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 311 - 320 of 1339 Records

Miniature of Lyman S. Williams to Lois L. Williams

Lyman S. Williams to Lois L. Williams

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Creator: Williams, Lyman S., 1839-1905.
Date Created: 1865-06-03
Description: Topics include marching to Washington from Richmond, sightseeing in Richmond, the possibility of a review, and rumors about an attempt by the Governor of Vermont to get the old Brigade home all at once, though Williams doesn‚Äôt think this likely.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Lyman S. Williams Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Daniel S. White to Maria E. Howe

Daniel S. White to Maria E. Howe

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Creator: White, Daniel S., 1837-1912.
Date Created: 1863-05-11
Description: Letter includes a poetic description of nature, contrasting with itthe blight of slavery, and his hope for the end of the war. It also includes ruminations on death in the field versus a natural death at home. As well, he writes of love. He then gives details of the health of his Company, including the news that Sergeant Beckwith was bitten by a snake, and mentions several visitors.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Daniel S. White Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Daniel S. White to Maria Howe White

Daniel S. White to Maria Howe White

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Creator: White, Daniel S., 1837-1912.
Date Created: 1864-05
Description: Topics include a photograph of Maria with a new hair style and a joking encounter with another officer about the photograph. He also writes of memories of his youth and how he would never have believed there would be a civil war and that he would participate in one.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Daniel S. White Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of W. C. Holbrook to John Wolcott Phelps

W. C. Holbrook to John Wolcott Phelps

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Creator: Holbrook, W. C.
Date Created: 1861-11-29
Description: Topics include the Command General denying Lt. Adjt. W. C. Holbrook's request and W. C. Holbrook asking Brig. Gen. John Wolcott Phelps to order W. C. Holbrook to report to him.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, John Wolcott Phelps Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Frederick Holbrook to John Wolcott Phelps

Frederick Holbrook to John Wolcott Phelps

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Creator: Holbrook, Frederick.
Date Created: 1862-03-10
Description: Upbeat letter delivered to Gen. Phelps by the writer's son, William C. Holbrook, who apparently turned down an offer to join Phelps's staff. The writer, Gov. Holbrook, lavishes praise on Vermont officers and soldiers (including his son), and sends warm wishes for success to Phelps, sharing his conviction that "the Union Cause must triumph." Holbrook concludes with some reflections on the difficulty of being a wartime governor.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, John Wolcott Phelps Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Frederick Holbrook to John Wolcott Phelps

Frederick Holbrook to John Wolcott Phelps

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Creator: Holbrook, Frederick.
Date Created: 1862-08-08
Description: Topics include Mrs. Holbrook requesting General Phelps to forward her letters to her son and Frederick Holbrook inquiring after the sick men and the number of surgeons. Holbrook expresses frustration that the Vt. Regiments (7th & 8th) are still not under Phelps's command, per an agreement with Gen. Butler. Holbrook also mentions Phelps's "Dark Brigade," black troops that Phelps recruited in Louisiana without permission from the War Dept. (Phelps resigned in Aug., 1862.)
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, John Wolcott Phelps Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of [Frederick Holbrook] to [F. F. Holbrook]

[Frederick Holbrook] to [F. F. Holbrook]

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Creator: Holbrook, Frederick.
Date Created: 1862-10-7
Description: Topics include a summary of Frederick Holbrook's requests for General Phelps to go to Washington to discuss the 7th Vermont Regiment. Reference to Senator Foote is probably Solomon Foot, senator from Vermont (1851-1866).
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, John Wolcott Phelps Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Roswell Farnham to [C. H.] Harding

Roswell Farnham to [C. H.] Harding

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Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903.
Date Created: 1861-06-03
Description: Camp Butler, Newport['s] News: Farnham assesses regiment and its destiny: "We are better situated." Action at Hampton resulted in many freed slaves. Provost marshall duties involving confiscated property and "loose" slaves. Press coverage is exaggerated; Farnham's pride in the Green Mtn. Boys; politics among regiment officers. Apology for any offensive remarks. Heavy rain for several days; more slaves arriving. Steamer Harriet Lane fires on rebel battery at Pig Point; also commandeers ship with livestock and other foodstuffs--cheers from the troops. Mentions "Hawkins Zouaves" and "the Germans." Names: Officers Butler, Phelps, Packard, Peckett; soldiers Stebbins, Geo. Flanders, McFarland.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Roswell Farnham Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]

Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]

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Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903.
Date Created: 1861-06-13
Description: Topics include the battle the previous Monday and the death of George Lougee from Vershire, Vermont. Farnham concerned that some of his letters may be misinterpreted and printed (presumably in the local press). Mentions Col. Phelps's anxiety, imminent court-martial of Mass. general, and some of the hardships of the campaign.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Roswell Farnham Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]

Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]

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Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903.
Date Created: 1861-06-20
Description: June 20, 1861. Topics include setting rumors straight. Farnham assures his wife that his chances of being killed are minimal. Notes that his provost marshal duties have lessened, possibly because fewer "negroes" are arriving, for fear that the North won't succeed! Reference to Dan Johnson and his rumors; also the secret why he returned home. Compliments for Capt. Andross, again, during Battle of Big (or Great) Bethel.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Roswell Farnham Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War