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 411 - 420 of 1338 Records
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
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- Creator: Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915.
- Date Created: 1863-09-23
- Description: Letter discusses the possibility of moving towards Richmond, news of the “reverse” in Tennessee. He was pleased that his father-in-law was able to purchase a flock of sheep and advised purchasing "Five Twenty" bonds with money he was sending by Express.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, William Wirt Henry Correspondence
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
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- Creator: Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915.
- Date Created: 1863-11-13
- Description: Letter discusses the new location of the army, and the movement of the enemy across the Rapidan River as they retreat to their entrenchments. He also speculates on whether they have reached winter quarters as the area is good for such with wood and water available, as well as the hope of receiving a leave of absence.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, William Wirt Henry Correspondence
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
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- Creator: Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915.
- Date Created: 1864-04-07
- Description: Henry writes that the weather has been stormy and the mud has returned, since his wife left camp, and that he has a sore throat and misses her. Reference to Capt Dillingham & Lt Thompson and to Colonel Jewett deciding not to resign at present, but may change his mind soon.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, William Wirt Henry Correspondence
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’s 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’s 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
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
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- Creator: Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915.
- Date Created: 1864-07-09
- Description: Henry writes that the Third Division of the Sixh Corps has unexpectedly been ordered to Harper’s Ferry to help defend Washington D.C. against Lieutenant General Jubal Early’s advance (though Henry writes that the general in command is General Ewell), and that the men are pleased to be moved away from Petersburg.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, William Wirt Henry Correspondence
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
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- Creator: Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915.
- Date Created: 1864-10-29
- Description: Henry writes that the mail is not coming, though there is a train every day, and that he is still not feeling very well.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, William Wirt Henry Correspondence
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
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- Creator: Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915.
- Date Created: 1864-11-06
- Description: Henry writes that he has returned to Cedar Creek with a supply train of 500 wagons and was complimented on not losing one. He also reports that Mosby raided another supply train about ¬Ω hour before Henry got into the area. He has not made a decision about resigning yet but will wait until he finds out where the regiment will be camped for the winter, and feels that they may remain in the Shenandoah Valley.
- 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: 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
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
Henry A. Smith to Clarissa A. Smith
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- Creator: Smith, Henry A., d. 1864.
- Date Created: 1863-01-09
- Description: Topics include rebel raids on the pickets, how comfortable their camp is, what he wants in a box his family will be sending him, including a baked chicken and maple sugar. He also mentions his views about the war and whether France will come in on the Confederate side. Mentions CSA Gen. Jeb Stuart and his cavalry raids.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Henry A. Smith Correspondence