recommending various officers for promotion.
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William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Title
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Description
Letter written in the field discusses marching, the movement of the Army of the Potomac to the Rapidan River in the hope that there will be some form of action soon, Henry in new camp near Culpeper, Virginia, on the Pike to Sulphur Springs, possible move to Gordonsville where it is believed Lee's...
Show moreLetter written in the field discusses marching, the movement of the Army of the Potomac to the Rapidan River in the hope that there will be some form of action soon, Henry in new camp near Culpeper, Virginia, on the Pike to Sulphur Springs, possible move to Gordonsville where it is believed Lee's army is, the sickness of several members of Company B, receiving military pay.
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William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Title
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Description
Letter discusses the movement of his Regiment and the First Vermont Cavalry Regiment. As well he comments on the draft in Vermont and his hope that his wife’s brother, Charles L. Beebe will not pass his physical examination, and how odd it was that none of the “boys from the shop” were drafted....
Show moreLetter discusses the movement of his Regiment and the First Vermont Cavalry Regiment. As well he comments on the draft in Vermont and his hope that his wife’s brother, Charles L. Beebe will not pass his physical examination, and how odd it was that none of the “boys from the shop” were drafted. Henry refers to the $300 fee one could pay to either not be drafted or to get a substitute, a loophole in the draft law that favored the wealthy.
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William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Title
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Description
Henry writes that his hand is getting better and he hopes to return to his command in a couple of days. The army is currently resting, though there are rumors that the cavalry and gun boats will be going into action soon. He also writes that the army has confidence in Grant and Mead and that the...
Show moreHenry writes that his hand is getting better and he hopes to return to his command in a couple of days. The army is currently resting, though there are rumors that the cavalry and gun boats will be going into action soon. He also writes that the army has confidence in Grant and Mead and that the loss of the railroad will hurt the Confederates, since they have a large army to feed and many civilians have fled to Richmond and Petersburg. As well, Henry writes of how much he misses his wife and how angry he is with Dr. Child for not authorizing leave. He also writes of having to put down the young horse he bought for his wife to ride because it caught glanders.
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William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Title
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Description
Henry writes that he has received his wife’s letter, explaining why she couldn’t get on the train, and he commiserates with her about her having the measles. He then goes on to suggest ways in which she might still make the visit to Virginia. He also writes of visiting with Doctor Charles C....
Show moreHenry writes that he has received his wife’s letter, explaining why she couldn’t get on the train, and he commiserates with her about her having the measles. He then goes on to suggest ways in which she might still make the visit to Virginia. He also writes of visiting with Doctor Charles C. Parker, minister of the Waterbury Congregational Church, and of how popular the Doctor is with the officers.
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William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Title
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Description
Henry writes that the 10th Vermont is in the same position and waiting for reinforcements. He also writes that he has seen terrible sights but will wait until he is home to tell his family about them. Henry continues the letter with a description of the political infighting in the regiment,...
Show moreHenry writes that the 10th Vermont is in the same position and waiting for reinforcements. He also writes that he has seen terrible sights but will wait until he is home to tell his family about them. Henry continues the letter with a description of the political infighting in the regiment, caused by Major (Charles G.) Chandler’s objection to the promotion of Captain Edwin B. Frost, which resulted in Governor (J. Gregory) Smith denying all the officers their commissions. Henry writes that he prefer charges against Major Chandler as soon as the Major gets drunk again.
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William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Title
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Description
Henry writes that he has returned to command the 10th Regiment and that many officers are unhappy with the way Lieutenant Colonel Chandler manages the regiment. He also writes that the regiment is being held in reserve at the moment near Petersburgh where the Union troops hold half the city and...
Show moreHenry writes that he has returned to command the 10th Regiment and that many officers are unhappy with the way Lieutenant Colonel Chandler manages the regiment. He also writes that the regiment is being held in reserve at the moment near Petersburgh where the Union troops hold half the city and the Rebels the other half and that it came under fire the previous day, with seven soldiers wounded. Reference to Lt. Col. Chandler & his command & to the loss of Frost & Stetso
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William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Title
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Description
Henry writes that the 10th Vermont was moved from the left to the right of the Union line in expectation of a battle, but the orders were bungled and the 10th came too late and only skirmished. They were then moved back to their old position on the left. Two soldiers were killed in the skirmish.
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Title
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
Description
September 9, 1861 from Camp Advance near Chain Bridge. Writes of the men being sent out to steal food near Lewinsville, Leesburgh road, casualties, picket duty.

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