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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Showing 1 - 5 of 5 Records

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Miniature of Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
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    • Creator: Barney, Valentine G., 1834-1889.
    • Date Created: 1863-04-19
    • Description: Writes of moving camp again to along the Nansemond River (tributary of the James River), lack of sleep due to being on picket duty, coming under fire by enemy sharpshooters. He continues the letter by describing coming into the new camp after picket duty and being roused from sleep to prepare for another march because the enemy has crossed the river.
    • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Valentine G. Barney Correspondence
    Miniature of Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
    Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
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      • 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‚Äôs desire to shoot one, mentions his horse, Lady Lightfoot, suffers a superficial wound.
      • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Joseph Chase Rutherford Correspondence
      Miniature of Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
      Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
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        • Creator: Barney, Valentine G., 1834-1889.
        • Date Created: 1863-04-22
        • Description: Topics include the constant fire of gunboats, batteries, and sharpshooters, being in command of 5 companies while on picket duty, orders to be ready to march at a minutes notice and the food he is able to purchase. He also expresses his opinion that the Rebels will not be willing to engage the Union troops because of their numbers (30,000).
        • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Valentine G. Barney Correspondence
        Miniature of Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
        Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
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          • Creator: Barney, Valentine G., 1834-1889.
          • Date Created: 1863-04-26
          • Description: A reconnaissance in force made by General [Michael] Corcoran, while Barney was part of the reserve left behind. Writes of rifle pits, his lack of sleep, being part of a labor party building a fort, of the area‚Äôs fortifications, of a sharpshooter who kept firing at his company until driven off by a 12 pounder shot, of prisoners taken, casualties, mud and sending money home.
          • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, Valentine G. Barney Correspondence
          Miniature of William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
          William Wirt Henry to Mary Jane Henry
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            • Creator: Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915.
            • Date Created: 1864-05-09
            • Description: Henry writes of heavy engagement of the Vermont 10th in battle and how the regiment has done itself proud. May be referring to Battle of Spotsylvania Court House or the Battle of the Wilderness. Few killed with few wounded from the regiment. One general was killed and another wounded by sharpshooters. Reference to General Grant.
            • Parent Collections: Vermonters in the Civil War, William Wirt Henry Correspondence