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)
- Veazey, Julia A. [56]
- Veazey, Julia A., [30]
- Spafford, Mary Jane, [3]
- Beard, Albin [2]
- Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898 [1]
Place(s)
- Military campsVirginia [40]
- VermontHistoryCivil War, 1861-1865 [39]
- United StatesHistoryCivil War, 1861-1865 [29]
- Military campsWashington (D.C.) [5]
- United StatesHistoryCivil War, 1861-1865Campaigns [4]
- Fort Monroe (Va.) [2]
- Military campsVermont [2]
- SecessionSouthern States [2]
- United StatesHistoryCivil War, 1861-1865Women [2]
- AbolitionistsUnited StatesHistory19th century [1]
Format(s)
- text [91]
Genre(s)
- correspondence [91]
Topic(s)
- Veazey, Wheelock G. (Wheelock Graves)1835-1898 [91]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 3rd (1861-1865) [38]
- Armed Forces Officers [27]
- Love-letters [26]
- Morale [23]
- United StatesArmy Military life [8]
- Military discipline [6]
- Marching [5]
- McClellan, George Brinton1826-1885 [4]
- Patriotism [4]
- Women in war [3]
- African Americans [2]
- Confederate States of AmericaArmy [2]
- Courts-martial and courts of inquiry United States [2]
- Diseases [2]
- Peninsular Campaign, 1862 [2]
- Promotions, Military [2]
- Slavery [2]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 2nd (1861-1865) [2]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 5th (1861-1865) [2]
- War Economic aspects [2]
- Bounties, Military [1]
- Bull Run, 1st Battle of, Va., 1861 [1]
- Contraband of war [1]
- Fair Oaks, Battle of, Va., 1862 [1]
- Hancock, Winfield Scott1824-1886 [1]
- Intrenchments [1]
- Merrimack (Frigate) [1]
- Military chaplains [1]
- Military discharge [1]
- Military hospitals [1]
- Military leaves and furloughs [1]
- Postal service [1]
- Recruiting and enlistment [1]
- Skirmishing [1]
- Soldiers Alcohol use [1]
- United StatesArmy Surgeons [1]
- War Psychological aspects [1]
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Browsing by:
Topic: ("Veazey, Wheelock G. (Wheelock Graves)1835-1898")
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: [1861]-08-02
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include Wheelock G. Veazey telling his wife Julia A. Veazey how much he loves and misses her as well as the Regiment’s location on the banks of the Potomac near Washington.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1861-08-09
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the measures taken by the camp to secure their safety.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: [1861]-09-14
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include Wheelock G. Veazey’s position as field officer of the day, the lack of sleep the soldiers are experiencing, and the ease with which the Rebels could attack the Regiment.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: [1861]-09-22
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include an attack made on the Californians and a counterattack, as well as Wheelock G. Veazey’s personal opinion on the difference between killing a rebel and murder.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: [1861]-09-25
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include a skirmish in which a Rebel officer was taken prisoner and Wheelock G. Veazey’s black servant that he hired to work for him.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: [1861]-10-02
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include Wheelock G. Veazey telling his wife Julia A. Veazey how much he loves and misses her.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: [1861]-10-04
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include General Hancock being in command of the 1st Brigade.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1861-10-[06]
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include Wheelock G. Veazey telling his wife Julia A. Veazey how much he loves and misses her.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: [1861]-10-15
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include Colonel Hyde being occupied with special business. Wheelock G. Veazey taking command, and reconnoitering in enemy territory.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: [1861]-10-17
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include Wheelock G. Veazey telling his wife Julia A. Veazey how much he loves and misses her.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1862-06-04
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include a reference to the Battle of Seven Pines (May 31, June 1, 1862 Fair Oaks), battle casualties, praise for the New England regiments, his opinions of how the Southerners view the Yankees, his desire for the war to be over, his feelings that some abolitionists wish for slavery's end over union of the nation.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1861-01-05
Resource type: correspondence
Veazey writes from Camp Griffin, Virginia about his health, his wife's health and of others, laments action needed or the Confederacy will be recognized, wants to be in at least one good fight, and writes about Morgan horse (Lute).
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1861-11-09
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the cold nights and the toll it takes and Wheelock G. Veazey’s responsibilities in camp.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1862-01-15
Resource type: correspondence
Veazey writes a brief note about waiting for his wife's letters, the muddy weather, and other officers’ wives joining their husbands at camp.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1862-01-16
Resource type: correspondence
Writing from Camp Griffin, Va. topics include admiring and comments on wife’s photograph, officers quarreling and difficulties with General Brooks.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1861-08-27
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the promotion of Lt. Col. Hyde to Col., Wheelock G. Veazey to Lt. Col., and Seaver to Major.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1861-09-01
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include Butler’s victory and an overview of all the promotions in the Regiment.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1861-09-06
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include advancements made by the Regiment although they have not seen any action yet.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1861-09-11
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include a detachment that surrounded Lewinsville in hopes of capturing a force of cavalry, however only found a small company of picket guard; as well as an attack on the Regiment that left several men wounded. This is Lt. Col. Veazey's initial account what is now known as the Battle of Lewinsville.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1862-02-11
Resource type: correspondence
Veazey writes of his love for his wife Julia, refers to her being away from home on a visit, anxiety about her friends while away and wonders if Mrs. A. (i.e. Mrs. Atherton) is having an influence on her behavior.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1862-02-14
Resource type: correspondence
Writing on February 14 (Valentine's Day) topics include worry about his wife’s behavior, hinting at in an unwritten way of his suspicion of Julia's flirting with other men and news from camp.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1862-02-18
Resource type: correspondence
Veazey writes of his deep love and passion for Julia, reassures her he never distrusted her regarding her behavior, his minor health problems and expresses sympathy for a newly married comrade possibly wounded or very ill.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1862-02-23
Resource type: correspondence
An apologetic Wheelock Veazey explains how much he trusts his wife and asks her forgiveness for doubting her, hints at future children in their lives.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1862-03-02
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include Veazey’s promotion to Provost Marshall, what his duties are, campaign strategy and reference to General Porter, Centreville and campaign in the south west.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1862-03-06
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include new duties as Provost Marshall, reference to several officers, his opinion of the fighting is for an idea as the Southern land, climate and people are not worth much, longs to be at home.
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