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 1261 - 1270 of 1338 Records

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: 1864-10-12
Description: Henry writes that he appreciates his wife‚Äôs letter which contained a description of Major Edwin Dillingham‚Äôs 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.
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: 1864-11-18
Description: Henry writes that Brigade Commander Colonel William Emerson is on leave and Henry is now in command of the Brigade. It appears they are now in winter quarters and Henry writes that he does not feel it is safe for his wife to visit this camp, as the railroads are being torn up by ‚Äúguerillas‚Äù and trains are being captured. He then discusses when or whether he will resign, since Col. Truax in under arrest, depending on the resignation of Colonel Emerson and the possibility that Henry might command the Brigade.
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: 1863-08-09
Description: Letter discusses being paid, Paymaster, sending more money home as well as the desire to have all monies he has sent to his wife accounted for, mentions his "boy" Johnny (assistant/attendant). The prospect of buying sheep, health of family members, "fifth corps" entrenched across the river, General Morris, may hear of the fall of Charleston soon, some men suffering from diarrhea, the potential movement of the Army of the Potomac.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, William Wirt Henry Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of William Wirt Henry to John Henry

William Wirt Henry to John Henry

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Creator: Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915.
Date Created: 1863-09-10
Description: Written in the field, letter discusses General Morris‚Äô leave of absence, which would leave Major Henry in charge of the Brigade as ranking officer, as well as the possible quick return of Colonel Jewett when he finds out that he would be in command of the Brigade.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, William Wirt Henry Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of William Wirt Henry to John Henry

William Wirt Henry to John Henry

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Creator: Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915.
Date Created: 1863-09-14
Description: Letter discusses his being appointed Division Officer of the Day, of fighting with cannon fire being heard, of indifference to it, the questionable behavior of Colonel A. B. Jewett, complains Jewett becomes ill whenever difficulties arise and Henry has to do the work, requests that the information provided remain confidential. The arrival of the paymaster with intention of sending money home soon, as well as the behavior of Justin (possibly Justin Carter).
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: 1863-09-21
Description: Letter written in the field discusses marching, the movement of the Army of the Potomac to the Rapidan River in the hope that there will be some form of action soon, Henry in new camp near Culpeper, Virginia, on the Pike to Sulphur Springs, possible move to Gordonsville where it is believed Lee's army is, the sickness of several members of Company B, receiving military pay.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, William Wirt Henry Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Henry A. Smith to Mother

Henry A. Smith to Mother

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Creator: Smith, Henry A., d. 1864.
Date Created: 1862-12-05
Description: Two letters one dated Dec 5th and one 6th. Topics include the snowy weather, Henry Smith's good health, and the difficult times the men who were drafted will face.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Henry A. Smith Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Henry A. Smith to Clarissa A. Smith

Henry A. Smith to Clarissa A. Smith

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Creator: Smith, Henry A., d. 1864.
Date Created: 1863-06-02
Description: Topics include his praise of the work being done at home on the farm by his brothers, a description of Mosby‚Äôs attack on the train at Catlett‚Äôs Station (May 31st), and his wish that his mother use his money to purchase more pasture land in Royalton.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Henry A. Smith Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of William Wirt Henry to John Henry

William Wirt Henry to John Henry

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Creator: Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915.
Date Created: 1863-06-10
Description: News about the money sent home, wishing his family was in camp with him especially his young daughter, admonishing his wife to practice riding so she can ride with him when she comes South, states other wives are planning to be in camp next winter, credits his "old saddle horse" as being the best riding horse.
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: 1863-06-28
Description: Topics include the regiment‚Äôs move to Harpers Ferry, his sorrow at leaving the friends he had made while stationed near Poolsville, a description of the terrain around Harpers Ferry, how it reminds him of Vermont, and his feeling of security because of the 100 pound cannons which would allow him to make a good fight.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, William Wirt Henry Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War