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 491 - 500 of 1339 Records

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: 1863-10-29
Description: Barney writes while on board the steamer ‚ÄúMaple Leaf‚Äù and describes the trip, including a singalong with Captain Seligson and his guitar. Officers' wives aboard but seasick, confined to their rooms thus he deprived "the pleasure of looking at a white woman." He also writes of wishing his father had sent a box with winter clothing that he had requested earlier, since the men need winter 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: 1863-11-03
Description: Topics include his arrival at the Newport barracks after leaving the steamer Maple Leaf, the news that Colonel [James Wolfe] Ripley was in command of the post, and settling the men in barracks. He also comments on the poverty of the area, that wild game is plentiful, that hunting game may be the only amusement & how to direct letters through the mail.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Valentine G. Barney Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Justus F. Gale to Friends

Justus F. Gale to Friends

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Creator: Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863.
Date Created: 1862-05-04
Description: Topics include packing up to march most likely towards New Orleans, the occupation of New Orleans by the Union troops, thinking the war will be over soon.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Justus F. Gale Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Justus F. Gale to Sister

Justus F. Gale to Sister

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Creator: Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863.
Date Created: 1862-05-15
Description: Topics include leaving Ship Island, being towed back up the Mississippi River to camp in New Orleans, the poor conditions of Fort Jackson and Philips, traveling into the city, the positive attitude of the natives of New Orleans toward Gale and companion now that it is occupied by the Union, General Butler redistributing provisions to the poor of the city that were captured from the rebels
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Justus F. Gale Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Justus F. Gale to Mother

Justus F. Gale to Mother

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Creator: Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863.
Date Created: 1862-08-19
Description: Topics include a few deaths in the regiment, a description of the Battle at Baton Rouge (August 5, 1862) , and the resignation and promotions within the regiment.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Justus F. Gale Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Hiram H. Barton to [Melissa Barton]

Hiram H. Barton to [Melissa Barton]

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Creator: Barton, Hiram H., 1836-1903.
Date Created: 1862-09-11
Description: Topics include the journey from Harrisons Landing to Fort Monroe, a fight at Bulls Run (aka 2nd Manassas), and the deaths of Thomas Covil and Lyman Morhouse.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Barton Family Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Lyman Barton to Sister

Lyman Barton to Sister

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Creator: Barton, Lyman.
Date Created: 1862-11-25
Description: Topics include an account of the Battle of Antetam [sic], the cold weather, the high prices of goods at camp, and reports on the health of other soldiers and family members.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Barton Family Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Justus F. Gale to Father

Justus F. Gale to Father

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Creator: Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863.
Date Created: 1862-11-07
Description: Gale writes of his regiment and the rebels, of other troops encountering the enemy who left much camp supplies, cannon, etc. behind, receiving the Green Mountain Freeman, trying to appease both parents concerning the farm and deeding it back to his father, his concerns about his father having another woman in his life and how that affects him, and the expectation that the regiment will return to Algiers.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Justus F. Gale 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: 1863-12-09
Description: Barney writes that he could not join the planned hunt since at least one officer has to remain behind to command the regiment. He writes of selling his horse, named Old Frank, to a local man (Mr. Bell) for $250 and thinking that he will send for a horse from Vermont, as he wants one that is a little better than any in the regiment.
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Valentine G. Barney Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War

Miniature of Justus F. Gale to Sister

Justus F. Gale to Sister

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Creator: Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863.
Date Created: 1863-03-06
Description: Topics include his health and the condition of the sore on his hand, the rumors in Vermont about the 8th Vermont Regiment, news about the officers in Company A, and a comment about a private who transferred to the 3rd Louisiana Native Guard to become an officer. He also writes jokingly about coming home with a ‚Äúyellow gal.‚Äù
Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Justus F. Gale Correspondence

Part of: Vermonters in the Civil War