Vermonters in the Civil War

Vermont soldiers in the Civil War wrote an enormous quantity of letters and diaries, of which many thousands have survived in libraries, historical societies, and in private hands. This collection represents a selection of letters and diaries from the University of Vermont and the Vermont Historical Society. The collection includes materials dating from 1861-1865. Materials were selected for digitization to provide a variety of perspectives on events and issues. The voices represented in the collection include private soldiers and officers, as well as a few civilians. All of the extant Civil War-era letters or diaries of each of the selected individuals (at least, all that are to be found in the participating institutions’ collections) are included; each adds a certain experience and point of view to the whole. Officers in the photo above are (from left to right): Lieutenant Colonel Charles B. Stoughton, Colonel Edwin H. Stoughton, Major Harry N. Worthen. All are from the Fourth Vermont Infantry Regiment.

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Showing 1081 - 1090 of 1339 Records

Miniature of Hiram H. Barton to Melissa Barton

Hiram H. Barton to Melissa Barton

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Creator: Barton, Hiram H., 1836-1903.
Date Created: 1863-02-23
Description: A poem titled ‚ÄúThe Campaign with McClellan 1862‚Äù by William Issard, a private in the 101st Pennsylvania Infantry, copied by Hiram Barton. The poem focuses on Wessell‚Äôs Division during the Seven Days Battles, and mentions the 101st and 103rd Pennsylvania Regiments and the 85th, 92nd, and 96th New York Regiments.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Barton Family Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Hiram H. Barton to Melissa Barton

Hiram H. Barton to Melissa Barton

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Creator: Barton, Hiram H., 1836-1903.
Date Created: 1863-06-23
Description: Writing from Camp Gray in Plymouth, North Carolina Barton speaks of white and black North Carolinians coming in to Union lines to join the Union Army, of the brogue they speak, of the sights he has seen in battle, his dislike of army life, particularly the killing. Writes of rumors about Vicksburg and what it would mean for the Union cause if it is taken.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Barton Family Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry

William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry

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Creator: Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915.
Date Created: 1862-11-25
Description: Topics include having his leave of absence denied, disappointed but being philosophical about it, wanting to get a photograph of himself as a Lieutenant Colonel to send home, and family matters.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, William Wirt Henry Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry

William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry

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Creator: Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915.
Date Created: 1863-09-27
Description: The letter discusses the "Old Vermont Brigade" that is camped near the 10th Vermont, and frequent meetings with old friends. The lack of movement of the army and the probability of no campaign in the fall and winter is also discussed, as well as his dislike of the actions of Colonel Jewett in terms of his extended time spent in Vermont, leaving all the work to Henry.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, William Wirt Henry Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry

William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry

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Creator: Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915.
Date Created: 1863-10-20
Description: 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.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, William Wirt Henry Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry

William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry

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Creator: Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915.
Date Created: 1863-10-28
Description: 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 by General French.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, William Wirt Henry Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry

William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry

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Creator: Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915.
Date Created: 1864-01-19
Description: Henry writes that he was Division officer and out reviewing pickets since January 15, which he found tiresome and hopes will not occur again soon. He expects a visit from Governor John Gregory Smith and the Vermont Congressional delegation, which would occasion a grand review if the mud isn‚Äôt too bad. He also writes that 2nd Lieutenant Justin Carter behaved badly while on leave and will probably be put up on charges when he gets back to the regiment.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, William Wirt Henry Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Moses W. Sawyer to William Wirt Henry

Moses W. Sawyer to William Wirt Henry

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Creator: Sawyer, Moses W., 1831-1916.
Date Created: 1863-05-19
Description: Receipts for the purchase of two horses.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, William Wirt Henry Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry

William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry

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Creator: Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915.
Date Created: 1863-06-12
Description: 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 the men were "fighting mad" and ready to fight so as to earn a good report.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, William Wirt Henry Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry

William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry

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Creator: Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915.
Date Created: 1863-07-01
Description: 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.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, William Wirt Henry Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War