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 [11]
- Harding, C. H. [4]
Place(s)
- Vermont -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 [8]
- Fort Monroe (Va.) [7]
- Military camps -- Virginia [5]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns [3]
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Casualties [3]
- Military campsVirginia [2]
- VermontHistoryCivil War, 1861-1865 [1]
Format(s)
- text [19]
Genre(s)
- correspondence [19]
Topic(s)
- United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 1st (1861) [19]
- Farnham, Roswell1827-1903 [15]
- Morale [8]
- Diseases [5]
- Drill and minor tactics [3]
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Topic: ("United StatesArmy.Vermont Infantry Regiment, 1st (1861)")
Title: Battle of Big Bethal, Va June 10th, 1861
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include a map that shows various maneuvers of Farnham's company; inaccuracies in the newspaper account of the Battle of Big Bethel; and various ailments, aches & pains endured during the march.
Title: John M. Stone to Family
Creator: Stone, John M., 1835-1915
Date: 1861-11-30
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include a number of deaths in the regiment from sickness.
Title: John M. Stone to Family
Creator: Stone, John M., 1835-1915
Date: 1861-12-[09]
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the health of the regiment and numerous deaths.
Title: Report of property found in the several companies of the 1st Vermont Regiment…
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-06-24
Resource type: correspondence
List compiled by Farnham of items found or stolen from citizens by soldiers during a campaign.
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).
![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/cwuvmfarnham01_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to Mary [Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-05-24
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include being quartered with the Northfield Company and how the troops were greeted at Bellows Falls. One company member, the fifer, had the measles.
![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 [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/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 [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/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/cwuvmfarnham24_1-thumb.jpg)
Title: Roswell Farnham to [Mary Farnham]
Creator: Farnham, Roswell, 1827-1903
Date: 1861-06-13
Resource type: correspondence
Topics include the battle the previous Monday and the death of George Lougee from Vershire, Vermont. Farnham concerned that some of his letters may be misinterpreted and printed (presumably in the local press). Mentions Col. Phelps's anxiety, imminent court-martial of Mass. general, and some of the hardships of the campaign.
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