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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Topic: ("Morale")
Format: ("text")
Format: ("text")
Title: Ransom W. Towle to Family and Friends
Creator: Towle, Ransom W., d. 1864
Date: 1862-02-02
Resource type: correspondence
Towle writes of missing his newspaper and his wish to remain informed on both foreign and army news and of some of the men's morale writing home about the hardships of war and a desire to see it end. He writes of Col. Stoughton resignation, of officers' wives attending the camp's religious service and how the service differs from the traditional church worship.
Title: Ransom W. Towle to Friends
Creator: Towle, Ransom W., d. 1864
Date: 1862-06-26
Resource type: correspondence
Towle writes of what he hears about the living conditions of the Rebels including forced service, some without enough food and about the Battle of Richmond having been going on for a month with artillery shelling and likely to continue.
Title: Ransom W. Towle to Rufus and Sebra Towle
Creator: Towle, Ransom W., d. 1864
Date: 1862-02-23
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include a Brigade Parade and a farewell address of Washington, he relates some of the soldiers opinions and predictions that the war will end in three weeks. Mention of 109 six mule teams passing through his camp; exact purpose unknown.
Title: Ransom W. Towle to Rufus and Sebra Towle
Creator: Towle, Ransom W., d. 1864
Date: 1862-02-27
Resource type: correspondence
A brief letter to his parents from Camp Griffin in Virginia of marching orders with three days rations and the hope to encounter the Rebels. He makes a brief reference to Brigade surgeon Dr. Phelps. Towle expresses his dismay that the troops in the west are fighting and gaining glory while the army of the Potomac lays idle.
Title: Ransom W. Towle to Sister and Friends
Creator: Towle, Ransom W., d. 1864
Date: 1862-05-15
Resource type: correspondence
From camp in Whitehouse Landing, Va. topics include the destruction of the Merrimac (the ironclad warship), a bear hunt, the occupation of Norfolk, Virginia troops under the command of President Lincoln, a description of skirmishes with the Rebels, and the warm weather in Virginia.
Title: Roswell Farnham to C. H. Harding
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-05-07
Resource type: correspondence
Farnham's regiment in Rutland gets the news that they are to leave for Fort Monroe, Va., via rail car and then boat. News of the deployment raises morale; the men are ready for a good fight (recurring theme in Farnham's letters).
Title: Roswell Farnham to Laura
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1862-10-04
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the expectation of being mustered, having a review and inspection, and receiving their pay.
![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/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/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/cwuvmfarnham34_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-06-25
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include monotony of camp life, the warm weather, and rumors around camp that an attack is imminent. Farnham assures wife that rebels would need a large army to attack them so close to Fort Monroe.
Title: Solomon G. Heaton to Father
Creator: Heaton, Solomon G.
Date: 1862-10-30
Resource type: correspondence
As Heaton indicates, the Army of the Potomac crossed the river into Virginia at the time this letter was written (Gen. George McClellan would soon be removed, however, and succeeded by Gen. Ambrose Burnside). There is no record of a "very hard fight" at Gordonsville, Va. Gen. Wm. Buel Franklin was implicated in some intrigue against Burnside, and both were relieved of their command in Jan., 1863. Heaton complains about harsh treatment by his commanding officer and being denied a rubber blanket. Nevertheless, he claims to be in good spirits.
Title: Theodore Barton to Sister
Creator: Barton, Theodore
Date: 1862-09-29
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the journey from Harrison's Landing to Boliver via Newport News and Alexandria. Names several wounded and deceased soldiers, perhaps known by his sister. Concludes with a somewhat gruesome description of "picnic."
Title: Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
Creator: Barney, Valentine G., 1834-1889
Date: 1862-09-06
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the regiment marching towards Harpers Ferry, the regiment disheartened to being ordered to retreat, loss of much equipment and people left behind in the hospital, the destruction of supplies left behind, their hard march to current location, the brief mention of a "heavy battles". (Maryland Campaign Sept 3-15, 1862). Reference to prisoners being paroled.
Title: Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
Creator: Barney, Valentine G., 1834-1889
Date: 1862-10-01
Resource type: correspondence
Writing from Chicago topics include the journey to an area 2 miles from Chicago, a description of the living quarters that include a good dinner, fixing up the sheds they are living in which are on the fairgrounds (the site of a Sanitary Fair to benefit soldier relief funds, Oct. 27, 1863), the morale of the men, food of pork, bread, beef, talk of being relocated to Minnesota, and the disparate need for money.
Title: Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
Creator: Barney, Valentine G., 1834-1889
Date: 1861-07-07
Resource type: correspondence
Writes of his uncertainty of when he will head home, of the men being anxious to be out of the army and away from camp life, a visit from Sect. Cameron, of the family
Title: Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
Creator: Barney, Valentine G., 1834-1889
Date: 1862-07-13
Resource type: correspondence
Writing from Camp Davis in Brattleboro, topics include Barney being made officer of the day tomorrow, feeling proud of that, and the plan to march to Washington.
Title: Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
Creator: Barney, Valentine G., 1834-1889
Date: 1862-07-27
Resource type: correspondence
Writing from Camp Siegle, Virginia, topics include the journey to camp, their train cars running off the track with no injuries to the men, other men camping in the area being demoralized. He is in Gen. Piatts Brigade and Pope's division. Writes the hill being fortified with hard labor by the men, food in camp being good but not so good when on the move. Mentions the boys from Swanton being well. Six rebel scouts captured, one believed to pretend to be crazy but a grave ordered to be dug for the prisoner in hopes of getting him to confess his pretense.
Title: Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
Creator: Barney, Valentine G., 1834-1889
Date: 1862-12-10
Resource type: correspondence
From Camp Douglas topics include the continued improvement of Barney’s health, being busy with issues with the company including low morale and discipline, the good weather in Chicago and having received a photo of Maria.
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