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)
- Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898 [25]
- Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903 [12]
- Barney, Valentine G., 1834-1889 [7]
- Towle, Ransom W., d. 1864 [6]
- Quimby, George W., 1835-1862 [5]
- Bancroft, Charles F., 1835-1862 [4]
- Parmenter, Benjamin F., 1832-1896 [3]
- Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866 [3]
- Holbrook, William Cune, 1842-1904 [2]
- Wilder, Henry Harrison [2]
- Williams, Lyman S., 1839-1905 [2]
- Barton, Theodore [1]
- Beard, Albin [1]
- Bruidnell, William, b. 1842 [1]
- Bruidnell, William, b. 1842; Morey [1]
- Canning, Charles C., b. 1828 [1]
- Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863 [1]
- Heaton, Solomon G. [1]
- Marshall, Ira A., d. 1893 [1]
- Rutherford, Joseph Chase, 1818-1902 [1]
- Terry, Henry L., 1820-1885 [1]
Recipient(s)
- Veazey, Julia A. [20]
- Farnham, Mary [10]
- Barney,Maria, 1833-1884 [6]
- Henry, William Wirt, [4]
- Masta, Emeline B. [4]
- Veazey, Julia A., [3]
- Bancroft,Clarissa E., 1843-1864 [2]
- Beard, Albin [2]
- Holbrook, Frederick [2]
- Towle, Sebra [2]
- Bancroft,Mary, 1809-1878 [1]
- Barney, Maria [1]
- Barton,Melissa [1]
- Campbell, John W. [1]
- Harding, C. H. [1]
- Rutherford, Hannah [1]
- Spafford, Mary Jane, [1]
- Spafford, Mary Jane [1]
- Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898 [1]
- White, Homer [1]
- Williams,Lois L. [1]
- Williams,Warren [1]
- [Gale,Almeda A., 1835-1876] [1]
Place(s)
- VermontHistoryCivil War, 1861-1865 [25]
- Military campsVirginia [20]
- United StatesHistoryCivil War, 1861-1865 [20]
- Military camps -- Virginia [13]
- Vermont -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 [11]
- Fort Monroe (Va.) [7]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 [6]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns [5]
- Military camps -- Vermont [3]
- SecessionSouthern States [3]
- Military camps -- Maryland [2]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Casualties [2]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Military reconnaissance [2]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Prisoners and prisons [2]
- Camp Douglas (Ill.) [1]
- Chicago (Ill.) [1]
- Harpers Ferry (W. Va.) [1]
- Military campsWashington (D.C.) [1]
- New Orleans (La.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 [1]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Medical care [1]
- United StatesHistoryCivil War, 1861-1865Casualties [1]
- United StatesHistoryCivil War, 1861-1865Medical care [1]
Format(s)
- text [80]
Genre(s)
- correspondence [80]
Topic(s)
- Morale [80]
- Veazey, Wheelock G. (Wheelock Graves)1835-1898 [23]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 3rd (1861-1865) [21]
- Armed Forces Officers [20]
- United StatesArmy Military life [17]
- Diseases [7]
- Marching [7]
- Picketing [7]
- Postal service [6]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 9th (1862-1865) [6]
- Families of military personnel [5]
- Military discipline [5]
- Operational rations (Military supplies) [5]
- Homesickness [4]
- McClellan, George Brinton1826-1885 [4]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 2nd (1861-1865) [4]
- War casualties [4]
- African Americans [3]
- Bull Run, 1st Battle of, Va., 1861 [3]
- Courts-martial and courts of inquiry United States [3]
- Intrenchments [3]
- Patriotism [3]
- Prisoners of war [3]
- Skirmishing [3]
- War Psychological aspects [3]
- Women in war [3]
- Food [2]
- Peninsular Campaign, 1862 [2]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 5th (1861-1865) [2]
- War Economic aspects [2]
- Bounties, Military [1]
- Butler, (Benjamin Franklin)Mr1818-1893 [1]
- Capitulations, Military [1]
- Confederate States of AmericaArmy [1]
- Contraband of war [1]
- Fugitive slaves [1]
- Hancock, Winfield Scott1824-1886 [1]
- Love-letters [1]
- Medicine, Military [1]
- Merrimack (Frigate) [1]
- Military leaves and furloughs [1]
- Photographs [1]
- Recruiting and enlistment [1]
- Religion [1]
- Shooters of firearms [1]
- Slavery [1]
- Slaves [1]
- Soldiers Alcohol use [1]
- Soldiers Suicidal behavior [1]
- Sutlers [1]
- United StatesArmy Surgeons [1]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 12th (1862-1863) [1]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 6th (1861-1864) [1]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 7th (1862-1866) [1]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 7th (1862-1866).Company C [1]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 9th (1862-1865).Company B [1]
- War victims [1]
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Browsing by:
Topic: ("Morale")
Format: ("text")
Title: Benjamin F. Parmenter to Brother
Creator: Parmenter, Benjamin F., 1832-1896
Date: 1861-07-28
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include Benjamin F. Parmenter's negative opinion of an attack ( the first battle of Bull Run--see letter 3).
