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 [10]
- Towle, Ransom W., d. 1864 [5]
- Bancroft, Charles F., 1835-1862 [4]
- Henry, William Wirt, 1831-1915 [3]
- Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866 [3]
- Heaton, Solomon G. [2]
- Rutherford, Joseph Chase, 1818-1902 [2]
- Williams, Lyman S., 1839-1905 [2]
- Bancroft, Charles F., d. 1862 [1]
- Barney, Valentine G., 1834-1889 [1]
Recipient(s)
- Veazey, Julia A. [8]
- Henry, Mary Jane, [2]
- Rutherford, Hannah [2]
- Spafford, Mary Jane, [2]
- Veazey, Julia A., [2]
- Bancroft, Smiley [1]
- Bancroft,Clarissa E., 1843-1864 [1]
- Bancroft,Mary, 1809-1878 [1]
- Bancroft,Smiley, 1808-1874 [1]
- Barney,Maria, 1833-1884 [1]
- Barton,Melissa [1]
- Farnham, Mary [1]
- Henry, Mary Jane [1]
- Henry, William Wirt, [1]
- Masta, Emeline B. [1]
- Spafford, Mary Jane [1]
- Towle, Sebra [1]
- Williams, Lois L. [1]
- Williams,Lois L. [1]
Place(s)
- Military campsVirginia [15]
- Military camps -- Virginia [10]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 [7]
- VermontHistoryCivil War, 1861-1865 [7]
- United StatesHistoryCivil War, 1861-1865 [6]
- Vermont -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 [5]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns [2]
- United StatesHistoryCivil War, 1861-1865Women [2]
- Fort Monroe (Va.) [1]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Casualties [1]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Medical care [1]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Military reconnaissance [1]
- United StatesHistoryCivil War, 1861-1865Campaigns [1]
- United StatesHistoryCivil War, 1861-1865Medical care [1]
- United StatesHistoryCivil War, 1861-1865Military reconnaissance [1]
Format(s)
- text [40]
Genre(s)
- correspondence [40]
Topic(s)
- Picketing [40]
- United StatesArmy Military life [17]
- Drill and minor tactics [11]
- Marching [9]
- Veazey, Wheelock G. (Wheelock Graves)1835-1898 [9]
- Battle casualties [3]
- Love-letters [3]
- Peninsular Campaign, 1862 [3]
- Prisoners of war [3]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 4th (1861-1865) [3]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 5th (1861-1865) [3]
- Homesickness [2]
- Military discipline [2]
- Military hospitals [2]
- Sutlers [2]
- African Americans [1]
- Amputation [1]
- Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862 [1]
- Armies Medical and sanitary affairs [1]
- Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va., 1862 [1]
- Capitulations, Military [1]
- Confederate States of AmericaArmy [1]
- Fair Oaks, Battle of, Va., 1862 [1]
- Farnham, Roswell1827-1903 [1]
- Freedmen [1]
- Fugitive slaves [1]
- Horses [1]
- Intrenchments [1]
- McClellan, George Brinton1826-1885 [1]
- Military deserters [1]
- Musicians [1]
- Patriotism [1]
- Pillage [1]
- Pope, John1822-1892 [1]
- Soldiers Alcohol use [1]
- United StatesArmy Surgeons [1]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 12th (1862-1863) [1]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 16th (1862-1863) [1]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 4th (1861-1865)Company B [1]
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 8th (1861-1865) [1]
- War casualties [1]
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Topic: ("Picketing")
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 Family
Creator: Bancroft, Charles F., d. 1862
Date: 1862-04-06
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include taking possession of Shelman's Mill, the men killed and wounded by the Rebels, and an account of brief skirmishes. Bancroft describes abandoned Rebel fortifications and odd items left behind. Senses that greater fighting is about to begin, and indeed, the so-called siege of Yorktown, Va. dates from this period. In a lighter moment, Bancroft expresses his gratitude for the green tea he received from home: "there is nothing better for a soldier on a march than a cup of tea."
Title: Charles F. Bancroft to Family
Creator: Bancroft, Charles F., 1835-1862
Date: 1861-10-06
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include anticipation of a battle in Virginia and requests for some items from home.
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 Smiley Bancroft
Creator: Bancroft, Charles F., 1835-1862
Date: 1861-12-31
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include picket guard, description of camp life, and a prediction of the future of the war.
Title: George J. Stannard to William Wirt Henry
Creator: Stannard, George J., 1820-1886
Date: 1862-01-07
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include inquiring after William Henry's health, the sickness in the regiment, and a brief description of drills and picket duty and makes mention of not being promoted, states Capt Dillingham to be promoted.
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 Sister
Creator: Quimby, George W.
Date: 1861-10-26
Resource type: correspondence
Writes from Camp Griffin, Va, Smith's Division of camp life in general, of good food, of having been in several military advances since he last wrote, marching from Chain Bridge towards Lewinsville, "Sesesh" soldiers brought in with one having been said to have preached teh funeral service of Jackson and worth a lot of money, Picket Guard, Brigade Guard and sister's husband's health.
Title: Henry Harrison Wilder to Mother
Creator: Wilder, Henry Harrison
Date: 1861-11-15
Resource type: correspondence
Henry writes from Camp Griffin, Va. of a grave marker being made for Potter who died of consumption, of acknowledging that two months have passed since leaving home, of going on picket duty, of the expected presence of McClellan and of there being 30,000 men on the parade ground.
