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 211 - 220 of 1338 Records

Miniature of Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]

Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]

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Creator: Rutherford, Joseph Chase, 1818-1902.
Date Created: 1864-11-18
Description: A letter to Rutherford‚Äôs daughter comparing raw recruits with experienced soldiers he has fought alongside, description of the mood in camp, mentions the difference of his situation than 30 days ago when many battles have been fought, and the hope to try to visit home.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Chase Rutherford Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Bradford Sparrow to Father, Mother and Brothers

Bradford Sparrow to Father, Mother and Brothers

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Creator: Sparrow, Bradford.
Date Created: 1864-01-01
Description: Topics include letters being delayed, the muddy camp in Virginia, winter quarters, inquiring after his brother Albert's schooling, requests a loaf of brown bread, a tin plate & other items, comments on news from home of folks health and passing away.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Bradford Sparrow Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Charles F. Bancroft to Mary Bancroft

Charles F. Bancroft to Mary Bancroft

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Creator: Bancroft, Charles F., 1835-1862.
Date Created: 1862-02-16
Description: Topics include Charles Bancroft's health, the food that is being cooked in camp, and the capture of Fort Donelson, Tenn. Bancroft wasn't involved in it, but the fall of Ft. Donelson reminds him that his tour of duty, if not the whole war, may be over by year's end. Bancroft sounds more confident as a soldier (enjoys picketing) and is certain he could serve another two years if asked.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Charles F. Bancroft Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]

Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]

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Creator: Rutherford, Joseph Chase, 1818-1902.
Date Created: 1864-05-03
Description: Topics include instructions should he be taken as a prisoner, preparing to pack camp and march.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Chase Rutherford Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney

Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney

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Creator: Barney, Valentine G., 1834-1889.
Date Created: 1863-11-26
Description: Barney writes of his love for his wife, and comments on news from home. He gives his wife information on mail regulations and the cost of sending letters and other items. As well, he describes what the officers will be eating for Thanksgiving and comments that General Butler has aged since he last saw him.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Valentine G. Barney Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney

Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney

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Creator: Barney, Valentine G., 1834-1889.
Date Created: 1863-12-02
Description: Barney writes of the death of Major [Charles] Jarvis, shot in the abdomen when he attempted to capture some Rebels while he was out looking from stolen horses.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Valentine G. Barney Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney

Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney

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Creator: Barney, Valentine G., 1834-1889.
Date Created: 1863-12-12
Description: Barney writes of gifts given to his wife, Maria, and daughter Carrie by his cousin, Silas L. Griffith of Danby, and also of his attempt to buy a horse in Vermont from George but $300 asking price too high. He also writes of a storm that blew down the Chaplain‚Äôs tent, how the officers‚Äô winter quarters are progressing & eating well with food available.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Valentine G. Barney Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney

Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney

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Creator: Barney, Valentine G., 1834-1889.
Date Created: 1863-12-15
Description: Topics include Barney‚Äôs apologies for how poorly he writes letters, making money by selling the Quarter Master‚Äôs horse at a profit, asking for photos of the children and an argument he is having with his wife about chores at home asking if a boy could not be taken in and have him pay for board by doing the chores.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Valentine G. Barney Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney

Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney

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Creator: Barney, Valentine G., 1834-1889.
Date Created: 1863-09-18
Description: Topics include receiving news from home from Lieutenant Jewett, inquiring into what newspapers his wife is reading and whether she has had work done on building a barn. Writes winter barracks continue to be worked on. He also wishes to have photographs of his children sent to him, preferably in their every day clothing.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Valentine G. Barney Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney

Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney

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Creator: Barney, Valentine G., 1834-1889.
Date Created: 1863-10-03
Description: Topics include a visit to Norfolk, Virginia, where he met his brother, Lester (Rufus Lester Barney), his return to the Regiment by boat, and an aborted movement of the Regiment to Portsmouth, Virginia. He also mentions the large number of sick in the Regiment, the arrival of a colored regiment to help stand guard, though he doubts their capability, taking a horse back ride through the Negro regiment and Jewettville.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Valentine G. Barney Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War