Vermonters in the Civil War
Collection Overview
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 at the start of the Civil War, and will grow with additional materials throughout the years of the sesquicentennial commemoration, from 2011 through 2015. 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) will eventually be included; each adds a certain experience and point of view to the whole.
1861
In 1861, Vermont produced a three-month volunteer infantry regiment (the First Vermont Infantry) that served in Virginia from May through July. Five additional volunteer infantry regiments, mustered for three-year terms and numbered consecutively, were put in the field in the summer and fall, camping first in Washington and at Camp Griffin through the fall and winter. The First Vermont Cavalry regiment was also mustered and sent south in the fall of 1861.
Subject content for the 1861 letters and diaries covers a great deal of ground. The many logistical issues involved in launching the war effort come to light in the letters of General John W. Phelps, while officers such as Lieutenant Roswell Farnham often made thoughtful observations on the events and personalities in the camps and in the field. The enlisted men occasionally described important events in detail, but more often wrote about everyday life and concerns. Eyewitness accounts of engagements at Big Bethel (June 9-10), Bull Run (July 21), and Lewinsville (September 11) reveal the motivations and expectations of the men in arms, while descriptions of living conditions, drilling, sickness, and political intrigue provide insight on the soldiers’ experiences.
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.
Time Period Covered: 1861
Sub-collections
Charles F. Bancroft Correspondence
Horace Barlow Diary
Valentine G. Barney Correspondence
John Lester Barstow Correspondence
Barton Family Correspondence
John W. Campbell Correspondence
Roswell Farnham Correspondence
Justus F. Gale Correspondence
Solomon G. Heaton Correspondence
William Wirt Henry Correspondence
William C. Holbrook Correspondence
Albert A. May Correspondence
Benjamin F. Parmenter Correspondence
Joseph L. Perkins Correspondence
John Wolcott Phelps Correspondence
George W. Quimby Correspondence
Joseph Chase Rutherford Correspondence
Henry A. Smith Correspondence
Joseph Spafford Correspondence
Edward and John Stone Correspondence
Ransom W. Towle Correspondence
Orlando S. Turner Correspondence
Wheelock Graves Veazey Correspondence
Daniel S. White Correspondence
Henry Harrison Wilder Correspondence
Lyman Williams Correspondence
Published: April 11, 2011, University of Vermont, Bailey/Howe Library, Center for Digital Initiatives
Rights: Requests to reproduce this item should be sent to the UVM Libraries' Center for Digital Initiatives at cdi@uvm.edu. For more information, see http://cdi.uvm.edu/about/rights. More information.
Browse Options
Creator(s)
Recipient(s)
- Farnham, Mary [64]
Place(s)
- Military camps -- Virginia [31]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 [19]
- Vermont -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 [15]
- Fort Monroe (Va.) [7]
- Military camps -- Washington (D.C.) [5]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns [3]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Casualties [3]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Social aspects [3]
- Military camps -- Vermont [2]
- Military camps -- Maryland [1]
Format(s)
- text [64]
Genre(s)
- correspondence [64]
Topic(s)
- Farnham, Roswell1827-1903 [56]
- United StatesArmy Military life [23]
- Families of military personnel [16]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 1st (1861) [11]
- Morale [10]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 12th (1862-1863) [4]
- Marching [3]
- Operational rations (Military supplies) [3]
- Postal service [3]
- Soldiers Alcohol use [3]
- Big Bethel, Battle of, Va., 1861 [2]
- Intrenchments [2]
- Military discipline [2]
- Slavery [2]
- War casualties [2]
- Women in war [2]
- Battle casualties [1]
- Bull Run, 1st Battle of, Va., 1861 [1]
- Freedmen [1]
- Friendly fire (Military science) [1]
- Fugitive slaves [1]
- Homesickness [1]
- Love-letters [1]
- Medicine, Military [1]
- Military hospitals [1]
- Picketing [1]
- Prisoners of war [1]
- Shooters of firearms [1]
- Slaves [1]
- Sutlers [1]
- War Psychological aspects [1]
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Browsing by:
Recipient: ("Farnham, Mary")
![Thumbnail: E. T. Johnson to Mary [Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham64_01-thumb.jpg)
Title: E. T. Johnson to Mary [Farnham]
Creator: Johnson, E. T.
Date: 1862-10-03
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include several companies camping on the riverbank in Maryland, Jackson’s army assembling in Leasburg, and preparing to march most likely to Edwards Ferry.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham05_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-05-08
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include acting as Adjutant of the Regiment at Camp Fairbanks, Rutland, and considering a commission in the army with the rank of captain. Farnham mentions his high regard for his superiors, especially Ge. Baxter, and how much the soldiers look forward to arriving at Fort Monroe and eventually training for battle.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham06_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-05-09
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include anticipated journey to New York en route to Ft. Monroe, Va. Farnham describes oath-taking ceremony upon leaving Camp Fairbanks (Judge Smalley) and soldiers passing muster by Col. Rains. US Army has provided them with good clothing and food. Villages cheer when they pass through. Farnham is confident that Gen. Scott will be pleased with the Vt. soldiers soon to arrive at Ft. Monroe.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham07_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-05-10
Resource type: correspondence
Farnham relates the impression the 1st Regiment made on citizens of Troy, NY and finally New Yorkers, both in public and in the press. Apparently, it was "the biggest and toughest looking regiment" seen in New York. Concludes letter with a few domestic concerns. Mentions daughter Laura's letter "in the Times" (probably Burlington Times).