![Thumbnail: Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmrutherford05_01-thumb.jpg)
Title: Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
Creator: Rutherford, Joseph Chase, 1818-1902
Date: 1862-09-15
Resource type: correspondence
Dr. Rutherford writes of camp life in the open air at "Camp Briggs" located along the Potomac River, of the proximity to the rebels and of being able to hear the firing of guns. He writes of being on the move, in the saddle all day, of having no tents to sleep in and being very happy with his situation.
![Thumbnail: Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmrutherford17_01-thumb.jpg)
Title: Joseph Rutherford to [Hannah Rutherford]
Creator: Rutherford, Joseph Chase, 1818-1902
Date: 1862-12-25
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the regiment guarding the Potomac River at Whitesford, the Rebels gathering on the hills opposite the camp, of anticipating Christmas dinner and a medical disaster at Washington requiring more personnel in the medical corps.
Title: Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866
Date: [1861]-11-22
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the Grand Review of the Army of the Potomac at Ball's Cross Roads, "Old Abe" to see 75,000 troops, scouting excursion, marching, picket guard, mentions Thanksgiving in Vermont.
Title: Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866
Date: 1862-12-18
Resource type: correspondence
Writing from camp near Fairfax Court House, Virginia topics include a description of what picket duty entails, an account of the people Joseph Spafford met in Virginia including two families with very different attitudes towards the Northern soldiers. Writes of dining with one family who also had been given the responsibility of keep a dead Confederate officer in a metal lined coffin in their shed, of observing battle remains at the Bull Run site and of picking up bullets, etc from there, the ill health of Ed Hammond, the decision to remain at Camp Vermont and a brief reference to gunfire heard near Fredericksburg.
Title: Joseph Spafford to Mary Jane Spafford
Creator: Spafford, Joseph, 1837-1866
Date: 1862-12-30
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the whole brigade on picket duty on Bull Run, a catholic church having been emptied of its pews so as to used for a hospital, a brief encounter with Rebel soldiers, Spafford's anger with the Rebels being able to infiltrate the Union troops, the captured rebel prisoner stated aim was to take Sutler's supplies, acceptance of officers' resignations and the potential promotion of George Clark to Captain.
Title: Lyman Barton to Sister
Creator: Barton, Lyman
Date: 1862-11-25
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include an account of the Battle of Antetam [sic], the cold weather, the high prices of goods at camp, and reports on the health of other soldiers and family members.
Title: Lyman S. Williams to Lois L. Williams
Creator: Williams, Lyman S., 1839-1905
Date: 1862-04-01
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the journey from Alexandria to Newport News.
Title: Lyman S.Williams to Lois L. Williams
Creator: Williams, Lyman S., 1839-1905
Date: 1861-12-09
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the improving health of the regiment, the deaths of John Roland and Walter Osburn, and a scouting expedition.
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.
Title: Ransom W. Towle to Friends
Creator: Towle, Ransom W., d. 1864
Date: 1862-06-08
Resource type: correspondence
Writing seven miles from Richmond, Virginia topics include the mention of the Chickahominy River, a prediction of a battle and a description of skirmishes.
Title: Ransom W. Towle to Rufus and Sebra Towle
Creator: Towle, Ransom W., d. 1864
Date: 1862-02-05
Resource type: correspondence
Towle responds to his parents' letter that expresses low morale at home, financial difficulties at home and Towle encourages the doing without luxuries on the home front as much as possible. He writes of a 30 hour picket trip, the capture of rebel two scouts, drills being only two a day and of a self inflicted wounding of a Union soldier requiring amputation of the wounded soldier's leg.
Title: Ransom W. Towle to Sister and Friends
Creator: Towle, Ransom W., d. 1864
Date: 1862-06-22
Resource type: correspondence
Camping in the field near Richmond topics include the weather in Virginia with food crops growing well in the hot temperatures, pickets conversing and trading papers, coffee, whiskey, fighting resulting in losses, reference to Rifle Pits, preparations for the Battle of Richmond, sickness among the soldiers.
![Thumbnail: Ransom W. Towle to [Family and Friends]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwvhsTowleRansom29_01-thumb.jpg)
Title: Ransom W. Towle to [Family and Friends]
Creator: Towle, Ransom W., d. 1864
Date: 1862-06-18
Resource type: correspondence
Towle writes from the field near Richmond, Va on heavy firing between Union gun boats on James River and Fort Darlin, an exchange of fire with the enemy, the seemingly deterioration of Gen. McClellan's appearance and the arrest of Colonel Stoughton for not turning out with his regiment to in line of battle.
![Thumbnail: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]](http://cdi.uvm.edu/archives/civilwar/cwuvmfarnham80_01-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1862-11-02
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the movement of the regiment from Capitol Hill to Camp Seward and down across Hunting Creek and finally setting up camp on the Potomac near Mount Vernon.
Title: Solomon G. Heaton to Father
Creator: Heaton, Solomon G.
Date: 1861-11-17
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the cold weather at Camp Griffin.
Title: Solomon G. Heaton to Mother
Creator: Heaton, Solomon G.
Date: 1861-12-25
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include a brief account of Thanksgiving and Christmas at Camp Griffin.
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