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.
Showing 11 - 20 of 107 Records
Roswell Farnham to [C. H.] Harding
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- Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903.
- Date Created: 1861-05-26
- Description: Topics include preparing for a march with the 4th Massachusetts Regiment and a New York Regiment most likely to Sewells Point, Virginia. Farnham expresses pride in the Green Mountain Boys. Names mentioned: Officers Stearns, Andross, and Worthen.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Roswell Farnham Correspondence
John Lester Barstow to Laura
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- Creator: Barstow, John Lester, 1832-1913.
- Date Created: 1863-10-25
- Description: Two letters dated Oct 25 and Oct 27 with topics including marching, waiting, more marching, more waiting, lack of food due to road conditions, unable to forage for food, hot days, cold nights, the importance of picket duty, the unpopularity of General William B. Franklin, and the army returning to New Iberia, fear that mail may be lost due to capture of wagons by Rebels and fear to send any money by mail.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, John Lester Barstow Correspondence
George W. Quimby to Emeline B. Masta
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- Creator: Quimby, George W., 1835-1862.
- Date Created: 1862-07-12
- Description: Topics include an account of a battle starting on the 27th of June (Battle of Gaines' Mill/First Cold Harbor/Chickahominy). Quimby mentions some explosions that surprisingly caused less harm than expected. Difficulties include long marches, usually at night; surprise attacks; and water deprivation.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, George W. Quimby Correspondence
Bradford Sparrow to Parents and Brothers
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- Creator: Sparrow, Bradford.
- Date Created: 1863-10-12
- Description: Two letters ; Oct 12 and Oct 15 ; topics include retreating from Culpepper to Rappahannock Station, the enemy's closeness, anticipation of a battle, money sent home was received, long marches every day.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Bradford Sparrow Correspondence
Justus F. Gale to [Family]
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- Creator: Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863.
- Date Created: [1862-04]
- Description: Topics include lyrics to a song that is sung while marching.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Justus F. Gale Correspondence
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
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- Creator: Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915.
- Date Created: 1863-09-06
- Description: Letter discusses the increased frequency of mail after been marching, newspaper reports of Copperheads in Vermont, the possibility of moving to a different location, command of the Regiment in addition to rumors about the possibility of getting a new commanding General, pride of the regiment with praise from Gen. Morris, and the difficulty of obtaining a leave of absence while being part of the Army of the Potomac.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, William Wirt Henry Correspondence
Henry A. Smith to Family
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- Creator: Smith, Henry A., d. 1864.
- Date Created: 1861-12-25
- Description: Topics include the journey to Washington and rations.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Correspondence of Henry A. Smith
Henry A. Smith to Family
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- Creator: Smith, Henry A., d. 1864.
- Date Created: 1862-08-14
- Description: Six miles south of Culpeper (Virginia) two letters included dated Aug 15 and Aug 15. Topics include an exchange of fire near the Orange Court House, the numerous rebel deaths, injuries, and prisoners, and another terrible battle at Culpeper with references to Jackson, Banks and John Pope.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Henry A. Smith Correspondence
Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
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- Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866.
- Date Created: [1861]-11-22
- Description: Topics include the Grand Review of the Army of the Potomac at Ball's Cross Roads, "Old Abe" to see 75,000 troops, scouting excursion, marching, picket guard, mentions Thanksgiving in Vermont.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Spafford papers
Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
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- Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866.
- Date Created: 1862-12-13
- Description: Writing from Company E. 16th Vt. Picket Reserve, Centerville Virginia, topics include the regiment marching to Fairfax Court House, Virginia, the picket line out on battlefield of Second Battle of Bull Run, battle casualties observed including those of horses and that of a man's head.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Spafford Correspondence