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 81 - 90 of 1339 Records
William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
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- Creator: Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915.
- Date Created: 1863-07-06
- Description: Letter discusses the Regiment’s position guarding the pass on South Mountain from the retreating Confederate army. As well he mentions the signs left by the battle that occurred there in 1862. Gettysburg is also mentioned, as well as hope that the war will end soon. Union general William Henry French mentioned a few times.
- 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: 1863-08-05
- Description: Letter expressing his surprise that Charles L. Beebe passed his physical examination, and his reaction to his father-in-law’s distress over paying for a substitute. As well he discusses the possibility of the his wife buying his father-in-law’s farm in order to raise the money. He then draws a word picture about the destruction faced by many farmers in Maryland, and Pennsylvania when large numbers of troops camp on their farms.
- 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: 1863-09-25
- Description: A brief letter stating the probability of falling back instead of moving towards Richmond ; all quiet on the Rapidan River. Money is also discussed, as well as the desire that no questions are asked about it being sent to Father Beebe. Sat on Courts-martial trial.
- 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: 1863-10-22
- Description: Brief letter letting his wife know that he is camped near Catlett's Station, Virginia and the possibility of it being a winter camp for his regiment.
- 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: 1863-10-31
- Description: Letter discusses the movement of the troops towards the Rappahannock River on the repaired railroad, and his opinion of where winter quarters will be. He mentions his sister, Delia, who is married to a Southerner, and his desire for his wife to write her, since he feels it is imprudent for him to send her a letter at this time, will write her after he gets home.
- 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: 1864-04-20
- Description: A long and emotional letter in which Henry writes of his relationship with his wife and his feelings about their marriage. He also mentions seeing General Grant for the first time and that he likes his looks, and that a big box has arrived from home. As well he writes of recommending various officers for promotion.
- 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: 1864-05-20
- Description: Henry writes that the line has advanced its position two miles south of Spotsylvania and the regiment has dug in, waiting for a Confederate attack or for the rebels to run out of food. He feels that the Army will try and flank the Confederate position, and mentions that General Jubal Early tried to raid Union wagons near Fredericksburg but was repulsed. Henry describes laying in the rifle pit, writing this letter while shots are going over his head, and mentions that he was shot at the night before, “but the fellow must have been a very poor shot...”
- 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: 1864-06-04
- Description: Henry writes during a lull in the Battle of Cold Harbor that he has been wounded and a finger amputated, and that he will be in the Division Hospital for around three weeks, until he can wield a saber again. He then writes movingly about the death of Captain Edwin B. Frost, lists the names of some of the wounded and makes reference to Gen. Grant to lay siege to Richmond, Va. The letter was dictated to Lieutenant George P. Welch.
- 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: 1864-10-02
- Description: Henry writes that he has returned to the regiment camped at Harrisonburgh, men cheered his returned and were in good spirits. Surgeon Willard A. Childe apologized to Henry for his behavior and spoke against Lieutenant Colonel Charles G. Chandler, which pleased Henry. Reference to the death of Major Edwin Dillingham who died Sept 19th.
- 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: 1864-11-21
- Description: Henry writes that he got wet and cold during a review of the Sixth Corps and so the beginning of the letter is rather curt. He continues the letter after having had supper, warmed up, and begun reading a good book, Alone by Mary Virginia Terhune. He feels that one of the characters talks like him and another like his wife, and will send it on to Mary Jane after he finished it. He also writes that while he is now in command of the Brigade, he hopes Colonel William S. Truax will be reinstated.
- Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, William Wirt Henry Correspondence