Topics include reflecting on Katie's death and William Henry being in command of five companies and five miles of the Potomac River along Seneca Creek.
Henry writes with details of the Battle of Monocacy, including that he and Major Edwin Dillingham were nearly captured and only escaped by using two lame artillery horses. The 10th Vermont was on the left of the line, and when the line to the right of him collapsed, he was able to hold long... Show moreHenry writes with details of the Battle of Monocacy, including that he and Major Edwin Dillingham were nearly captured and only escaped by using two lame artillery horses. The 10th Vermont was on the left of the line, and when the line to the right of him collapsed, he was able to hold long enough to let them retreat, and then retreat successfully himself, though cut off from the main army. He was complimented by General Wallace and General Rickett for bringing in both his regiment and the 87th Pennsylvania, when both were feared to be taken prisoner. He ends the letter abruptly by writing that Confederate forces were two miles away and he needed to go investigate. Show less
Henry writes that the mail is being held up in Washington until the Regiment moves, that he has received postage stamps as he requested and that nothing much is happening except that some of the line officers are getting up a little “breeze” against Captain Frost. Reference to Captain Dillingham... Show moreHenry writes that the mail is being held up in Washington until the Regiment moves, that he has received postage stamps as he requested and that nothing much is happening except that some of the line officers are getting up a little “breeze” against Captain Frost. Reference to Captain Dillingham and Mr. Dillingham. Show less
Still has no news about his discharge. The regiment has moved again, but though they are fixing up winter quarters, they are unsure of whether they will be allowed to stay. Henry has had a number of visitors of Waterbury men, including his brother, J. Edwin Henry.
Henry writes that he has returned to the regiment camped at Harrisonburgh, men cheered his returned and were in good spirits. Surgeon Willard A. Childe apologized to Henry for his behavior and spoke against Lieutenant Colonel Charles G. Chandler, which pleased Henry. Reference to the death of... Show moreHenry writes that he has returned to the regiment camped at Harrisonburgh, men cheered his returned and were in good spirits. Surgeon Willard A. Childe apologized to Henry for his behavior and spoke against Lieutenant Colonel Charles G. Chandler, which pleased Henry. Reference to the death of Major Edwin Dillingham who died Sept 19th. Show less
Topics include being put in charge of the 10th Regiment for a few days, William Henry's wish to go home to see his family, the duties of being a Major, feeling very proud of his military promotion, Dress Parade well attended by some 400 to 500 people including Mr. Cummings who was Speaker of the... Show moreTopics include being put in charge of the 10th Regiment for a few days, William Henry's wish to go home to see his family, the duties of being a Major, feeling very proud of his military promotion, Dress Parade well attended by some 400 to 500 people including Mr. Cummings who was Speaker of the House. Show less
A short letter written to reassure his wife, mentions arriving at Bull Run, marching, camping near Manassas Junction, the battle of Bristoe Station, Virginia (October 14), casualties of the rebels, horses killed and the number of cannons captured.
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 of heavy engagement of the Vermont 10th in battle and how the regiment has done itself proud. May be referring to Battle of Spotsylvania Court House or the Battle of the Wilderness. Few killed with few wounded from the regiment. One general was killed and another wounded by... Show moreHenry writes of heavy engagement of the Vermont 10th in battle and how the regiment has done itself proud. May be referring to Battle of Spotsylvania Court House or the Battle of the Wilderness. Few killed with few wounded from the regiment. One general was killed and another wounded by sharpshooters. Reference to General Grant. Show less
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
Henry writes during a lull in the Battle of Cold Harbor that he has been wounded and a finger amputated, and that he will be in the Division Hospital for around three weeks, until he can wield a saber again. He then writes movingly about the death of Captain Edwin B. Frost, lists the names of... Show moreHenry writes during a lull in the Battle of Cold Harbor that he has been wounded and a finger amputated, and that he will be in the Division Hospital for around three weeks, until he can wield a saber again. He then writes movingly about the death of Captain Edwin B. Frost, lists the names of some of the wounded and makes reference to Gen. Grant to lay siege to Richmond, Va. The letter was dictated to Lieutenant George P. Welch. Show less
Henry writes from the field near Spottsylvania that the Vermont Brigade has been in the midst of the battles, but the 10th Vermont has been lucky enough to avoid the worst fighting. He mentions that the Governor (J. Gergory Smith) is coming for a visit and will send this letter home with him, and... Show moreHenry writes from the field near Spottsylvania that the Vermont Brigade has been in the midst of the battles, but the 10th Vermont has been lucky enough to avoid the worst fighting. He mentions that the Governor (J. Gergory Smith) is coming for a visit and will send this letter home with him, and that his family should keep up their courage during these “exciting times” and write to him often. Show less
Brief letter reveals a sense of humor among the officers (General Morris) regarding picket responsibilities of the division officer of the day ; word of advancing Rebels had the pickets on alert ; but Rebels only scavenging after railroad iron ; railroad being repaired ; 10th Vermont complimented... Show moreBrief letter reveals a sense of humor among the officers (General Morris) regarding picket responsibilities of the division officer of the day ; word of advancing Rebels had the pickets on alert ; but Rebels only scavenging after railroad iron ; railroad being repaired ; 10th Vermont complimented by General French. 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
Topics include receiving orders to abandon Harpers Ferry, the accidental explosion of a magazine while the 6th Maryland Regiment was trying to destroy it which resulted in 100 casualties, the movement of several Army Corps, and the replacement of General Hooker by General Meade.
Henry writes that he appreciates his wife’s letter which contained a description of Major Edwin Dillingham’s funeral. He also writes that he was Sixth Corps Officer of the Day and spent the whole day with General Ricketts, who seemed glad that he was back in command of the 10th Vermont.
Short letter written in the early morning hours describing being surrounded by the Rebels, a raid on the railroad with tracks being torn up, the arrival of reinforcements from Washington, D.C., feels he will sleep well tonight.
Letter discusses the movement of the troops towards the Rappahannock River on the repaired railroad, and his opinion of where winter quarters will be. He mentions his sister, Delia, who is married to a Southerner, and his desire for his wife to write her, since he feels it is imprudent for him to... Show moreLetter discusses the movement of the troops towards the Rappahannock River on the repaired railroad, and his opinion of where winter quarters will be. He mentions his sister, Delia, who is married to a Southerner, and his desire for his wife to write her, since he feels it is imprudent for him to send her a letter at this time, will write her after he gets home. Show less
Letter discusses the destruction of the railroad by rebel troops, the location of the Army of the Potomac and how it is being supplied ; the activities of the men as they make winter camp, in addition to the hopes that the efforts won't be wasted. He also writes of the “lucky Tenth,” since none... Show moreLetter discusses the destruction of the railroad by rebel troops, the location of the Army of the Potomac and how it is being supplied ; the activities of the men as they make winter camp, in addition to the hopes that the efforts won't be wasted. He also writes of the “lucky Tenth,” since none who stayed with the regiment have been wounded or killed. Show less
Very brief note with Henry stating that the soldiers are under marching orders and have been ordered to take the train to Washington D.C. and that possibly they will be ordered to follow the Confederate forces towards Culpeper, Virginia.
