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 31 - 40 of 107 Records
Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
-
Image nop
- Creator: Rutherford, Joseph Chase, 1818-1902.
- Date Created: 1864-05-17
- Description: Topics include the 10th Regiment's continual advancing along the front lines, reference to Battle of Spotsylvania with thousands killed and wounded (May 12th), discussion about future battles, Rebel sharpshooters & Rutherford’s desire to shoot one, mentions his horse, Lady Lightfoot, suffers a superficial wound.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Chase Rutherford Correspondence
Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
-
Image nop
- Creator: Barney, Valentine G., 1834-1889.
- Date Created: 1862-09-06
- Description: Topics include the regiment marching towards Harpers Ferry, the regiment disheartened to being ordered to retreat, loss of much equipment and people left behind in the hospital, the destruction of supplies left behind, their hard march to current location, the brief mention of a "heavy battles". (Maryland Campaign Sept 3-15, 1862). Reference to prisoners being paroled.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Valentine G. Barney Correspondence
Justus F. Gale to Sister
-
Image nop
- Creator: Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863.
- Date Created: 1863-07-19
- Description: Gale writes that he developed a lameness while at Port Hudson and was sent to convalescent camp. While in camp, Gale and a partner took advantage of a business opportunity to bring rations to contrabands. He mentions going to Baton Rouge to draw the rations and says he now has a pony to ride to make this and other things easier. He also writes that he has not been paid for a long time, and that he has heard General Lee has been captured but that this is not confirmed.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Justus F. Gale Correspondence
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
-
Image nop
- Creator: Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915.
- Date Created: 1863-07-05
- Description: Letter written on his knee in an open field it discusses movement of the Brigade to South Mountain and the anticipation of the arrival of more troops. The lack of letters received from family members is also discussed.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, William Wirt Henry Correspondence
Joseph Spafford to Homer White
-
Image nop
- 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
Edward P. Stone to Family
-
Image nop
- Creator: Stone, Edward P., 1830-1920.
- Date Created: 1862-11-20
- Description: Regiment several days marching before reaching camp near the Aquia Creek, names various commanders in charge of the corps, newspaper informed him of the death of General Israel Richardson (wounded in Battle of Antietam in Maryland, Sept. 17, 1862, died Nov. 3, 1862)
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Edward P. Stone Correspondence
John Lester Barstow to Laura
-
Image nop
- Creator: Barstow, John Lester, 1832-1913.
- Date Created: 1863-05-16
- Description: Topics include moving up the Red River, on the march can not catch the Rebels on horseback, dealing with snakes, joining forces with General Grant and his campaign in regard to Port Hudson or Vicksburg, inquiries about the draft in Shelburne, wishing to be with family, the beauty of flower gardens at the residences, plenty of corn planted but folks in need of other goods, the murder of a soldier by another soldier (later confined as a lunatic), a surgeon administering medicine only to discover is was poisoned resulting in the death of five soldiers.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, John Lester Barstow Correspondence
Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
-
Image nop
- Creator: Rutherford, Joseph Chase, 1818-1902.
- Date Created: 1863-10-13
- Description: In the field writing on a drum in the hot sun, topics include having completed a long march to his position near Washington, the proximity to the enemy, the expectation of a battle, the men prepared and eager seemingly having become desensitized to danger and death as they chat with one another and even sleep.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Chase Rutherford Correspondence
Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
-
Image nop
- Creator: Rutherford, Joseph Chase, 1818-1902.
- Date Created: 1864-09-07
- Description: Writes of special consideration for his medical care by Dr. Barr and Dr. Childe, of being having to go on a dangerous march, of the loss of his glasses, love of his family.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Chase Rutherford Correspondence
Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
-
Image nop
- Creator: Rutherford, Joseph Chase, 1818-1902.
- Date Created: 1864-11-29
- Description: Topics include description of the masses of food consumed over Thanksgiving dinner and the nature of the festivity,news that they will be on the march yet again, not being able to be home for Christmas.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Chase Rutherford Correspondence