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. Show less
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.
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.
Henry writes of returning from leave and finding his “log cabin” built very snug. He also writes that the weather has been unpleasant and that it is hard adjusting to camp life after being at home. As well he writes that his servant, Johnny, is very pleased with the present he has received from ... Show moreHenry writes of returning from leave and finding his “log cabin” built very snug. He also writes that the weather has been unpleasant and that it is hard adjusting to camp life after being at home. As well he writes that his servant, Johnny, is very pleased with the present he has received from “Grandma Beebe,” Mary Jane’s mother. Show less
Henry writes with more details of the killed and wounded in the aftermath of the Battle of Cedar Creek. He repeats his feelings of loss at the death of Captain Lucian D. Thompson and Color Sergeant Billy Mahoney. As well he mentions having dinner with Colonel William Wells, who he feels could be... Show moreHenry writes with more details of the killed and wounded in the aftermath of the Battle of Cedar Creek. He repeats his feelings of loss at the death of Captain Lucian D. Thompson and Color Sergeant Billy Mahoney. As well he mentions having dinner with Colonel William Wells, who he feels could be a brigadier general if he would put his name in. Finally, he writes confidentially to his wife that he is still not recovered from his bilious fever and will be putting in his resignation soon, probably in November. Show less
Henry writes that he got wet and cold during a review of the Sixth Corps and so the beginning of the letter is rather curt. He continues the letter after having had supper, warmed up, and begun reading a good book, Alone by Mary Virginia Terhune. He feels that one of the characters talks like him... Show moreHenry writes that he got wet and cold during a review of the Sixth Corps and so the beginning of the letter is rather curt. He continues the letter after having had supper, warmed up, and begun reading a good book, Alone by Mary Virginia Terhune. He feels that one of the characters talks like him and another like his wife, and will send it on to Mary Jane after he finished it. He also writes that while he is now in command of the Brigade, he hopes Colonel William S. Truax will be reinstated. Show less
October 8, 1861 from Camp Advance, Virginia. Writes of kindness from Col Stannard, wet weather, grand review of artillery by Genl. McClellan, illness among the men including homesickness and Typhoid Fever, family business.
Topics include Captain Johnson taking command of Company D, the illness of a few men, the possibility of Ned Wells returning home, Henry's side business not doing as well now as the men are out of money to spend, mud prevents drills so men study tactics and go on picket only once every five days.
Topics include the hardships of camp life, the sickness of Henry Daniels, wishing to be on his way home, selling the Elixir and liniment for twenty five dollars in two days.
Topics include William Henry missing his wife, having gained weight and health is good, of being glad he did not become the Captain of Company D, reference to a bill to disband the Bands, mentions his side business of selling to the men being pretty slim as he has "got them most all cured up",... Show moreTopics include William Henry missing his wife, having gained weight and health is good, of being glad he did not become the Captain of Company D, reference to a bill to disband the Bands, mentions his side business of selling to the men being pretty slim as he has "got them most all cured up", reference to the fall of Roanoke Island, North Carolina (February 7& 8, 1862) under the leadership of Ambrose Burnside, has sent money home, Show less
Short letter written in the field discussing a rumor that the Regiment will be moving to Fairfax Court House to await the “new men all get out” ; letters to be directed to letters 1st Brig. 3rd Div. 3rd A.C. Washington D. C ; includes a message for his young daughter Mollie.
Henry writes that he has been detailed to guard a supply train going to Martinsburg, Virginia, which also had 16 paymasters returning from paying off troops at the front. He was able to get two months pay from one of them, who he was acquainted with, and he sent the money home in a previous... Show moreHenry writes that he has been detailed to guard a supply train going to Martinsburg, Virginia, which also had 16 paymasters returning from paying off troops at the front. He was able to get two months pay from one of them, who he was acquainted with, and he sent the money home in a previous letter. He is not sure he will resign yet, as he is feeling a little better, and his resignation will depend on where the regiment is sent for winter quarters. He doesn’t think there will be any more fighting this fall, since the Rebels will have to send to Richmond for more cannons and he doesn’t think they can be resupplied before the rainy season. Show less
Writes of feeling better from eating to many chestnuts, took Hibbards Pills, rustling cattle, pickets meeting up with Rebels with some, mentions friends and family life, misses his wife and young daughter Mollie.
Letter written by J. Edwin Henry to Mary Jane Henry, describing life in camp. He mentions that the picket lines are so close together that the soldiers talk to one another, and that one rebel soldier asked what Vermonters thought of “Mosby’s raid into St. Albans.” He also writes that there are... Show moreLetter written by J. Edwin Henry to Mary Jane Henry, describing life in camp. He mentions that the picket lines are so close together that the soldiers talk to one another, and that one rebel soldier asked what Vermonters thought of “Mosby’s raid into St. Albans.” He also writes that there are few officers yet in the 17th, making more work for those that are there, and that the only regret he has in enlisting is that he left his mother alone. As well, he enquires whether his sister, Delia Henry Anderson, is still visiting Vermont, or whether she has returned to North Carolina yet. Show less
Henry writes that the regiment has moved to within 4 miles of Winchester and that it looks like “winter camp,” as they have built a fort and dug rifle pits, and even built a brick fireplace. They were attacked the day after they arrived, but drove the Rebels away, and the next day the cavalry... Show moreHenry writes that the regiment has moved to within 4 miles of Winchester and that it looks like “winter camp,” as they have built a fort and dug rifle pits, and even built a brick fireplace. They were attacked the day after they arrived, but drove the Rebels away, and the next day the cavalry went out and captured a gun, an ammunition train, and 150 prisoners. Henry feels he can’t leave the regiment while Lieutenant Colonel Chandler is still in the service, as the “boys will make a big fuss.” Show less
September 29, 1861 from Camp Advance, Virginia. Writes of Second Vermont ordered out, casualties due to troop confusion and friendly fire, Munsons Hill, picket duty.
Henry writes of his disappointment that his wife was unable to leave Vermont, due to the sickness of their children, and his hopes that she will be able to come down to Virginia soon.