Title: Benjamin F. Parmenter to Brother
Creator: Parmenter, Benjamin F., 1832-1896
Date: 1861-08-08
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the regiment being located at Bush Hill Camp, rumors that they may join up with another brigade, more discussion of the 1st Battle of Bull Run, Parmenter's low opinions of the regiments officers,and his disappointment in the treatment of the soldiers.
Title: Benjamin F. Parmenter to Brother
Creator: Parmenter, Benjamin F., 1832-1896
Date: 1861-10-29
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the policy of the war department to not allow anyone to go home regardless of their circumstances,enquiries about home, Parmenter's growing disillusion with the Army, and a discussion about "the Southern confederacy is a fixed fact."
Title: Charles C. Canning to William Wirt Henry
Creator: Canning, Charles C., b. 1828
Date: 1862-07-18
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the movement of the regiment to Harrison's Landing, the extensive loss in the 5th Vermont Regiment (Battle of Savage's Station, June 29, 1862), the arrest of Captain Eaton, and a request for a few goods from home.
Title: Charles F. Bancroft to Clarissa Bancroft
Creator: Bancroft, Charles F., 1835-1862
Date: 1862-01-06
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the snowy weather and a brief description of George Blenkoe, the Confederate master of a "secesh (secessionist) negro," who had been recently brought into camp from Vienna, Va. Description of some Confederate money. Bancroft mentions his own modest weight gain, his need for pockets and other domestic items. One esp. moving line: "God only knows when we shall see each other again but let us hope for the best & that another year will bring us all to the family fireside again."
Title: Charles F. Bancroft to Clarissa Bancroft
Creator: Bancroft, Charles F., 1835-1862
Date: 1862-01-15
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include drills, a prediction that the fighting will end by June, and inquiries about home. In addition to myriad details regarding weather, food, and correspondence, Bancroft inserts thoughtful questions, e.g.: "Clara do folks in our neighborhood manifest much interest in my being out here? do they seem to care a great deal about it?" He also refers to the lull in fighting--and resulting boredom-- that precedes Lincoln's general order of Jan. 27 for federal armies to advance.
Title: Charles F. Bancroft to Mary Bancroft
Creator: Bancroft, Charles F., 1835-1862
Date: 1862-02-16
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include Charles Bancroft's health, the food that is being cooked in camp, and the capture of Fort Donelson, Tenn. Bancroft wasn't involved in it, but the fall of Ft. Donelson reminds him that his tour of duty, if not the whole war, may be over by year's end. Bancroft sounds more confident as a soldier (enjoys picketing) and is certain he could serve another two years if asked.
Title: Charles F. Bancroft to Parents
Creator: Bancroft, Charles F., 1835-1862
Date: 1861-12-20
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include items received from home and events surrounding a bottle of brandy that was stolen.
Title: George W. Quimby to Emeline B. Masta
Creator: Quimby, George W., 1835-1862
Date: 1862-03-22
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the anticipation of marching to Alexandria in just over a week’s time, the resignation of Captain Tucker, and the promotion of George W. Quimby to captaincy. Mentions the slow moving Grand Army of the Potomac and the feeling that it may never see any fighting.
