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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173 Barney, Valentine G., 1834-1889. 149 Rutherford, Joseph Chase, 1818-1902. 144 Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903. 139 Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915. 122 Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898. 98 Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866. 75 Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863. 45 Williams, Lyman S., 1839-1905. 36 Smith, Henry A., d. 1864. 33 Towle, Ransom W., d. 1864. 31 Sparrow, Bradford. 29 Wilder, Henry Harrison. 22 Holbrook, William Cune, 1842-1904. 17 Barstow, John Lester, 1832-1913. 16 Stone, Edward P., 1830-1920. 12 Barton, Lyman, 1839-1936. 12 Quimby, George W., 1835-1862. 11 Heaton, Solomon G. 11 Holbrook, Frederick. 10 Bancroft, Charles F., 1835-1862. 8 Barton, Hiram H., 1836-1903. 7 White, Daniel S., 1837-1912. 6 Blunt, Asa P. 5 Dillingham, Charles, b. 1837. 5 Parmenter, Benjamin F., 1832-1896. 5 Quimby, George W. 4 Farnham, Mary E. 4 Holbrook, W. C. 3 Fairbanks, Erastus. 3 Phelps, John Wolcott. 3 Stone, John M., 1835-1915. 3 Whitmore, Orange S., 1836-1908. 2 Barton, Theodore, 1842-1926. 2 Canning, Charles C., b. 1828. 2 Davis, George F., 1815-1901. 2 Fullam, Volney S. 2 Hitchcock, E. V. N. 2 Leffnis, N. S. 2 Marshall, Ira A., d. 1893. 2 Mason, E. P. 2 May, Albert A. 2 Morrill, Justin S. 2 Spafford, John, b. 1810. 2 Turner, Orlando S., b. 1839. 1 Andross, Dudley K. 1 Bancroft, Charles F., d. 1862. 1 Barton, Lyman. 1 Barton, Theodore. 1 Barton, William H., b. 1826. 1 Baxter, Horace Henry. 1 Beard, Albin. 1 Bliss, Warren E., 1840-1930. 1 Boynton, William H. 1 Browne, A. G. 1 Bruce, Horatio P. 1 Bruidnell, William, b. 1842. 1 Bruidnell, William, b. 1842; Finnegan. 1 Bruidnell, William, b. 1842; Morey. 1 Bush, Joseph. 1 Butler, Benjamin F. 1 Campbell, John W., 1823-1898. 1 Canby, E. R. S. 1 Cannon, Le Grand B. 1 Carter, Frances E. 1 Carter, Justin, d. 1871. 1 Clark, Lawrence D. 1 Dudley, N. A. M. 1 Dutton, Salmon. 1 Foster, Daniel T., 1841-1920; Dewey. 1 Gregg, Charles C., 1832-1910. 1 Halsey, Thomas H. 1 Hayward, Eben S. 1 Heintzleman, S. P. 1 Henry, James Edwin, 1844-1865. 1 Hunt, Leavitt. 1 Jackman, A. 1 Jewett, Albert B., 1829-1887. 1 Johnson, E. T. 1 Jones, John L. T., d. 1883. 1 Joyce, Charles H., 1830-1916. 1 Keith, Alfred H. 1 Legar, Joseph. 1 McDuffee, Mary H. 1 Merriam, John W., d. 1863. 1 Morse, E. A. 1 Murphy, Edward. 1 Murray, B. 1 Peck, David B. 1 Pelton, William W. 1 Perkins, Hiram E. 1 Perkins, Joseph L. 1 Prichard, George; Baldwin, C. C. P.; and Johnson. 1 Putnance, E. 1 Randall, F. V. 1 Reynolds, William B., 1840-1864. 1 Ripley, Wm. Y. W. 1 Samson, Merrill F. 1 Sawyer, Moses W., 1831-1916. 1 Seaton, C. W. 1 Smith, J. Gregory. 1 Spafford, Henry W., 1840-1911. 1 Stannard, George J., 1820-1886. 1 Stoughton, Edwin H. 1 Terry, Henry L., 1820-1885. 1 Thurston, Quincy F., d. 1862. 1 Tuttle, Oscar S. 1 Tyler, Jonathan Curtis. 1 Williams, Francis C. 1 Williams, Nathan A., 1837-1903. 1 Worthen, Harry N. 1 [Farnham], Mary. 1 [Lamuay].

