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: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1861-08-18
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include plans to capture a company in Virginia, the danger the Capitol is in according to General Smith, and the preventative steps being taken to protect it.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: [1861]-08-21
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the safe return of the company from an expedition.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1861-08-25
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include Wheelock G. Veazey being in command of the Regiment for about a week, scouting Virginia, and General Smith making recommendations for Lt. Col. Hyde to be promoted to Col. and Wheelock G. Veazey to be promoted to Lt. Col.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1861-07-21
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include a description of a riot Wheelock G. Veazey was in charge of dissipating because of the absence of Colonel Hyde.
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: 1861-10-20
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the toll the war is taking on the wives, mothers, and sisters of soldiers, the lack of awareness by Northerners, and a discussion of Gen. McClellan.
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]-11-17
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the predicted end of secessionism and the anticipation of a “magnificent” battle.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1862-07-13
Resource type: correspondence
Still at Harrison's Landing and writing to Julia now in Boston topics include improved health of the men, the resignation of Major Seaver and Major Proctor, and Wheelock Veazey saying when he leaves the army he will not yet be fit for business, laments that if he does not get a regiment he will resign from service, is distraught about the politicians, corruption of the army, and gives a brief mention of women with the army.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1862-07-26
Resource type: correspondence
Writing from camp near Harrison's Landing Veazey expresses his opinions about the high cost of fruit and vegetables, government controlled transportation and difficulty of getting around, the poor health of Veazey’s father-in-law, and his poor impression of President Lincoln of being an "Old Betty." On the bright side, his camp and men are clean and doing well.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1862-08-12
Resource type: correspondence
Writing from camp near Harrison's Landing, Veazey laments of life as a soldier, being tired of war, of feeling soldiers will not be fit for civilian life, of the waters of Saratoga will benefit his father-in-law's health, of high cost of living.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: [1861]-11-23
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the disappointment about the week passing without an attack and on a personal note Wheelock G. Veazey’s feelings of jealousy concerning his wife.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: [1861]-11-26
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include a package that arrived from home, a new General who served in Florida through the Mexican War, and 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]-12-01
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include a brief description of the Thanksgiving celebrations and a description of a trip to Washington.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1861-12-04
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]-12-09
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: 1861-12-15
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include Wheelock G. Veazey’s dismay that some people from home believe the pay soldiers receive should be decreased.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: [1861]-12-[23]
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include Captain Atherton recruiting for the 4th Vermont Regiment and General Phelps making a “fool” out of himself.
Title: Wheelock G. Veazey to Julia A. Veazey
Creator: Veazey, Wheelock G., 1835-1898
Date: 1862-01-09
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include military matters (court martial, foraging, picket duty) and disgust with the Congress, administration, government and fears the nation's downfall.
Title: William Bruidnell and Samuel Morey to William Wirt Henry
Creator: Bruidnell, William, b. 1842; Morey
Date: 1862-07-19
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include a description of the Battle of Mechanicsville (June 26-27, 1862), part of the Seven Days campaign near Richmond.
Title: William Bruidnell to William Wirt Henry
Creator: Bruidnell, William, b. 1842
Date: 1862-05-25
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the good health of everyone except Tilton Sleeper, the hope of taking Richmond from the rebels, and the good weather near Cool Harbor, Virginia.
Title: William C. Holbrook to Frederick Holbrook
Creator: Holbrook, William Cune, 1842-1904
Date: 1862-05-27
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the Union gaining control of New Orleans, General Shepley becoming Military Commandant of the city, and the news that the Vermont Brigade has been gaining control on the Potomac. Evaluations of Generals Butler and Shepley. Also mentions the "contrabands" or slaves coming within Union lines. (Butler would later start recruiting African Americans to be Union soldiers.)
Title: William C. Holbrook to Frederick Holbrook
Creator: Holbrook, William Cune, 1842-1904
Date: 1862-09-24
Resource type: correspondence
To Gov. Holbrook with topics including the resignation of 1st Lieutenant Howard of Company G; the recommendations for the position, effects of illness at Vicksburg creating vacancies; the difficulty of finding replacements because of the “infamous Order”, still seeks info about the establishment of a court of inquiry; his expression of anger and disgust at how the Dept. is being run and writes of the proposition that he (William) tender his resignation.
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