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 421 - 430 of 1339 Records

Miniature of William Wirt Henry to Gov. J. Gregory Smith

William Wirt Henry to Gov. J. Gregory Smith

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Creator: Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915.
Date Created: 1864-05-20
Description: Strongly worded letter written to Governor Smith protesting his censuring of Henry for lack of discipline in the 10th Vermont, due to the complaints of Major Chandler over the promotion of Captain Frost. Henry writes that he believes the 10th Vermont is very disciplined and that the Governor‚Äôs action in not sending commissions has harmed that discipline. He also states that the 10th Vermont has been under fire continuously and has done it‚Äôs duty well. Reference to Col. Jewett, Capt Dillingham Henry writes this letter while lying in a rifle pit, 1,000 yards from the Confederate forces.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, William Wirt Henry Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of John L. T. Jones to William Wirt Henry

John L. T. Jones to William Wirt Henry

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Creator: Jones, John L. T., d. 1883.
Date Created: 1863-02-06
Description: Invitation to Colonel Henry to a dance & a glass of apple toddy, made by a Union supporter, John L. T. Jones. He also requests the presence of Dr. Joesph Chase Rutherford.
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: 1862-09-14
Description: A very brief letter from near Alexandria, Va. Topics include Henry Smith getting paid, the resignation of Colonel Tompki, General Blake returning home, a fellow soldier awaits court-martial.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Henry A. Smith Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Henry A. Smith to Family

Henry A. Smith to Family

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Creator: Smith, Henry A., d. 1864.
Date Created: 1862-01-10
Description: From Annapolis, Maryland topics include the welcoming in New York City, pay soon and to be in Treasury notes, description and conditions at the camp in Annapolis, 21 horses of the regiment's that died in transport or in the mud since leaving Burlington and a list of items wanted and what type of box they are to be put in.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Henry A. Smith Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of John Spafford to Joseph Spafford, Joseph Spafford to John Spafford

John Spafford to Joseph Spafford, Joseph Spafford to John Spafford

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Creator: Spafford, John, b. 1810., Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866.
Date Created: [1861-11-?]
Description: Letter from John Spafford to his son Joseph. Both serving in the military. John inquires about what needs Joseph might have, of the importance of keeping body and clothes clean and the movement of the regiment from Washington to Camp Griffin. Joseph answers his father's questions on the same letter to be returned to John.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Spafford papers

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford

Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford

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Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866.
Date Created: 1861-12-19
Description: Topics include the arrival of a box from Weathersfield containing bedding, stockings, mittens, discussion of who is most likely to get promotions, illness among the men including hernias, heart and consumption, .
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Spafford papers

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Joseph Spafford to Homer White

Joseph Spafford to Homer White

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Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866.
Date Created: 1862-02-07
Description: Spafford writes to his friend Homer on topics including Typhoid Fever in the Regiment, friendship, camp life, Hancock‚Äôs Brigade [Winfield Scott Hancock], and answering his friend‚Äôs questions about joining the Regiment and fear of dying.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Spafford Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Joseph Spafford to Homer White

Joseph Spafford to Homer White

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Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866.
Date Created: 1862-02-26
Description: Topics include receiving marching orders for possible move out on Feb 27th but not knowing in what direction or where the soldiers are headed, whether the Army of the Potomac will move during heavy rain, a sick soldier's brother is providing medical care, and a visitor from Cavendish, Vt.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Spafford Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford

Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford

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Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866.
Date Created: 1861-09-2?
Description: Spafford writes of his opinions of some of the men, possibly getting a photograph taken of him to send home, the photographer being very busy taking many photographs for $1.00 each, sending money home.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Spafford papers

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford

Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford

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Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866.
Date Created: 1861-10-30
Description: October 30, 1861. Topics include the postponement of a review of the Army of the Potomac, the numerous regiments at Camp Griffin, Virginia, a prediction of a move to Vienna after a naval strike, requests for stocking yarn, sealing wax and two sealing stamps, a daguerreotype photographer to travel with the regiment, mentions pay, the need to purchase shoes, going to the sutler for butter, general health of the men, praises the surgeon,
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Spafford papers

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War