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: 1862-01-20
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the terrible weather at Camp Griffin, Va. and the numerous deaths from sicknesses such as Typhoid Fever. "Smith's Division" refers to the Vt. 5th Infantry Regiment under the command of Gen. William F. "Baldy" Smith.
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 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: Henry Harrison Wilder to Mother
Creator: Wilder, Henry Harrison
Date: 1862-04-09
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the rebels being strongly fortified at Lee's Mill, the preparations for a hard battle (the month-long siege of Yorktown), and Merrill's sickness. Detailed description of some dead and wounded soldiers.
Title: Henry Harrison Wilder to Mother
Creator: Wilder, Henry Harrison
Date: 1862-04-23
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include a request for Wilder's mother to send him stamps, Wilder's predictions that he may never return home, and a description of the battle at Yorktown. Poignant thoughts about friends and loved ones near and far away.
Title: Henry L. Terry to John W. Campbell
Creator: Terry, Henry L., 1820-1885
Date: 1861-10-21
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include encamping at Lee's Mill, twelve miles from Washington, close to the Rebels.
Title: Ira A. Marshall to William Wirt Henry
Creator: Marshall, Ira A., d. 1893
Date: 1862-05-13
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include recent battles in Yorktown and Williamsburg, which had significant casualties; the destruction of the C.S.S. Merrimack off the coast of Norfolk, Va., now under Union occupation. McClellan will likely send Vt. troops home once Richmond is taken. Ill soldier Tilton Sleeper mentioned again.
![Thumbnail: Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmrutherford12_01-thumb.jpg)
Title: Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
Creator: Rutherford, Joseph Chase, 1818-1902
Date: 1862-11-25
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the possibility of action, ammunition and the mini ball, of high morale among the soldiers, of John Piper being described as the best marksman and now being Rutherford's body guard, an order from the War Department for Surgeons to remove themselves from action as much as possible, a case of Typhoid and the improbability of Rutherford taking a leave of absence at this time.
Title: Joseph Spafford to Homer White
Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866
Date: 1862-02-07
Resource type: correspondence
Spafford writes to his friend Homer on topics including Typhoid Fever in the Regiment, friendship, camp life, Hancock’s Brigade [Winfield Scott Hancock], and answering his friend’s questions about joining the Regiment and fear of dying.
Title: Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866
Date: 1862-10-26
Resource type: correspondence
Writing en route, topics include a description of the journey to Washington on the “Elm City” train, his deep desire for letters from home and an undercurrent of his willingness to accept how things are.
Title: Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866
Date: 1862-01-30
Resource type: correspondence
Spafford's brief letter has an underlying tone of being anxious to hear from home. The rainy and muddy weather continue.
Title: Justus F. Gale to Sister
Creator: Gale, Justus F., 1837-1863
Date: 1862-01-30
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include remaining at Camp Holbrook in Vermont for 4 weeks, grateful to hear from home, food not very good, a rumor of getting paid, and the visitors who watch dress parade.
Title: Lyman S. Willams to Lois L. Williams
Creator: Williams, Lyman S., 1839-1905
Date: 1862-07-27
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the quietness of camp near Harrisons Landing, a church service that Lyman Williams attended, and the food Lyman misses from home.
Title: Lyman S. Williams to Warren Williams
Creator: Williams, Lyman S., 1839-1905
Date: 1862-04-20
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include Lyman Williams coming down with a fever, an encounter with the rebels that left four men wounded, and the rebels' description of the Vermont regiment as dare devils. Stationery has an illustration of a "Vermont Boy," plus two verses of a song with the title "Vermont Soldier." The refrain, "Away down in Dixie," suggests an attempt to compete with the immortal southern song "Dixie."
Title: Ransom W. Towle to Family
Creator: Towle, Ransom W., d. 1864
Date: [1862]-01-20
Resource type: correspondence
Towle writes from his Virginia camp to his parents and sister on the mud while out on picket duty, fearfulness of some of the soldiers, list of items to send from home including a reference to his much needed new boots, sickness and deaths in the Regiment, and news of the Rochester boys.
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