370 Military camps -- Virginia. 295 United States Army -- Military life. 294 Families of military personnel. 252 Armed Forces -- Officers. 141 Diseases. 121 Vermont -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865. 120 Morale. 120 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865. 118 Food. 107 Marching. 106 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 10th (1862-1865). 105 Battle casualties. 91 FarnhamRoswell 1827-1903. 91 VeazeyWheelock G. (Wheelock Graves) 1835-1898. 79 Military pay. 77 Picketing. 72 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 9th (1862-1865). 69 Prisoners of war. 67 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 8th (1861-1865). 64 Confederate States of America Army. 59 Horses. 59 Military camps -- Maryland. 58 Military hospitals. 58 Promotions, Military. 57 Photographs. 48 Drill and minor tactics. 48 Postal service. 48 United States Army -- Surgeons. 47 Love-letters. 47 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 3rd (1861-1865). 41 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Medical care. 41 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 4th (1861-1865). 39 Newspapers. 39 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns. 38 Homesickness. 37 War casualties. 36 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 6th (1861-1864). 35 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Social aspects. 34 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Women. 33 Operational rations (Military supplies). 32 Skirmishing. 30 Military discipline. 30 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 16th (1862-1863). 29 African Americans. 29 Camp Douglas (Ill.). 29 Culpeper County (Va.). 29 Fort Monroe (Va.). 29 Military leaves and furloughs. 29 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Casualties. 26 Military camps -- Louisiana. 26 Military camps -- Vermont. 26 Religion. 24 Military discharge. 24 Recruiting and enlistment. 24 Soldiers -- Alcohol use. 24 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Destruction and pillage. 24 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 12th (1862-1863). 23 New Orleans (La.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865. 23 Yorktown (Va.). 21 Courts-martial and courts of inquiry -- United States. 21 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 1st (1861). 20 Steamboats. 19 Desertion, Military. 19 Rumor. 19 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Military reconnaissance. 19 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 7th (1862-1866). 18 McClellanGeorge Brinton 1826-1885. 18 Military chaplains. 18 Pillage. 18 Sutlers. 17 Draft -- United States. 17 Military camps -- Washington (D.C.). 17 Newport (N.C.). 16 African American soldiers. 16 Armies -- Medical and sanitary affairs. 15 Guerrilla warfare. 15 Intrenchments. 15 Medicine, Military. 15 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 5th (1861-1865). 15 Winchester (Va.). 15 Women in war. 14 Chicago (Ill.). 14 Ship Island (Miss.). 14 Slaves. 13 MosbyJohn Singleton 1833-1916. 13 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Prisoners and prisons. 12 Butler(Benjamin Franklin) Mr 1818-1893. 12 Patriotism. 12 War -- Psychological aspects. 11 Brandy Station (Va.). 11 Contraband of war. 11 DillinghamEdwin 1839-1864. 11 Railroad trains. 11 Suffolk (Va.). 10 Gettysburg Campaign, 1863. 10 Military deserters. 10 Peninsular Campaign, 1862. 10 Prisoner-of-war camps. 10 SmithJ. Gregory (John Gregory) 1818-1891. 10 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 2nd (1861-1865). 10 War -- Economic aspects. 9 Friendly fire (Military science). 9 GrantUlysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) 1822-1885. 9 Grief. 9 HookerJoseph 1814-1879. 9 Reporters and reporting. 9 Richmond (Va.). 9 United States Army. Vermont Brigade, 1st (1861-1865). 9 Vicksburg (Miss.). 8 Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va., 1862. 8 Children and war. 8 Fugitive slaves. 8 Military maneuvers. 8 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Songs and music. 8 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 7th (1862-1866). Company C. 8 Washington (D.C.). 7 Baton Rouge (La.) -- History -- Siege, 1862. 7 Copperhead movement. 7 Executions and executioners. 7 Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863. 7 Port Hudson (La.) -- History -- Siege, 1863. 7 Slavery. 7 United States Army of the Potomac. 7 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 9th (1862-1865). Company B. 6 Bull Run, 1st Battle of, Va., 1861. 6 Cedar Creek (Va.). 6 Draftees. 6 Harpers Ferry (W. Va.). 6 LeeRobert E. (Robert Edward) 1807-1870. 6 McClellan George Brinton 1826-1885. 6 Petersburg (Va.) -- History -- Siege, 1864-1865. 6 Rivers. 6 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 15th (1862-1863). 5 Amputation. 5 BanksNathaniel Prentiss 1816-1894. 5 Big Bethel, Battle of, Va., 1861. 5 Bounties, Military. 5 Carver General Hospital (Washington, D.C.). 5 Fredericksburg, Battle of, Fredericksburg, Va., 1862. 5 Hardtack. 5 New Bern (N.C.). 5 Sharpshooters. 4 Abolitionists -- United States -- History -- 19th century. 4 Cedar Creek, Battle of, Va., 1864. 4 Fair Oaks, Battle of, Va., 1862. 4 Fort Jackson (La.). 4 Military camps -- Illinois. 4 Military camps -- North Carolina. 4 Military funerals. 4 Photographers. 4 PopeJohn 1822-1892. 4 Racism. 