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)
- Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903 [7]
- Quimby, George W., 1835-1862 [6]
- Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898 [6]
- Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866 [5]
- Barney, Valentine G., 1834-1889 [4]
- Smith, Henry A., d. 1864 [4]
- Wilder, Henry Harrison [4]
- Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863 [3]
- Towle, Ransom W., d. 1864 [3]
- Williams, Lyman S., 1839-1905 [2]
Recipient(s)
- , [4]
- Barney,Maria, 1833-1884 [4]
- Masta, Emeline B. [4]
- Veazey, Julia A. [4]
- Farnham, Mary [3]
- Spafford, Mary Jane [3]
- Williams,Lois L. [3]
- Veazey, Julia A., [2]
- Barton,Melissa [1]
- Gale,Abigail Albee [1]
- Harding, C. H. [1]
- Henry, Mary Jane, [1]
- Rutherford, Hannah [1]
- Spafford, Mary Jane, [1]
- Towle, Rufus [1]
- Towle, Sebra [1]
- White, Homer [1]
- [Barton,Melissa] [1]
Place(s)
- Military camps -- Virginia [9]
- Military campsVirginia [8]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns [6]
- VermontHistoryCivil War, 1861-1865 [6]
- United StatesHistoryCivil War, 1861-1865 [5]
- Fort Monroe (Va.) [4]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 [4]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Casualties [4]
- United StatesHistoryCivil War, 1861-1865Campaigns [3]
- Harpers Ferry (W. Va.) [2]
- Richmond (Va.) [2]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Medical care [2]
- United StatesHistoryCivil War, 1861-1865Military reconnaissance [2]
- Vermont -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 [2]
- Culpeper County (Va.) [1]
- Military camps -- Maryland [1]
- Military camps -- Vermont [1]
- Military camps -- Washington (D.C.) [1]
- Military campsWashington (D.C.) [1]
- New Orleans (La.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 [1]
- SlaveryUnited StatesHistory [1]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Military reconnaissance [1]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Songs and music [1]
- United StatesHistoryCivil War, 1861-1865Medical care [1]
Format(s)
- text [53]
Genre(s)
- correspondence [53]
Topic(s)
- Marching [53]
- Battle casualties [9]
- Picketing [9]
- United StatesArmy Military life [8]
- Farnham, Roswell1827-1903 [7]
- McClellan, George Brinton1826-1885 [4]
- Operational rations (Military supplies) [4]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 3rd (1861-1865) [4]
- Skirmishing [3]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 1st (1861) [3]
- African Americans [2]
- Confederate States of AmericaArmy [2]
- Military discipline [2]
- Military hospitals [2]
- Military pay [2]
- Postal service [2]
- Prisoners of war [2]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 5th (1861-1865) [2]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 9th (1862-1865) [2]
- Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862 [1]
- Banks, Nathaniel Prentiss1816-1894 [1]
- Big Bethel, Battle of, Va., 1861 [1]
- Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va., 1862 [1]
- Burnside, Ambrose Everett1824-1881 [1]
- Courts-martial and courts of inquiry United States [1]
- Diseases [1]
- Families of military personnel [1]
- Food [1]
- Fort Donelson, Battle of, Tenn., 1862 [1]
- Fort Henry, Battle of, Tenn., 1862 [1]
- Friendly fire (Military science) [1]
- Guerrilla warfare [1]
- Homesickness [1]
- Intrenchments [1]
- Medicine, Military [1]
- Patriotism [1]
- Promotions, Military [1]
- Shooters of firearms [1]
- United StatesArmy Surgeons [1]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 12th (1862-1863) [1]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 16th (1862-1863) [1]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 2nd (1861-1865) [1]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 4th (1861-1865)Company B [1]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 8th (1861-1865) [1]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 9th (1862-1865).Company B [1]
- War Economic aspects [1]
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Browsing by:
Topic: ("Marching")
Title: Battle of Big Bethal, Va June 10th, 1861
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include a map that shows various maneuvers of Farnham's company; inaccuracies in the newspaper account of the Battle of Big Bethel; and various ailments, aches & pains endured during the march.
