Writes of Ira, of himself having a light case of typhoid, his own health improving, will be entering Virginia winter quarters in a month, mentions the draft & how the process might be different and Bradford sending a list home of things he needs that include food and clothing.
Holbrook waxes eloquent in his call for a "'Great Awakening' at Washington" and a greater awareness of how "our present severe training" will make the nation stronger; but the federal government needs to take the war seriously in order to have victory. Accordingly, Holbrook supports Lincoln's... Show moreHolbrook waxes eloquent in his call for a "'Great Awakening' at Washington" and a greater awareness of how "our present severe training" will make the nation stronger; but the federal government needs to take the war seriously in order to have victory. Accordingly, Holbrook supports Lincoln's call for 300,000 additional troops, but suggests that a million men in arms would bring success. Intuits correctly that Phelps's "Dark Brigade" (black troops) would not be allowed to bear arms. Show less
Lyman Barton writes of his Regiment’s march from White House to near Hanover Junction and back, and then on to a camp near Portsmouth, Virginia. He then writes of his military unit being renumbered (from 9 A C to the 7 A C now 2nd Brigade 2nd Division 7 A C), of news from home, that his two other... Show moreLyman Barton writes of his Regiment’s march from White House to near Hanover Junction and back, and then on to a camp near Portsmouth, Virginia. He then writes of his military unit being renumbered (from 9 A C to the 7 A C now 2nd Brigade 2nd Division 7 A C), of news from home, that his two other brothers, James and Henry were drafted, and continues with his views on how the war is progressing. Show less
Lyman Barton writes of his return to his regiment after spending time at home on sick leave. He also writes of two men being shot for desertion from his regiment, one from his own company. Both men were drafted and he tells the story of the wife of one man coming to camp after his execution, of... Show moreLyman Barton writes of his return to his regiment after spending time at home on sick leave. He also writes of two men being shot for desertion from his regiment, one from his own company. Both men were drafted and he tells the story of the wife of one man coming to camp after his execution, of her being told the news of his death by the company cook, of Portsmouth newspaper reports on Gen Grant and Gen Meade's capture of Rebel prisoners, of comfortable tent to live in with stove. Show less
Lyman Barton writes of the movements of his Brigade and mentions that the Regiment has received 166 conscripts and that all but one are substitutes. He also mentions that he is unwell.
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.
Writing from New York City, Williams recounts trip via train and steamboat from Warrenton, Va to the city. Purpose of the trip is thought to be to enforce the draft. Accident involving the steamboat and a schooner en route resulted in two men killed and one lost overboard. Military pay received... Show moreWriting from New York City, Williams recounts trip via train and steamboat from Warrenton, Va to the city. Purpose of the trip is thought to be to enforce the draft. Accident involving the steamboat and a schooner en route resulted in two men killed and one lost overboard. Military pay received spent partly on weapons to give to the officers out of respect. Show less
Topics include being on guard duty, of the many court martial cases to be tried, his passion for collecting photographs of all the officers in the Regiment for his album, the resignation of officers, sending Meigs to pursue a deserter with no luck in arresting him, of hearing about a military... Show moreTopics include being on guard duty, of the many court martial cases to be tried, his passion for collecting photographs of all the officers in the Regiment for his album, the resignation of officers, sending Meigs to pursue a deserter with no luck in arresting him, of hearing about a military draft in Vermont & the need for men to serve Show less
Two letters enclosed. Gives detailed account of his duties as officer of the day, details on camp life including cleaning the sinks (latrines), of some of the sight-seeing he has done and hopes to do in the area of Yorktown, of sickness in the camp, of rain and lightening that killed one horse &... Show moreTwo letters enclosed. Gives detailed account of his duties as officer of the day, details on camp life including cleaning the sinks (latrines), of some of the sight-seeing he has done and hopes to do in the area of Yorktown, of sickness in the camp, of rain and lightening that killed one horse & injured several others. As well, he complains of Vermont towns that pay $300 rather than send anyone who has been drafted, compares them to the rebels. Requests photographs of the children Fred and Carrie. Show less
Topics include the rainy weather and the monotony of camp life, comfortable living, the shortage of men in the regiment, of hopes of conscription act will fill the ranks and plans for home improvements including building a barn and cistern.
Topics include the execution of many deserters via orders of Gen Hooker, small pox at Camp Douglas with Barney taking the vaccine against the disease, celebrating George Washington’s birthday, rebels taking the oath of allegiance, the passage of the draft bill with an expectation that many will... Show moreTopics include the execution of many deserters via orders of Gen Hooker, small pox at Camp Douglas with Barney taking the vaccine against the disease, celebrating George Washington’s birthday, rebels taking the oath of allegiance, the passage of the draft bill with an expectation that many will leave for Canada. Show less
Duty as judge in trying criminals in the Regiment, his interest in receiving news about Swanton residents who were conscripted (drafted), his amusement over the possible identities of some of the conscripts, & the cost of keeping up appearances (being outfitted). He comments that he & the Colonel... Show moreDuty as judge in trying criminals in the Regiment, his interest in receiving news about Swanton residents who were conscripted (drafted), his amusement over the possible identities of some of the conscripts, & the cost of keeping up appearances (being outfitted). He comments that he & the Colonel get along amicably and that some of the officers will be returning to Vermont to bring back the conscripts (draftees) that have been assigned to the Regiment. Show less
Barney writes of visiting Captain Kelley at “Bogue Sound” and of how the Regiment is gaining health, though many still have the “shakes.” He also asks after news of his brother, Colonel Elisha Barney thinking he is with Gen. Meade & in pursuit of Lee and how the recruiting is going in Swanton for... Show moreBarney writes of visiting Captain Kelley at “Bogue Sound” and of how the Regiment is gaining health, though many still have the “shakes.” He also asks after news of his brother, Colonel Elisha Barney thinking he is with Gen. Meade & in pursuit of Lee and how the recruiting is going in Swanton for the 9th Regiment. Show less
Topics include wishing he could come home on leave, noticing that his brother, Colonel Elisha Barney, was home on leave as seen in the Burlington Times, and naming the members of the recruiting party who were returning to Vermont and carrying Major [Charles] Jarvis’ body with them on the steamer.... Show moreTopics include wishing he could come home on leave, noticing that his brother, Colonel Elisha Barney, was home on leave as seen in the Burlington Times, and naming the members of the recruiting party who were returning to Vermont and carrying Major [Charles] Jarvis’ body with them on the steamer. As well he mentions visiting Beaufort, dining with the commander of the sub-district, of planning a hunting party, of sending money home with thoughts of maybe purchasing land. Show less
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. Show less
Heart broken he not with wife for Thanksgiving, Capt. Dillingham rounding up Marylanders for the draft, a report on the health of several members or the regiment, anxious for letters from home.
Letter expressing his surprise that Charles L. Beebe passed his physical examination, and his reaction to his father-in-law’s distress over paying for a substitute. As well he discusses the possibility of the his wife buying his father-in-law’s farm in order to raise the money. He then draws a... Show moreLetter expressing his surprise that Charles L. Beebe passed his physical examination, and his reaction to his father-in-law’s distress over paying for a substitute. As well he discusses the possibility of the his wife buying his father-in-law’s farm in order to raise the money. He then draws a word picture about the destruction faced by many farmers in Maryland, and Pennsylvania when large numbers of troops camp on their farms. Show less
