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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173 Barney, Valentine G., 1834-1889. 149 Rutherford, Joseph Chase, 1818-1902. 144 Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903. 139 Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915. 122 Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898. 98 Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866. 75 Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863. 45 Williams, Lyman S., 1839-1905. 36 Smith, Henry A., d. 1864. 33 Towle, Ransom W., d. 1864. 31 Sparrow, Bradford. 29 Wilder, Henry Harrison. 22 Holbrook, William Cune, 1842-1904. 17 Barstow, John Lester, 1832-1913. 16 Stone, Edward P., 1830-1920. 12 Barton, Lyman, 1839-1936. 12 Quimby, George W., 1835-1862. 11 Heaton, Solomon G. 11 Holbrook, Frederick. 10 Bancroft, Charles F., 1835-1862. 8 Barton, Hiram H., 1836-1903. 7 White, Daniel S., 1837-1912. 6 Blunt, Asa P. 5 Dillingham, Charles, b. 1837. 5 Parmenter, Benjamin F., 1832-1896. 5 Quimby, George W. 4 Farnham, Mary E. 4 Holbrook, W. C. 3 Fairbanks, Erastus. 3 Phelps, John Wolcott. 3 Stone, John M., 1835-1915. 3 Whitmore, Orange S., 1836-1908. 2 Barton, Theodore, 1842-1926. 2 Canning, Charles C., b. 1828. 2 Davis, George F., 1815-1901. 2 Fullam, Volney S. 2 Hitchcock, E. V. N. 2 Leffnis, N. S. 2 Marshall, Ira A., d. 1893. 2 Mason, E. P. 2 May, Albert A. 2 Morrill, Justin S. 2 Spafford, John, b. 1810. 2 Turner, Orlando S., b. 1839. 1 Andross, Dudley K. 1 Bancroft, Charles F., d. 1862. 1 Barton, Lyman. 1 Barton, Theodore. 1 Barton, William H., b. 1826. 1 Baxter, Horace Henry. 1 Beard, Albin. 1 Bliss, Warren E., 1840-1930. 1 Boynton, William H. 1 Browne, A. G. 1 Bruce, Horatio P. 1 Bruidnell, William, b. 1842. 1 Bruidnell, William, b. 1842; Finnegan. 1 Bruidnell, William, b. 1842; Morey. 1 Bush, Joseph. 1 Butler, Benjamin F. 1 Campbell, John W., 1823-1898. 1 Canby, E. R. S. 1 Cannon, Le Grand B. 1 Carter, Frances E. 1 Carter, Justin, d. 1871. 1 Clark, Lawrence D. 1 Dudley, N. A. M. 1 Dutton, Salmon. 1 Foster, Daniel T., 1841-1920; Dewey. 1 Gregg, Charles C., 1832-1910. 1 Halsey, Thomas H. 1 Hayward, Eben S. 1 Heintzleman, S. P. 1 Henry, James Edwin, 1844-1865. 1 Hunt, Leavitt. 1 Jackman, A. 1 Jewett, Albert B., 1829-1887. 1 Johnson, E. T. 1 Jones, John L. T., d. 1883. 1 Joyce, Charles H., 1830-1916. 1 Keith, Alfred H. 1 Legar, Joseph. 1 McDuffee, Mary H. 1 Merriam, John W., d. 1863. 1 Morse, E. A. 1 Murphy, Edward. 1 Murray, B. 1 Peck, David B. 1 Pelton, William W. 1 Perkins, Hiram E. 1 Perkins, Joseph L. 1 Prichard, George; Baldwin, C. C. P.; and Johnson. 1 Putnance, E. 1 Randall, F. V. 1 Reynolds, William B., 1840-1864. 1 Ripley, Wm. Y. W. 1 Samson, Merrill F. 1 Sawyer, Moses W., 1831-1916. 1 Seaton, C. W. 1 Smith, J. Gregory. 1 Spafford, Henry W., 1840-1911. 1 Stannard, George J., 1820-1886. 1 Stoughton, Edwin H. 1 Terry, Henry L., 1820-1885. 1 Thurston, Quincy F., d. 1862. 1 Tuttle, Oscar S. 1 Tyler, Jonathan Curtis. 1 Williams, Francis C. 1 Williams, Nathan A., 1837-1903. 1 Worthen, Harry N. 1 [Farnham], Mary. 1 [Lamuay].