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham106_01-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-08-14
Resource type: correspondence
Farnham writes from Camp Phelps, in Brattleboro, to wife, Mary, and responses to her complaint about his letters being "cold", also of wet rainy conditions in camp.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham01_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-05-24
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include being quartered with the Northfield Company and how the troops were greeted at Bellows Falls. One company member, the fifer, had the measles.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham02_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-05-05
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include camp life, food (lack of some items, abundance of others), daily routine, occasional discomforts. Farnham mentions rumors that the Regiment won't be sent to the South but more likely to New York, even though most of the men are looking forward to battle. Some discussion about postal service, i.e. how long a letter will take for sender and recipient. Col. Phelps is lauded as a good disciplinarian.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham10_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-05-15
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include description of Fort Monroe, including "the big gun" and other armaments; overnight guard duty; being outside the fortress walls; staying in local hotel; good weather, food; low anxiety. Names: John Stearns, John Prichard, David Johnson; Laura, Ezekiel. Ships: Alabama.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham11_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-05-18
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the safety of the fort; definition of "columbiad" (delivers 10-inch cannonball); living arrangements (Willard Hotel); officers' food versus soldiers' food; daily drill and men's complaints; several lines about health concerns, children's health, not getting mail, and correct mailing address. Names: Pickett, John Prichard, Andross, Stearns, Charlie Peters, Mr. Batchelder, Woodstock Company.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham12_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-05-25
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the rebels burning Hampton Bridge, the funeral of Benjamin Underwood, the food the Massachusetts Regiment is receiving from home, and false alarms of rebels. Hampton population, whites and blacks. Fortress Monroe now has close to 4,000 soldiers encamped; news that Vt. Regiment is about to be shipped out, destination unknown. Names mentioned: Gen. Butler, Col. Washburn, Maj. Worthen, Lt. Pickett, Col. Phelps, Capt. Clark, Andross, Judge Underwood, John Prichard, Mr. May, Mr. Batchelder, Ed. Wilcox, John Richards, Dr. Hartley, Daniel Johnson.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham14_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-05-27
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the movement from Hampton to Newport News, Virginia, the beginning of the first entrenchment at Camp Butler, some details about camp dentistry, and the appointment of John Wolcott Phelps as Brigadier General. Mentions Vt. military units: Northfield Co., Bradford Guards, Vt. Regiment ; a Virginia unit: Old Dominion Dragoons (ODD) ; ships: Catalina, Monticello ; and a newspaper (Vt.?): "the Telegraph."
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham57_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-08-08
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include Roswell writing from Camp Phelps in Brattleboro informing his wife that the Regiment has arrived in Vermont safely and will soon be home.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham59_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-08-12
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the Regiment being held up at Camp Phelps in Brattleboro, VT while awaiting the paymaster, the men being more disciplined than is previous days, reference to a girl with mental disabilities being taken home by Mr. Slocome, mentions the death of a St. Albans boy and others who have died.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham69_01-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1862-10-12
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include buying necessities for camp, the movement of the regiments around them, and the anticipation of several hours of battalion drills.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham54_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-08-01
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include Roswell alerting his wife to the fact that their departure home will be delayed.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham60_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-08-13
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include Roswell informing his wife that he will most likely be home on Thursday, August 15th, 1861, of the returning home troops marching through the streets.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham61_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-08-14
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include a brief description of Camp Phelps and the anticipation of arriving home, writes of cold rainy weather, of dining with Dr. Cummings, with Maj Worthen at the Revere House.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham68_01-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1862-10-09
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the journey to Jersey City and then on to Annapolis Junction.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham81_01-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1862-11-16
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include arranging for Mary Farnham and Colonel Blunt’s wife to travel to camp to visit and what they should bring.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham82_01-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1862-11-17
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include arranging for Mary Farnham to come visit camp with either Mrs. Blunt or Mrs. Vaughn and the necessary arrangements.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham?]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham75_01-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham?]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include a request for someone to make Roswell Farnham a couple of woolen collars for his shirts.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham100_01-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1862-12-03
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include Farnham's anticipation of his wife Mary's visit, plans to celebrate Thanksgiving in camp, Mary's dental health, there being a large amount of supplies all for the holiday dinner.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham101_01-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1862-12-07
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include inquiries about Mary Farnham’s teeth and dental health, the severe cold weather in camp, instructions on where Mary should go to meet up with Roswell, the house he lives in that has some chinks that allow the wind to come in.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham107_01-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-08-15
Resource type: correspondence
Farnham writes from Camp Phelps in Brattleboro to wife Mary about the possibility of mustering out, of the men getting paid, and Col. Phelps now General Phelps.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham08_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-05-13
Resource type: correspondence
Farnham is writing from the SS Alabama after arriving safely off the coast of Virginia, at Fort Monroe. Some men are sea-sick, and another has measles. Company was greeted with three cheers by sailors passing by. Farnham called on again to be adjutant because of his demonstrated leadership skills. A few words about friends and acquaintances seen in New York, one being a secessionist.
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