Writes from Camp Vermont, 12th Regiment Vermont Volunteers headquarters to his wife, Mary, of officers' huts being built, of his visit to Washington's estate Mt. Vernon, description of the grounds and tombs of George and Martha, arrangements for when Mary comes to visit, and of a battalion drill.
July 19, 1861. Writes from Camp Butler, Newport News, Va. of family matters, fleas and mosquitoes at camp, salt baths, mentions Lt. Peckett, Maj. Worthen, Adj of NY 4th Henricus, of riding out into the country to call on two houses, observations about the owners' slaves.
July 26, 1861. Writes from Camp Butler in Newport News, Va. of contraband (seven children), of sending 12 Negroes (7 of them children) to the Fort, of a fight and march to Yorktown and the health of his wife Mary.
Topics include Farnham's anticipation of his wife Mary's visit, plans to celebrate Thanksgiving in camp, Mary's dental health, there being a large amount of supplies all for the holiday dinner.
Topics include the expected fight at Little Bethel and the battle at Great Bethel, where fewer than fifty men were killed on the Union side. Mentions German Regiment (Col. Bendix) and Duryea's Zouaves. Description of "friendly fire" incident. Excursion proved to be the most exhausting so far.
Farnham returning to Union Mills, Virginia ; living accommodations pleasant with tent set and well ventilated, men doing drills well, Farnham at headquarters in order to perform duties in the absence of the Colonel thus Farnham was not put in command of any of the detachments ; advises wife to... Show moreFarnham returning to Union Mills, Virginia ; living accommodations pleasant with tent set and well ventilated, men doing drills well, Farnham at headquarters in order to perform duties in the absence of the Colonel thus Farnham was not put in command of any of the detachments ; advises wife to not work so hard and take porter rather than whiskey. Show less
June 20, 1861. Topics include setting rumors straight. Farnham assures his wife that his chances of being killed are minimal. Notes that his provost marshal duties have lessened, possibly because fewer "negroes" are arriving, for fear that the North won't succeed! Reference to Dan Johnson and his... Show moreJune 20, 1861. Topics include setting rumors straight. Farnham assures his wife that his chances of being killed are minimal. Notes that his provost marshal duties have lessened, possibly because fewer "negroes" are arriving, for fear that the North won't succeed! Reference to Dan Johnson and his rumors; also the secret why he returned home. Compliments for Capt. Andross, again, during Battle of Big (or Great) Bethel. Show less
Topics include the duties of Provost Marshall, including the reception of runaway slaves. Mentions alerts for battle and false alarms; and illness within the regiment.
Topics include Roswell informing his wife that the Regiment will be departing for home on Monday, August 5th, 1861, of searching for, finding and smashing illegal casks of liquor, of a woman and two children being returned to the enemy under a flag of truce.
Topics include the ill health of Mary Farnham and Nelson (mustard paste applied to his back), rumors and conflicting reports about the Rebels, about Hooker & about Lee, snakes in camp, the importance of keeping an open mind about possibly moving to the city after the war, comments on happiness... Show moreTopics include the ill health of Mary Farnham and Nelson (mustard paste applied to his back), rumors and conflicting reports about the Rebels, about Hooker & about Lee, snakes in camp, the importance of keeping an open mind about possibly moving to the city after the war, comments on happiness versus wealth, the death of S. S. Leonard of Company H, paymaster has arrived with military pay and orders to move and guard the railroad. Show less
Topics include the battle the previous Monday and the death of George Lougee from Vershire, Vermont. Farnham concerned that some of his letters may be misinterpreted and printed (presumably in the local press). Mentions Col. Phelps's anxiety, imminent court-martial of Mass. general, and some of... Show moreTopics include the battle the previous Monday and the death of George Lougee from Vershire, Vermont. Farnham concerned that some of his letters may be misinterpreted and printed (presumably in the local press). Mentions Col. Phelps's anxiety, imminent court-martial of Mass. general, and some of the hardships of the campaign. Show less
Topics include the food that the soldiers eat, and that pilfering from local farms--even "secessionist"--is forbidden. Farnham assures his wife that newspaper reports of the war are highly exaggerated. A rebel attack is unlikely before they return to Vt. A German scouting party caused a stir with... Show moreTopics include the food that the soldiers eat, and that pilfering from local farms--even "secessionist"--is forbidden. Farnham assures his wife that newspaper reports of the war are highly exaggerated. A rebel attack is unlikely before they return to Vt. A German scouting party caused a stir with an accidental gun discharge. Col. Phelps assigns Farnham a camp security position--provost marshall. One concern is the slaves that have just left their masters, who arrive at Ft. Monroe with food to sell but may also be spies. The able-bodied are put to work; all others are considered for deportation to Liberia. Names: Officers Phelps, Peckett; Everett Shaw. Show less
Topics include: gratitude among the men for gifts of food (incl. maple sugar) and other "luxuries"; Major Worthen's scouting expedition, which led to a small skirmish and some casualties among some St. Albans and Swanton soldiers; press inaccuracies; life at camp; how he misses his books and... Show moreTopics include: gratitude among the men for gifts of food (incl. maple sugar) and other "luxuries"; Major Worthen's scouting expedition, which led to a small skirmish and some casualties among some St. Albans and Swanton soldiers; press inaccuracies; life at camp; how he misses his books and reading; other domestic matters. Show less
August 2, 1861. Topics include Roswell telling his wife of the delay for the departure home, another description of Fort Monroe and Hygeia Hotel on Old Point Comfort similar to one written in the July 31 letter, of the incident of shooting of a drunken soldier, of the drunken condition of the 1st... Show moreAugust 2, 1861. Topics include Roswell telling his wife of the delay for the departure home, another description of Fort Monroe and Hygeia Hotel on Old Point Comfort similar to one written in the July 31 letter, of the incident of shooting of a drunken soldier, of the drunken condition of the 1st N Y regiment. Show less
Topics include the possibility of Roswell Farnham being promoted to Colonel if Colonel Blunt is promoted, the potential for the regiment to move, and business from home.
Topics include inquiries about Mary Farnham’s teeth and dental health, the severe cold weather in camp, instructions on where Mary should go to meet up with Roswell, the house he lives in that has some chinks that allow the wind to come in.
Topics include sending his letter via another officer, the regiment not planning to move, Roswell Farnham feeling lonely without his wife and stating she may come to camp but then rethinks that suggestion, his horse Burnie is better, hopes General George J. Stannard (1820-1886) will make his... Show moreTopics include sending his letter via another officer, the regiment not planning to move, Roswell Farnham feeling lonely without his wife and stating she may come to camp but then rethinks that suggestion, his horse Burnie is better, hopes General George J. Stannard (1820-1886) will make his headquarters in camp thus relieving Farnham of regiment responsibilities, the improvement in Roswell and William’s health and including a letter for Mr. Peach, directed to Mr. Butterworth for his wife to send on. Show less