370 Military camps -- Virginia. 295 United States Army -- Military life. 294 Families of military personnel. 252 Armed Forces -- Officers. 141 Diseases. 121 Vermont -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865. 120 Morale. 120 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865. 118 Food. 107 Marching. 106 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 10th (1862-1865). 105 Battle casualties. 91 FarnhamRoswell 1827-1903. 91 VeazeyWheelock G. (Wheelock Graves) 1835-1898. 79 Military pay. 77 Picketing. 72 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 9th (1862-1865). 69 Prisoners of war. 67 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 8th (1861-1865). 64 Confederate States of America Army. 59 Horses. 59 Military camps -- Maryland. 58 Military hospitals. 58 Promotions, Military. 57 Photographs. 48 Drill and minor tactics. 48 Postal service. 48 United States Army -- Surgeons. 47 Love-letters. 47 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 3rd (1861-1865). 41 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Medical care. 41 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 4th (1861-1865). 39 Newspapers. 39 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns. 38 Homesickness. 37 War casualties. 36 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 6th (1861-1864). 35 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Social aspects. 34 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Women. 33 Operational rations (Military supplies). 32 Skirmishing. 30 Military discipline. 30 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 16th (1862-1863). 29 African Americans. 29 Camp Douglas (Ill.). 29 Culpeper County (Va.). 29 Fort Monroe (Va.). 29 Military leaves and furloughs. 29 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Casualties. 26 Military camps -- Louisiana. 26 Military camps -- Vermont. 26 Religion. 24 Military discharge. 24 Recruiting and enlistment. 24 Soldiers -- Alcohol use. 24 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Destruction and pillage. 24 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 12th (1862-1863). 23 New Orleans (La.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865. 23 Yorktown (Va.). 21 Courts-martial and courts of inquiry -- United States. 21 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 1st (1861). 20 Steamboats. 19 Desertion, Military. 19 Rumor. 19 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Military reconnaissance. 19 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 7th (1862-1866). 18 McClellanGeorge Brinton 1826-1885. 18 Military chaplains. 18 Pillage. 18 Sutlers. 17 Draft -- United States. 17 Military camps -- Washington (D.C.). 17 Newport (N.C.). 16 African American soldiers. 16 Armies -- Medical and sanitary affairs. 15 Guerrilla warfare. 15 Intrenchments. 15 Medicine, Military. 15 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 5th (1861-1865). 15 Winchester (Va.). 15 Women in war. 14 Chicago (Ill.). 14 Ship Island (Miss.). 14 Slaves. 13 MosbyJohn Singleton 1833-1916. 13 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Prisoners and prisons. 12 Butler(Benjamin Franklin) Mr 1818-1893. 12 Patriotism. 12 War -- Psychological aspects. 11 Brandy Station (Va.). 11 Contraband of war. 11 DillinghamEdwin 1839-1864. 11 Railroad trains. 11 Suffolk (Va.). 10 Gettysburg Campaign, 1863. 10 Military deserters. 10 Peninsular Campaign, 1862. 10 Prisoner-of-war camps. 10 SmithJ. Gregory (John Gregory) 1818-1891. 10 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 2nd (1861-1865). 10 War -- Economic aspects. 9 Friendly fire (Military science). 9 GrantUlysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) 1822-1885. 9 Grief. 9 HookerJoseph 1814-1879. 