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 721 - 730 of 1339 Records
Justus F. Gale to Brother
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- Creator: Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863.
- Date Created: 1862-04-05
- Description: Two letters, dated April 5th and 6th he writes from aboard the Ship Wallace heading for Ship Island. Mentions the "sugar place" back home in Elmore, Vt. Topics also include making a little bit of money buying and selling tobacco, the displeasure at having to remain on the ship, and the capture of two rebel steamers up the Mississippi River.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Justus F. Gale Correspondence
Justus E. Gale to [Family]
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- Creator: Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863.
- Date Created: 1862-08-23
- Description: Topics include a poem titled “The Heavenly Home” and clearing up the rumor that Justus Gale is dead.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Justus F. Gale Correspondence
Justus F. Gale to Sister
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- Creator: Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863.
- Date Created: 1862-08-26
- Description: Topics include wishing his sister a happy birthday, clearing up the rumor that he is dead, the enlisting of blacks, and the enlisting of men from home before they are drafted.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Justus F. Gale Correspondence
Justus F. Gale to Sister & Friends
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- Creator: Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863.
- Date Created: 1862-09-09
- Description: Topics include the sickness of Justus Gale’s mother and brother Charley, mentions his dismay of men trying to skip military duty, the rebel prisoners taken by various Union regiments, mentions Gen. Butler may be taking care of the guerrilla fighters and the injuries sustained by the men in the train accident whereby many seemed to have avoided amputations.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Justus F. Gale Correspondence
Justus F. Gale to Mother
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- Creator: Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863.
- Date Created: 1862-10-25
- Description: Writing to his mother, topics include marching orders to go up the railroad, waiting for a regiment of contrabands from the other side of the river to lead the way on their march, receiving his military pay, and giving his best wishes to his mother.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Justus F. Gale Correspondence
Justus F. Gale to Father
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- Creator: Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863.
- Date Created: 1863-01-05
- Description: Topics include arrangements being made between Justus’ father and brother to take care of his father, trying to stop his father from taking a premium heifer, and admonishing his father not to spend money on anything but his own care. He also writes of the weather in Louisiana in the winter and how pleasant it is, except when it rains and gets muddy.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Justus F. Gale Correspondence
Justus F. Gale to Sister
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- Creator: Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863.
- Date Created: 1863-02-08
- Description: Topics include the news that Gale has been sent to the General Hospital in New Orleans because of the sore on his hand, as he is unable endure a long march. He also writes that the hospital is quiet on the Sabboth and that the rooms are clean and the food is good, and includes a description what he sees in the hospital. As well he writes of the difference in New Orleans from the previous year and tries to express to his sister what a big city is like.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Justus F. Gale Correspondence
Justus F. Gale to Sister
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- Creator: Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863.
- Date Created: 1863-03-01
- Description: Topics include his appreciation for receiving a box from his family, letters he has received from friends, information on his speculation in watches and apples, and his decision not to receive a photograph of his brother, Charlie, who died on August 30, 1862, since Charlie still seems alive to Justus.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Justus F. Gale Correspondence
Justus F. Gale to Sister
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- Creator: Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863.
- Date Created: 1863-03-17
- Description: Topics include the spring-like weather in New Orleans, his hospital work, particulary carrying “grub” up to 34 soldiers, and Admiral Farragut’s engagement with the rebel batteries at Port Hudson on March 14th. He also writes of how he would like to be home in Vermont eating maple sugar and drinking milk that hasn’t been adulterated with chalk and water.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Justus F. Gale Correspondence
Justus F. Gale to Mother
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- Creator: Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863.
- Date Created: 1863-04-11
- Description: Topics include getting ready to march with the 19th Corps against Fort Bisland and Colonel Thomas’ confidence in the 8th Vermont. He also writes that the regiment marched over 100 miles and captured 2,200 prisoners in an addendum to his letter, dated April 21.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Justus F. Gale Correspondence