Topics include the journey from Harrison's Landing to Boliver via Newport News and Alexandria. Names several wounded and deceased soldiers, perhaps known by his sister. Concludes with a somewhat gruesome description of "picnic."
Topics include the constant fire of gunboats, batteries, and sharpshooters, being in command of 5 companies while on picket duty, orders to be ready to march at a minutes notice and the food he is able to purchase. He also expresses his opinion that the Rebels will not be willing to engage the... Show moreTopics include the constant fire of gunboats, batteries, and sharpshooters, being in command of 5 companies while on picket duty, orders to be ready to march at a minutes notice and the food he is able to purchase. He also expresses his opinion that the Rebels will not be willing to engage the Union troops because of their numbers (30,000). Show less
A reconnaissance in force made by General [Michael] Corcoran, while Barney was part of the reserve left behind. Writes of rifle pits, his lack of sleep, being part of a labor party building a fort, of the area’s fortifications, of a sharpshooter who kept firing at his company until driven off by... Show moreA reconnaissance in force made by General [Michael] Corcoran, while Barney was part of the reserve left behind. Writes of rifle pits, his lack of sleep, being part of a labor party building a fort, of the area’s fortifications, of a sharpshooter who kept firing at his company until driven off by a 12 pounder shot, of prisoners taken, casualties, mud and sending money home. Show less
A short letter letting his wife know that the Regiment has moved closer to Suffolk, Virginia, and that their position is very defensible. He mentions that the move was sudden and that he lost a shirt and underclothes, but is able to make do. The conditions are primitive and he will need to write... Show moreA short letter letting his wife know that the Regiment has moved closer to Suffolk, Virginia, and that their position is very defensible. He mentions that the move was sudden and that he lost a shirt and underclothes, but is able to make do. The conditions are primitive and he will need to write reports on a table outside his tent. Show less
Barney writes of moving to a new location facing the dismal swamp, and of being called to arms in the middle of the night. As well, he describes how he disciplined a soldier who had been “saucy.” He also writes of hearing cannonading in the distance, near where they were camped the night before,... Show moreBarney writes of moving to a new location facing the dismal swamp, and of being called to arms in the middle of the night. As well, he describes how he disciplined a soldier who had been “saucy.” He also writes of hearing cannonading in the distance, near where they were camped the night before, and of rumors that a pontoon bridge had been built across the river there by Union soldiers. Show less
Writing from Camp Parole topics include a hard march to the camp near Annapolis, being paroled and possibly being sent out West to fight the Indians or sent to home state and a detailed description of an engagement at Harpers Ferry (West Virginia) that included heavy fire, skirmishing Rebels,... Show moreWriting from Camp Parole topics include a hard march to the camp near Annapolis, being paroled and possibly being sent out West to fight the Indians or sent to home state and a detailed description of an engagement at Harpers Ferry (West Virginia) that included heavy fire, skirmishing Rebels, Union soldiers abandoning their posts, troops falling back, white flag raised by the Union soldiers, men discarding their revolvers and swords, mingling of the Confederates with the Union men as comrades in arms. Show less
From Camp Winfield Scott topics include Motts battery engaging the rebels, an account of Wheelock Veazey’s regiment driving the rebels back, references to several officers and their men and the losses during the skirmishes.
Written on illustrated letter head stationery from near Vicksburg William writes to his father, Gov. Holbrook and topics include Colonel Roberts coming to New Orleans, the rebels erecting their batteries in Grand Gulf and firing upon the Union boats coming up the river, and the possibility that... Show moreWritten on illustrated letter head stationery from near Vicksburg William writes to his father, Gov. Holbrook and topics include Colonel Roberts coming to New Orleans, the rebels erecting their batteries in Grand Gulf and firing upon the Union boats coming up the river, and the possibility that the regiment will be ordered to Baton Rouge. Show less
Writing to his father, Gov. Holbrook, from the steamer, Morning Sight near Vicksburg topics include asking if he can have a battery to command, mentions Fort Pike, the desire to join the artillery service, the hope to be given captaincy, and the slow bombardments by the rebels but there was an... Show moreWriting to his father, Gov. Holbrook, from the steamer, Morning Sight near Vicksburg topics include asking if he can have a battery to command, mentions Fort Pike, the desire to join the artillery service, the hope to be given captaincy, and the slow bombardments by the rebels but there was an attack by 3000 Confederates thinking to board the Union mortar boats only to be beaten back when fired upon. Show less
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.
Letter describes an attack on the 6th Michigan Cavalry, the response of the 10th Vermont, and the arrival of reinforcements. Henry uses the verb "skedaddled" in its original context: Union soldiers describing the fleeing of Confederate soldiers. He also expresses some of the typical bravado, how... Show moreLetter describes an attack on the 6th Michigan Cavalry, the response of the 10th Vermont, and the arrival of reinforcements. Henry uses the verb "skedaddled" in its original context: Union soldiers describing the fleeing of Confederate soldiers. He also expresses some of the typical bravado, how the men were "fighting mad" and ready to fight so as to earn a good report. Show less