9 Reporters and reporting. 9 Richmond (Va.). 9 United States Army. Vermont Brigade, 1st (1861-1865). 9 Vicksburg (Miss.). 8 Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va., 1862. 8 Children and war. 8 Fugitive slaves. 8 Military maneuvers. 8 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Songs and music. 8 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 7th (1862-1866). Company C. 8 Washington (D.C.). 7 Baton Rouge (La.) -- History -- Siege, 1862. 7 Copperhead movement. 7 Executions and executioners. 7 Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863. 7 Port Hudson (La.) -- History -- Siege, 1863. 7 Slavery. 7 United States Army of the Potomac. 7 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 9th (1862-1865). Company B. 6 Bull Run, 1st Battle of, Va., 1861. 6 Cedar Creek (Va.). 6 Draftees. 6 Harpers Ferry (W. Va.). 6 LeeRobert E. (Robert Edward) 1807-1870. 6 McClellan George Brinton 1826-1885. 6 Petersburg (Va.) -- History -- Siege, 1864-1865. 6 Rivers. 6 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 15th (1862-1863). 5 Amputation. 5 BanksNathaniel Prentiss 1816-1894. 5 Big Bethel, Battle of, Va., 1861. 5 Bounties, Military. 5 Carver General Hospital (Washington, D.C.). 5 Fredericksburg, Battle of, Fredericksburg, Va., 1862. 5 Hardtack. 5 New Bern (N.C.). 5 Sharpshooters. 4 Abolitionists -- United States -- History -- 19th century. 4 Cedar Creek, Battle of, Va., 1864. 4 Fair Oaks, Battle of, Va., 1862. 4 Fort Jackson (La.). 4 Military camps -- Illinois. 4 Military camps -- North Carolina. 4 Military funerals. 4 Photographers. 4 PopeJohn 1822-1892. 4 Racism. 4 Secession -- Southern States. 4 Spotsylvania (Va.). 4 StannardGeorge Jerrison 1820-1886. 4 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- African Americans. 3 BurnsideAmbrose Everett 1824-1881. 3 Butler (Benjamin Franklin) Mr 1818-1893. 3 Capitulations, Military. 3 ChandlerCharles G. 3 Fort Henry, Battle of, Tenn., 1862. 3 Fort Saint Philip (La.). 3 Fortification. 3 Fraternization. 3 Freedmen. 3 HolbrookFrederick 1813-1909. 3 Hooker, Joseph 1814-1879. 3 LeeRobert E. (Robert Edward) 1807-1870 -- Assassination. 3 MeadeGeorge Gordon 1815-1872. 3 Merrimack (Frigate). 3 Military camps -- Mississippi. 3 Seven Days' Battles, Va., 1862. 3 SheridanPhilip Henry 1831-1888. 3 Soldiers -- Suicidal behavior. 3 Spotsylvania Court House, Battle of, Va., 1864. 3 StoughtonEdwin H. (Edwin Henry) 1838-1868. 3 StuartJeb 1833-1864. 3 Tents. 3 ThompsonLucian D. 1831-1864. 3 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Flags. 3 United States Army. Vermont Brigade, 2nd (1862-1863). 3 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 5th (1861-1865) Company F. 3 Wilderness, Battle of the, Va., 1864. 3 Winchester, 3rd Battle of, Winchester, Va., 1864. 3 Wistar, Isaac J. (Isaac Jones) 1827-1905. 2 Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862. 2 Burlington (Vt.). 2 Burnside, Ambrose Everett 1824-1881. 2 Coal Harbor (Va.). 2 Cold Harbor (Va.). 2 DillinghamPaul. 2 EarlyJubal Anderson 1816-1894. 2 Fisher's Hill, Battle of, Va., 1864. 2 Fort Bisland (La.). 2 Fort Pike (La.). 2 Fredericksburg (Va.). 2 Frost Edwin B. 2 FrostEdwin B. 2 GriersonBenjamin Henry 1826-1911. 2 HancockWinfield Scott 1824-1886. 2 JacksonStonewall 1824-1863. 2 Meade, George Gordon 1815-1872. 2 Monitor (Ironclad). 2 Monocacy, Battle of, Md., 1864. 2 Musicians. 2 Patent medicines. 2 Poetry. 2 Portsmouth (Va.). 2 Ripley, James W. (James Wolfe) 1794-1870. 2 Rosecrans, William S. (William Starke) 1819-1898. 2 Savage's Station, Battle of, Va., 1862. 2 Sheep. 2 Stannard, George Jerrison 1820-1886. 2 Stones River, Battle of, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 1862-1863. 2 Suffolk (Va.) -- History -- Siege, 1863. 2 Traitors. 