4 Secession -- Southern States. 4 Spotsylvania (Va.). 4 StannardGeorge Jerrison 1820-1886. 4 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- African Americans. 3 BurnsideAmbrose Everett 1824-1881. 3 Butler (Benjamin Franklin) Mr 1818-1893. 3 Capitulations, Military. 3 ChandlerCharles G. 3 Fort Henry, Battle of, Tenn., 1862. 3 Fort Saint Philip (La.). 3 Fortification. 3 Fraternization. 3 Freedmen. 3 HolbrookFrederick 1813-1909. 3 Hooker, Joseph 1814-1879. 3 LeeRobert E. (Robert Edward) 1807-1870 -- Assassination. 3 MeadeGeorge Gordon 1815-1872. 3 Merrimack (Frigate). 3 Military camps -- Mississippi. 3 Seven Days' Battles, Va., 1862. 3 SheridanPhilip Henry 1831-1888. 3 Soldiers -- Suicidal behavior. 3 Spotsylvania Court House, Battle of, Va., 1864. 3 StoughtonEdwin H. (Edwin Henry) 1838-1868. 3 StuartJeb 1833-1864. 3 Tents. 3 ThompsonLucian D. 1831-1864. 3 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Flags. 3 United States Army. Vermont Brigade, 2nd (1862-1863). 3 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 5th (1861-1865) Company F. 3 Wilderness, Battle of the, Va., 1864. 3 Winchester, 3rd Battle of, Winchester, Va., 1864. 3 Wistar, Isaac J. (Isaac Jones) 1827-1905. 2 Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862. 2 Burlington (Vt.). 2 Burnside, Ambrose Everett 1824-1881. 2 Coal Harbor (Va.). 2 Cold Harbor (Va.). 2 DillinghamPaul. 2 EarlyJubal Anderson 1816-1894. 2 Fisher's Hill, Battle of, Va., 1864. 2 Fort Bisland (La.). 2 Fort Pike (La.). 2 Fredericksburg (Va.). 2 Frost Edwin B. 2 FrostEdwin B. 2 GriersonBenjamin Henry 1826-1911. 2 HancockWinfield Scott 1824-1886. 2 JacksonStonewall 1824-1863. 2 Meade, George Gordon 1815-1872. 2 Monitor (Ironclad). 2 Monocacy, Battle of, Md., 1864. 2 Musicians. 2 Patent medicines. 2 Poetry. 2 Portsmouth (Va.). 2 Ripley, James W. (James Wolfe) 1794-1870. 2 Rosecrans, William S. (William Starke) 1819-1898. 2 Savage's Station, Battle of, Va., 1862. 2 Sheep. 2 Stannard, George Jerrison 1820-1886. 2 Stones River, Battle of, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 1862-1863. 2 Suffolk (Va.) -- History -- Siege, 1863. 2 Traitors. 2 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Participation, Juvenile. 2 United States Army -- Flags. 2 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 11th (1862-1865). 2 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 14th (1862-1863). 2 United States Christian Commission. 2 United States Sanitary Commission. 2 Vermont Governor (1861-1863 : Holbrook). 2 War victims. 1 African Americans -- Social conditions. 1 Andersonville Prison. 1 Antislavery movements. 1 Banks Nathaniel Prentiss 1816-1894. 1 Baptism. 1 BeauregardG. T. (Gustave Toutant) 1818-1893. 1 Boyd, Belle 1844-1900. 1 Bragg, Braxton 1817-1876. 1 Brandy Station, Battle of, Brandy Station, Va., 1863. 1 Bristoe Station, Battle of, Va., 1863. 1 Butler, (Benjamin Franklin) Mr 1818-1893. 1 Chandler Charles G. 1 Cold Harbor, Battle of, Va., 1864. 1 Corcoran, Michael 1827-1863. 1 Cowardice. 1 Crampton's Gap, Battle of, Md., 1862. 1 Dillingham Edwin 1839-1864. 1 Elmore (Vt.). 1 Fort Donelson, Battle of, Tenn., 1862. 1 Fort Pillow (Tenn.). 1 Fort Stevens (Washington, D.C.). 1 Foster John G. (John Gray) 1823-1874. 1 Frederick (Md.). 1 Front Royal (Va.). 1 Grant Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) 1822-1885. 1 Gunboats. 1 Hancock Winfield Scott 1824-1886. 1 Holbrook Frederick 1813-1909. 1 HoodJohn Bell 1831-1879. 1 Hopewell (Va.) -- City Point. 1 Lee William Henry Fitzhugh 1837-1891. 1 McClellan, George Brinton 1826-1885. 1 Meade George Gordon 1815-1872. 1 Mine Run Campaign, Va., 1863. 1 Mitchell, Maggie 1837-1918. 1 Morehead City (N.C.). 1 Naglee, Henry M. (Henry Morris) 1815-1886. 1 Nashville, Battle of, Nashville, Tenn., 1864. 1 Pleasanton A. J. (Alfred J.) 1824-1897. 1 Pope, John 1822-1892. 1 Presidents -- Assassination. 1 Prisoner-of-war escapes. 1 Red River (Tex.-La.). 1 Red River Expedition, 1864. 1 Reynolds William B. 1840-1864. 1 Roanoke Island (N.C.) -- History -- Capture, 1862. 1 Saltville, 1st Battle of, Va., 1864. 1 Shiloh, Battle of, Tenn., 1862. 1 Shooters of firearms. 1 Slavery -- United States -- History. 1 Smith J. Gregory (John Gregory) 1818-1891. 1 Smith, William Farrar 1824-1903. 1 Spinola F. B. (Francis Barretto) 1821-1891. 1 Surgery, Military. 1 SwisshelmJane Grey Cannon 1815-1884. 1 ThomasStephen 1809-1903. 1 Trench warfare. 1 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Atrocities. 1 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Conscientious objectors. 1 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Poetry. 1 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Secret service. 1 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 10th (1862-1865). Company B. 1 United States Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 4th (1861-1865) Company B. 1 Vermont Adjutant and Inspector General's Office. 1 WhiteElijah V. (Elijah Viers) 1832-1907. 1 Winchester, 1st Battle of, Winchester, Va., 1862 (May 25).

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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: 1861-12-08
    • Description: Topics include Captain Atherton expected arrival in Cavendish to recruit men for the regiment, the sending of a photograph, reference to Laurence, the daguerreotype man from Chester who will be taking pictures of the 2nd Vermont Regiment.
    • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Spafford papers
    Miniature of Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
    Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
    Image nop
      • Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866.
      • Date Created: 1862-03-06
      • Description: Spafford writes of difficulty of getting postage stamps in the correct amount needed to mail letters home and that the prepared rations ordered for possible march on Feb 27th were consumed in camp.
      • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Spafford Correspondence
      Miniature of Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
      Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
      Image nop
        • Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866.
        • Date Created: 1862-04-16
        • Description: A brief writing from Mansion House Hospital include possibility of getting a furlough and an incident at Yorktown with one soldier from the 4th Vermont being wounded slightly and a rebel soldier being "keeled" over.
        • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Spafford Correspondence
        Miniature of Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
        Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
        Image nop
          • Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866.
          • Date Created: 1862-05-14
          • Description: Topics include waiting for his military discharge papers, his plans for returning to Vermont, and his plan to travel with Sergeant Peabody of the 2nd Vermont.
          • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Spafford Correspondence
          Miniature of Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
          Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
          Image nop
            • Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866.
            • Date Created: 1862-12-09
            • Description: Topics include the 13th, 14th, and 15th regiments moving near Bull Run battlefield, Stoughton arriving in camp, his comfortable living quarters, plenty to eat and inquiries about home.
            • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Spafford Correspondence
            Miniature of Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
            Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
            Image nop
              • 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
              Miniature of Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
              Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
              Image nop
                • Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866.
                • Date Created: 1863-01-04
                • Description: From Centreville, Va., a brief letter to sister Mary Jane requesting copies of the Boston Daily Journal with information about the battles of Bull Run (August 1862) and Chantilly (September 1862), mention of skirmish of cavalry pickets with the rebels, of how desolate the area is with empty, burned buildings and Joseph‚Äôs good health.
                • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Spafford Correspondence
                Miniature of Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
                Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
                Image nop
                  • Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866.
                  • Date Created: 1863-03-29
                  • Description: Topics include a description of the good tent living conditions, the picket line from Union Mills to Blackburns Ford along Bull Run, the return of Lieutenant Williams to camp with recovered health and plans for when back home by April 1864.
                  • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Spafford Correspondence
                  Miniature of Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
                  Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
                  Image nop
                    • Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866.
                    • Date Created: 1863-04-19
                    • Description: Topics include remaining at Union Mills, the appointment as Colonel Stannard as the new Brigadier and General Abercrombie as the new Division General, wishing for regular military pay schedule, discord in the ranks with opposing opinions by soldiers with 3 year enlistment against those with only 9 months enlistment and the marriage of George and Augusta Dodge.
                    • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Spafford Correspondence
                    Miniature of Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
                    Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
                    Image nop
                      • Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866.
                      • Date Created: 1863-04-24
                      • Description: Topics include Companies E and K going to Bristol Station with General Stannard, receiving military pay for the past four months, liking the song "Sitting on the Style, Mary".
                      • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Spafford Correspondence