Title: Benjamin F. Parmenter to Brother
Creator: Parmenter, Benjamin F., 1832-1896
Date: 1861-07-10
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the regiment moving to Virginia.
Title: Charles F. Bancroft to Family
Creator: Bancroft, Charles F., d. 1862
Date: 1862-04-06
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include taking possession of Shelman's Mill, the men killed and wounded by the Rebels, and an account of brief skirmishes. Bancroft describes abandoned Rebel fortifications and odd items left behind. Senses that greater fighting is about to begin, and indeed, the so-called siege of Yorktown, Va. dates from this period. In a lighter moment, Bancroft expresses his gratitude for the green tea he received from home: "there is nothing better for a soldier on a march than a cup of tea."
Title: George W. Quimby to Emeline B. Masta
Creator: Quimby, George W., 1835-1862
Date: 1862-05-11
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the hardships George W. Quimby is enduring, a brief account of fighting on the 6th of May (Battle of Williamsburg, Va.). Quimby describes "the horrid scenes of war": dead and dying soldiers in the aftermath of battle. Mentions generals Smith, Hancock, Sumner, Hooker, and Magruder.
Title: George W. Quimby to Emeline B. Masta
Creator: Quimby, George W., 1835-1862
Date: 1862-11-30
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include George W. Quimby giving advice to his sister on whether or not to sell her house and the location of the regiment. Also, some grumblings about "that imbecile cabinet in Washington" and the post-McClellan command.
Title: George W. Quimby to Emeline B. Masta
Creator: Quimby, George W., 1835-1862
Date: 1862-09-13
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the hardships of war, the unfairness between the men who are at home and those that are fighting, and the progress of George W. Quimby’s recuperation. Mentions a long march "on a certain Sunday" from Charles City C. H. (Court House) across the Chickahominy River.
Title: George W. Quimby to Emeline B. Masta
Creator: Quimby, George W., 1835-1862
Date: 1862-07-12
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include an account of a battle starting on the 27th of June (Battle of Gaines' Mill/First Cold Harbor/Chickahominy). Quimby mentions some explosions that surprisingly caused less harm than expected. Difficulties include long marches, usually at night; surprise attacks; and water deprivation.
Title: George W. Quimby to Mother
Creator: Quimby, George W., 1835-1862
Date: 1862-09-21
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the improvement of George W. Quimby’s health and a description of the heaps of dead, unburied Rebels on the battlefields. These were casualties of the Battle of Antietam Creek (Wednesday, Sept. 17, 1862), considered one of the bloodiest days of the war.
Title: George W. Quimby to Parents
Creator: Quimby, George W., 1835-1862
Date: 1862-11-14
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include rumors of an upcoming march and the suspension of General McClellan. (Major Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside would assume command of the Army of the Potomac.) Quimby still hoping to receive a warm coat from home.
Title: George W. Quimby to Sister
Creator: Quimby, George W.
Date: 1861-10-26
Resource type: correspondence
Writes from Camp Griffin, Va, Smith's Division of camp life in general, of good food, of having been in several military advances since he last wrote, marching from Chain Bridge towards Lewinsville, "Sesesh" soldiers brought in with one having been said to have preached teh funeral service of Jackson and worth a lot of money, Picket Guard, Brigade Guard and sister's husband's health.
Title: Henry A. Smith to Family
Creator: Smith, Henry A., d. 1864
Date: 1861-12-25
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the journey to Washington and rations.
Title: Henry A. Smith to Family
Creator: Smith, Henry A., d. 1864
Date: 1862-04-20
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the journey from Harpers Ferry to Newmarket, reference to General Banks division, detailed description of the suicide of Major Colins' Colonel, Michigan Calvary refusing to obey orders to charge the enemy, the Calvary rode away, mention of Lieut Col Kellogg and a Col Ashby, an encounter with the rebels that resulted in three rebel deaths and two rebel prisoners, getting pay.
Title: Henry A. Smith to Family
Creator: Smith, Henry A., d. 1864
Date: 1862-08-14
Resource type: correspondence
Six miles south of Culpeper (Virginia) two letters included dated Aug 15 and Aug 15. Topics include an exchange of fire near the Orange Court House, the numerous rebel deaths, injuries, and prisoners, and another terrible battle at Culpeper with references to Jackson, Banks and John Pope.
