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.
A poem entitled "Battle of Cedar Creek" and a letter to his sister, Lois, that includes a description of the fighting the 6th Vt Vols. was involved with starting April 1st and leading to the fall of Richmond on April 3, 1865.
Writes that the regiment has been on the move and has seen some fighting with the Rebels resulting in the capture of many Confederates, their officers and many weapons ; also reports Union losses at Rappahannock.
Letter to sister Lois about his great appreciation of receiving letters from home and their importance to him ; relates the men's hard march, camping in the the field, hardships endured including having little food to eat, of no complaints from the men regardless ; a bit of home gossip.
Recounts a long march to Gettysburg and of laying in wait for the enemy, engaged in a skirmish with the Rebels, one brigade left to deal with them and the rest of the men returned to camp where time was spent socializing. Writes some of the Vermont men sent home and states that he is sending... Show moreRecounts a long march to Gettysburg and of laying in wait for the enemy, engaged in a skirmish with the Rebels, one brigade left to deal with them and the rest of the men returned to camp where time was spent socializing. Writes some of the Vermont men sent home and states that he is sending letters home via Alf. Olmstead for safekeeping. Show less
Topics include being on picket duty and receiving his letters through the kindness of Private Francis Phillips of Westford, who walked eight miles to bring them to him. He also writes of wishing to be home for sugaring season that he was chosen editor of the next paper the Sixth Regiment Debating... Show moreTopics include being on picket duty and receiving his letters through the kindness of Private Francis Phillips of Westford, who walked eight miles to bring them to him. He also writes of wishing to be home for sugaring season that he was chosen editor of the next paper the Sixth Regiment Debating Society. Show less
Topics include a detailed description of the Battle of Fort Stevens [July 11-12, 1864], specifically the movements of the 6th Corps. Williams also writes of the mustering out of some of the 6th Regiment, as their time had expired.
Regiment engaged the Rebels, gives a good account of the skirmish across the Rappahannock River with heavy gunfire that forced the Confederates to retreat ; gives casualties and wounded ; reference to Gen. Hooker not planning to engage the enemy at this location at the present time.
Topics include Lyman’s promotion to 2nd Lieutenant of Company C, inquiries about his Canadian cousins, trying to keep cool, with a bucket of ice water to drink, needing money sent to him to pay for his new equipment as 2nd Lieutenant, a discussion about the officers in his new company, a report... Show moreTopics include Lyman’s promotion to 2nd Lieutenant of Company C, inquiries about his Canadian cousins, trying to keep cool, with a bucket of ice water to drink, needing money sent to him to pay for his new equipment as 2nd Lieutenant, a discussion about the officers in his new company, a report about the loss of prisoners by the 4th and 11th Regiments, destruction of railroad tracks and bridges. Show less
Topics including marching out to support a cavalry raid on February 27, 1864 and returning to camp exhausted by the march through mud. He also writes about his wife, Mary Gorton Williams, hopes that his room would be empty when he returns from the army, so that he and Mary might live there.... Show moreTopics including marching out to support a cavalry raid on February 27, 1864 and returning to camp exhausted by the march through mud. He also writes about his wife, Mary Gorton Williams, hopes that his room would be empty when he returns from the army, so that he and Mary might live there. Requests postage stamps. Show less
Writing to his father topics include receiving the $50.00 he asked for from him, a list of the expenses incurred buying equipment needed as 2nd Lieutenant, his hope that his brother Nathan will recover his health now that he has left the Service, and the confidence of the Army in Ulysses S. Grant... Show moreWriting to his father topics include receiving the $50.00 he asked for from him, a list of the expenses incurred buying equipment needed as 2nd Lieutenant, his hope that his brother Nathan will recover his health now that he has left the Service, and the confidence of the Army in Ulysses S. Grant and their hope that hard fighting is done now. Show less
Writes of family back home, that there is no military activity at present and of being asked if he might like to meet a young lady, Miss M. M. G. (i.e. Mary Gorton who later becomes his wife)
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 letters he has received and news from his brother, Nathan, who is in Chicago serving in the Veteran Reserve Corps, a short list of what he has been doing, including attending a lyceum, news that Captain William B. Reynolds has been promoted to Major in the 17th Vermont Infantry... Show moreTopics include letters he has received and news from his brother, Nathan, who is in Chicago serving in the Veteran Reserve Corps, a short list of what he has been doing, including attending a lyceum, news that Captain William B. Reynolds has been promoted to Major in the 17th Vermont Infantry Regiment, drilling practice, out of postage stamps and sends another one dollar to have some sent. Show less
Writes of going & coming back from Washington, D.C. via horseback to purchase clothes and other articles needed, mustering out the men whose time is up in October, and his decision to remain in the Army for the extra money, since he feels everyone will be mustered out in August.
Topics include Lyman Williams coming down with a fever, an encounter with the rebels that left four men wounded, and the rebels' description of the Vermont regiment as dare devils. Stationery has an illustration of a "Vermont Boy," plus two verses of a song with the title "Vermont Soldier." The... Show moreTopics include Lyman Williams coming down with a fever, an encounter with the rebels that left four men wounded, and the rebels' description of the Vermont regiment as dare devils. Stationery has an illustration of a "Vermont Boy," plus two verses of a song with the title "Vermont Soldier." The refrain, "Away down in Dixie," suggests an attempt to compete with the immortal southern song "Dixie." Show less