2 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Participation, Juvenile. 2 United States Army -- Flags. 2 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 11th (1862-1865). 2 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 14th (1862-1863). 2 United States Christian Commission. 2 United States Sanitary Commission. 2 Vermont Governor (1861-1863 : Holbrook). 2 War victims. 1 African Americans -- Social conditions. 1 Andersonville Prison. 1 Antislavery movements. 1 Banks Nathaniel Prentiss 1816-1894. 1 Baptism. 1 BeauregardG. T. (Gustave Toutant) 1818-1893. 1 Boyd, Belle 1844-1900. 1 Bragg, Braxton 1817-1876. 1 Brandy Station, Battle of, Brandy Station, Va., 1863. 1 Bristoe Station, Battle of, Va., 1863. 1 Butler, (Benjamin Franklin) Mr 1818-1893. 1 Chandler Charles G. 1 Cold Harbor, Battle of, Va., 1864. 1 Corcoran, Michael 1827-1863. 1 Cowardice. 1 Crampton's Gap, Battle of, Md., 1862. 1 Dillingham Edwin 1839-1864. 1 Elmore (Vt.). 1 Fort Donelson, Battle of, Tenn., 1862. 1 Fort Pillow (Tenn.). 1 Fort Stevens (Washington, D.C.). 1 Foster John G. (John Gray) 1823-1874. 1 Frederick (Md.). 1 Front Royal (Va.). 1 Grant Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) 1822-1885. 1 Gunboats. 1 Hancock Winfield Scott 1824-1886. 1 Holbrook Frederick 1813-1909. 1 HoodJohn Bell 1831-1879. 1 Hopewell (Va.) -- City Point. 1 Lee William Henry Fitzhugh 1837-1891. 1 McClellan, George Brinton 1826-1885. 1 Meade George Gordon 1815-1872. 1 Mine Run Campaign, Va., 1863. 1 Mitchell, Maggie 1837-1918. 1 Morehead City (N.C.). 1 Naglee, Henry M. (Henry Morris) 1815-1886. 1 Nashville, Battle of, Nashville, Tenn., 1864. 1 Pleasanton A. J. (Alfred J.) 1824-1897. 1 Pope, John 1822-1892. 1 Presidents -- Assassination. 1 Prisoner-of-war escapes. 1 Red River (Tex.-La.). 1 Red River Expedition, 1864. 1 Reynolds William B. 1840-1864. 1 Roanoke Island (N.C.) -- History -- Capture, 1862. 1 Saltville, 1st Battle of, Va., 1864. 1 Shiloh, Battle of, Tenn., 1862. 1 Shooters of firearms. 1 Slavery -- United States -- History. 1 Smith J. Gregory (John Gregory) 1818-1891. 1 Smith, William Farrar 1824-1903. 1 Spinola F. B. (Francis Barretto) 1821-1891. 1 Surgery, Military. 1 SwisshelmJane Grey Cannon 1815-1884. 1 ThomasStephen 1809-1903. 1 Trench warfare. 1 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Atrocities. 1 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Conscientious objectors. 1 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Poetry. 1 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Secret service. 1 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 10th (1862-1865). Company B. 1 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 4th (1861-1865) Company B. 1 Vermont Adjutant and Inspector General's Office. 1 WhiteElijah V. (Elijah Viers) 1832-1907. 1 Winchester, 1st Battle of, Winchester, Va., 1862 (May 25).

1338 text
Miniature of Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]
Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]
Image nop
    • Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903.
    • Date Created: 1863-06-17
    • Description: Topics include the old Vermont Brigade being at Fairfax Station, 3rd Corps train with 400 wagons, the Army of the Potomac moving in response to Gen. Robert E. Lee as Lee is on the move to Pennsylvania (Gettysburg Campaign), and Farnham's lament on men being discharged just as they are in best fighting condition.
    • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Roswell Farnham Correspondence
    Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War
    Miniature of Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
    Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
    Image nop
      • Creator: Rutherford, Joseph Chase, 1818-1902.