Title: Henry A. Smith to Family
Creator: Smith, Henry A., d. 1864
Date: 1861-12-29
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the journey from Washington to Anapolis, Maryland and an account of a runaway slave.
Title: Henry Harrison Wilder to Mother
Creator: Wilder, Henry Harrison
Date: 1862-03-13
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include marching from Camp Griffin to camp near Flint Hill and the news that the regiment will continue on to Washington. This is the beginning of the Peninsula Campaign.
Title: Henry Harrison Wilder to Mother
Creator: Wilder, Henry Harrison
Date: 1862-03-16
Resource type: correspondence
Wilder's location is titled "Sesesh Church," in Alexandria. "Sesesh," Wilder's phonetic spelling of "secesh," or "secessionist," suggests that the members of the church were Confederate sympathizers. Mentions Gen. George B. McClellan (recently relieved of his supreme command but still in charge of the Army of the Potomac) and the beginnings of the Peninsula Campaign, which involved patrolling the James and York rivers. Wilder expresses determination to fight for the Union cause.
Title: Henry Harrison Wilder to Mother
Creator: Wilder, Henry Harrison
Date: 1862-04-01
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the route the regiment marched to arrive at camp near Newport News and a skirmish with the rebels coming down the river, firing at the coast.
![Thumbnail: Hiram H. Barton to [Melissa Barton]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwvhsBartonHiram02_01-thumb.jpg)
Title: Hiram H. Barton to [Melissa Barton]
Creator: Barton, Hiram H., 1836-1903
Date: 1862-09-11
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the journey from Harrisons Landing to Fort Monroe, a fight at Bulls Run (aka 2nd Manassas), and the deaths of Thomas Covil and Lyman Morhouse.
![Thumbnail: Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmrutherford08_01-thumb.jpg)
Title: Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
Creator: Rutherford, Joseph Chase, 1818-1902
Date: 1862-10-19
Resource type: correspondence
Rutherford writes to wife, Hannnah,about the regiment's movement to his camp at Seneca Creek in Maryland. Topics include what was involved in the moving of the troops at night, the baggage he carried on horseback, his pride for his mare, of feeling proud to serve his country in time of need, of him being put in charge of building of a hospital to be named after him and called the Rutherford Hospital.
Title: Joseph Spafford to Homer White
Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866
Date: 1862-02-26
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include receiving marching orders for possible move out on Feb 27th but not knowing in what direction or where the soldiers are headed, whether the Army of the Potomac will move during heavy rain, a sick soldier's brother is providing medical care, and a visitor from Cavendish, Vt.
Title: Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866
Date: 1861-09-15
Resource type: correspondence
Spafford writes from Camp Holbrook in Brattleboro, Vt 4th Vt Vol. M. Atherton Guards to his sister in Upper Falls, Vt. Topics include marching orders for Washington, D.C. on September 16, 1861, of his stolen "valice" (dressing case), of having received military supplies of blankets and forthcoming uniforms and arms.
Title: Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866
Date: [1861]-11-22
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the Grand Review of the Army of the Potomac at Ball's Cross Roads, "Old Abe" to see 75,000 troops, scouting excursion, marching, picket guard, mentions Thanksgiving in Vermont.
Title: Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866
Date: 1862-03-15
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include being unable to march with the Regiment when orders came down to move out, of his dislike of how the hospital was run in Camp Griffin and him leaving that hospital, of living in tent with soldier who also had not moved out with the earlier call to march, being sent by ambulance to the Mansion House Hospital in Alexandria, being diagnosed with pleurisy and a detailed description of hospital life and medical care at the Mansion.
Title: Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866
Date: 1862-12-13
Resource type: correspondence
Writing from Company E. 16th Vt. Picket Reserve, Centerville Virginia, topics include the regiment marching to Fairfax Court House, Virginia, the picket line out on battlefield of Second Battle of Bull Run, battle casualties observed including those of horses and that of a man's head.
Title: Justus F. Gale to Friends
Creator: Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863
Date: 1862-05-04
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include packing up to march most likely towards New Orleans, the occupation of New Orleans by the Union troops, thinking the war will be over soon.
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