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 [63]
- Harding, C. H. [7]
Place(s)
- Military camps -- Virginia [41]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 [25]
- Vermont -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 [21]
- Fort Monroe (Va.) [11]
- Military camps -- Washington (D.C.) [6]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns [5]
- Military camps -- Vermont [4]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Casualties [4]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Destruction and pillage [2]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Social aspects [2]
Format(s)
- text [85]
Genre(s)
- correspondence [85]
Topic(s)
- Farnham, Roswell1827-1903 [76]
- United StatesArmy Military life [28]
- Families of military personnel [18]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 1st (1861) [17]
- Morale [12]
- Armed Forces Officers [5]
- Big Bethel, Battle of, Va., 1861 [4]
- Diseases [4]
- Postal service [4]
- Soldiers Alcohol use [4]
- Intrenchments [3]
- Operational rations (Military supplies) [3]
- Freedmen [2]
- Friendly fire (Military science) [2]
- Fugitive slaves [2]
- Military discipline [2]
- Pillage [2]
- Prisoners of war [2]
- Slavery [2]
- War casualties [2]
- Women in war [2]
- African Americans Social conditions [1]
- Battle casualties [1]
- Bull Run, 1st Battle of, Va., 1861 [1]
- Desertion, Military [1]
- Homesickness [1]
- Love-letters [1]
- Medicine, Military [1]
- Military hospitals [1]
- Patriotism [1]
- Picketing [1]
- Shooters of firearms [1]
- Slaves [1]
- Sutlers [1]
- VermontAdjutant and Inspector General's Office [1]
- War Psychological aspects [1]
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Browsing by:
Author: ("Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903")
![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 [C. H.] Harding](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham09_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to [C. H.] Harding
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-05-14
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include arriving at Fort Monroe, just on the border of "the secession." Farnham briefly describes character of various officers: Capt. Andross, Col. Phelps, Lieut Stearns, and Lieut Peckett. Some discussion about how they spend their spare time. Description of overnight watch without shelter and being relieved the following morning. Other names: Col. Washburn, John Prichard, George Woods, George Flanders, Dan Flanders, Ben Underwood. Ships: Cumberland, Minnesota. Also: Scientific American.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to [C. H.] Harding](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham13_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to [C. H.] Harding
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-05-26
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include preparing for a march with the 4th Massachusetts Regiment and a New York Regiment most likely to Sewells Point, Virginia. Farnham expresses pride in the Green Mountain Boys. Names mentioned: Officers Stearns, Andross, and Worthen.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to [C. H.] Harding](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham17_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to [C. H.] Harding
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-06-03
Resource type: correspondence
Camp Butler, Newport['s] News: Farnham assesses regiment and its destiny: "We are better situated." Action at Hampton resulted in many freed slaves. Provost marshall duties involving confiscated property and "loose" slaves. Press coverage is exaggerated; Farnham's pride in the Green Mtn. Boys; politics among regiment officers. Apology for any offensive remarks. Heavy rain for several days; more slaves arriving. Steamer Harriet Lane fires on rebel battery at Pig Point; also commandeers ship with livestock and other foodstuffs--cheers from the troops. Mentions "Hawkins Zouaves" and "the Germans." Names: Officers Butler, Phelps, Packard, Peckett; soldiers Stebbins, Geo. Flanders, McFarland.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to [C. H.] Harding](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham25_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to [C. H.] Harding
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-06-15
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include a recount of the battle at Great Bethel. Farnham remains critical of press coverage, estimating 90% is inaccurate. Some criticism of Mass. Gen. Pierce (destined to be court-martialed). First taste of battle now having an affect on Farnham and other Vermonters, no doubt.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to [C. H.] Harding](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham32_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to [C. H.] Harding
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-06-24
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include recollection of the Battle of Great Bethel, especially of Maj. Winthrop, who died in battle. Further critique of newspaper accounts; mentions the number of runaway slaves he has to account for. Farnham also states that mail delivery from Vt. to Va. takes only two days!
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to [C. H.] Harding](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham48_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to [C. H.] Harding
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-07-21
Resource type: correspondence
July 21, 1861. Writes to his friend C. H. Harding of conjecture among the men about the order to move out but with no details given, mentions Gen. Butler, Frank Blair, Cochran of New York and 3,500 men reviewed, of some minor illness among the men, of Farnham's re-nomination of State-Attorney.
![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.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham15_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-06-01
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the food that the soldiers eat, and that pilfering from local farms--even "secessionist"--is forbidden. Farnham assures his wife that newspaper reports of the war are highly exaggerated. A rebel attack is unlikely before they return to Vt. A German scouting party caused a stir with an accidental gun discharge. Col. Phelps assigns Farnham a camp security position--provost marshall. One concern is the slaves that have just left their masters, who arrive at Ft. Monroe with food to sell but may also be spies. The able-bodied are put to work; all others are considered for deportation to Liberia. Names: Officers Phelps, Peckett; Everett Shaw.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham22_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-06-09
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the duties of Provost Marshall, including the reception of runaway slaves. Mentions alerts for battle and false alarms; and illness within the regiment.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham23_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-06-11
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the expected fight at Little Bethel and the battle at Great Bethel, where fewer than fifty men were killed on the Union side. Mentions German Regiment (Col. Bendix) and Duryea's Zouaves. Description of "friendly fire" incident. Excursion proved to be the most exhausting so far.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham26_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-06-20
Resource type: correspondence
June 20, 1861. Topics include setting rumors straight. Farnham assures his wife that his chances of being killed are minimal. Notes that his provost marshal duties have lessened, possibly because fewer "negroes" are arriving, for fear that the North won't succeed! Reference to Dan Johnson and his rumors; also the secret why he returned home. Compliments for Capt. Andross, again, during Battle of Big (or Great) Bethel.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham29_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-06-16
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include: gratitude among the men for gifts of food (incl. maple sugar) and other "luxuries"; Major Worthen's scouting expedition, which led to a small skirmish and some casualties among some St. Albans and Swanton soldiers; press inaccuracies; life at camp; how he misses his books and reading; other domestic matters.
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