      • Date Created: 1863-08-02
      • Description: Writing in the field in camp near Rappahannock Station, Warrenton and the Rappahannock River topics include thinking of his family, soldiers dealing with body lice and the hardships of camp life.
      • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Chase Rutherford Correspondence
      Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War
      Miniature of Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
      Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
      Image nop
        • Creator: Rutherford, Joseph Chase, 1818-1902.
        • Date Created: 1863-08-25
        • Description: Three letters included here. Rutherford tells his wife about the raising of two new Vermont Regiments, his anxious feelings and desire for the possibility of a promotion to lead a Regiment, Dr. Willard Augustus Childe's letter and a letter from Lieut. Col. William Writ Henry to Vermont Governor Frederick Holbrook. Both letters recommending Rutherford for promotion.
        • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Chase Rutherford Correspondence
        Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War
        Miniature of Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]
        Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]
        Image nop
          • Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903.
          • Date Created: 1863-06-20
          • Description: Topics include the need for the men to stay in the army even though they will be discharged within the week, the destruction of the Rappahannock Bridge by the union soldiers preventing the Rebels from using the Orange & Alexa. railroad, and the sixth corps going to Manassas (Bull Run), freshly butchered chicken for breakfast from Mr. Peach.
          • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Roswell Farnham Correspondence
          Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War
          Miniature of Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
          Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
          Image nop
            • Creator: Rutherford, Joseph Chase, 1818-1902.
            • Date Created: 1863-10-03
            • Description: In camp near Culpeper, Virginia topics include an explanation of a drawing or sketch of views from camp beginning with the furthest object the Blue Ridge Mountains, the rolling plain, the shelter tents used in the field, a cherry tree in front of his tent and a reference to the thousands of troops camped in the area.
            • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Chase Rutherford Correspondence
            Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War
            Miniature of Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
            Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
            Image nop
              • Creator: Rutherford, Joseph Chase, 1818-1902.
              • Date Created: 1864-12-10
              • Description: Topics include learning of Lucien, his brother-in-law's death (Hannah's brother) via the newspaper, a artillery shell passing just over his cabin, nighttime gunfire, description of the line of battle south of Richmond, cold and discomfort of his new camping location and the inflated price of getting new boots.
              • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Chase Rutherford Correspondence
              Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War
              Miniature of Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
              Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
              Image nop
                • Creator: Rutherford, Joseph Chase, 1818-1902.
                • Date Created: 1865-01-01
                • Description: Topics include a retrospective review of the past year of service, the luck Rutherford feels for escaping the dangers of war, the unique recognition he is afforded by being a surgeon, attending a sermon preached in the hospital and watching a patient be baptized in the hospital.
                • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Chase Rutherford Correspondence
                Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War
                Miniature of Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
                Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
                Image nop
                  • Creator: Rutherford, Joseph Chase, 1818-1902.
                  • Date Created: 1865-02-10
                  • Description: Topics include a meeting with Governor Smith to discuss the injustices Rutherford had been afforded previously, meeting with Mr. Baxter, escorting Ms. McDuffee to N.Y, and helping his brother with a printing press that he just got.
                  • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Chase Rutherford Correspondence
                  Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War
                  Miniature of Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
                  Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
                  Image nop
                    • Creator: Rutherford, Joseph Chase, 1818-1902.
                    • Date Created: 1865-02-13
                    • Description: Topics include a long talk with Governor Smith, meeting and becoming acquainted with Major General Benjamin Henry Grierson (who lead Grierson's Raid ordered by Gen. Grant during the Vicksburg Campaign), and the entertaining manner in which they were introduced.
                    • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Chase Rutherford Correspondence
                    Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War
                    Miniature of Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
                    Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
                    Image nop
                      • Creator: Rutherford, Joseph Chase, 1818-1902.
                      • Date Created: 1865-02-25
                      • Description: Rutherford suffering from the mumps, Rebel deserters including officers arriving in his camp, guns captured from Willmington and fall of Charleston, conjecture of how Gen. Grant plans to deal with attack by General Lee, his child Jacob being ill, reference to Gen. Grierson & photo of Grierson to be sent to Rutherford and being offered $300 dollars for his horse (Lady Lightfoot)
                      • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Chase Rutherford Correspondence
                      Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War