Topics include the refusal of a leave of absence, Col. Jewett praise of Rutherford, Col concern for well being of hospital care and sanitation, expresses his anger and indignation of the Copper Heads, his bond and deep affection for his horse Lady Lightfoot, the very snowy weather, religious... Show moreTopics include the refusal of a leave of absence, Col. Jewett praise of Rutherford, Col concern for well being of hospital care and sanitation, expresses his anger and indignation of the Copper Heads, his bond and deep affection for his horse Lady Lightfoot, the very snowy weather, religious services to be observed indoors, the hardships in camp that are worth the cause, and the great deal of singing among the officers including the song "There is music in the air." Show less
Topics include marching to South Pass, Middleton, Maryland, now defending only place the Confederates can cross the Potomac into Va., capturing, killing and wounding Rebels, brief mention of some desertions from the army, and the increased dangers of war for him and the troops.
Topics include the illness of their child Joseph, management of ill health, caring for many patients alone, cold weather, and attention to his daughter's Helen’s studies.
Rutherford's surgical skills performed on a soldier's wounded food, not expecting to be paid off until the following month, expressions of feeling deserving of a promotion and Rutherford's wish to spend Christmas with his family.
The surgeon writes from Camp Washburn about being infected with dysentery, the regiment being mustered on Thursday, and a visit from the Governor and the Governor's son.
Writing in the field on the railroad line at Frederick Junction, Maryland (June 30 to July 1) ; topics include being with the 3rd Army Corps under Gen. French, days of rainy weather, having to sleep out doors with only a rubber blanket, put in charge of 3000 men, troops assigned to defend a... Show moreWriting in the field on the railroad line at Frederick Junction, Maryland (June 30 to July 1) ; topics include being with the 3rd Army Corps under Gen. French, days of rainy weather, having to sleep out doors with only a rubber blanket, put in charge of 3000 men, troops assigned to defend a bridge crossing the Manoray River and hearing the distant sound of cannon (perhaps Pickett's Charge as part of the Battle of Gettysburg) Show less
Topics include ways to help deal with small pox and keeping the face from pitting, how Rutherford entertains himself in camp that includes reading, writing and playing card game Euchre, the treatment of a secessionist, Mr. Trundle, for erysipelas (infection and redness of the skin) with the... Show moreTopics include ways to help deal with small pox and keeping the face from pitting, how Rutherford entertains himself in camp that includes reading, writing and playing card game Euchre, the treatment of a secessionist, Mr. Trundle, for erysipelas (infection and redness of the skin) with the result that Rutherford is even more well respected by fellow officers, meeting Dr. Willard Augustus Childe's new wife, reference to a black regiment. Show less
Topics include Rutherford’s hope to send money home to his wife Hannah, of anticipation of having a Thanksgiving dinner in camp, the good health of the entire family, of the Colonel praising Rutherford for his performance of medical duties and of the man Murk who wrote slanderous reports of the... Show moreTopics include Rutherford’s hope to send money home to his wife Hannah, of anticipation of having a Thanksgiving dinner in camp, the good health of the entire family, of the Colonel praising Rutherford for his performance of medical duties and of the man Murk who wrote slanderous reports of the surgeons being put on trial. Show less
Topics include response to wives questions about not being paid in full and her asking about any alterations in medical department of the 10th regiment, reference to Major Chandler threatening to resign with hope from some that he will, improvement of duties in camp as all around health improves.
Topics include a reference to Rutherford’s birthday earlier in the month, reflections on his children, Joseph, Jacob & Kittie & their individual personalities & attention needed, needing flannel shirts, grateful knitted socks are being made for him, and acknowledging money sent finally arriving... Show moreTopics include a reference to Rutherford’s birthday earlier in the month, reflections on his children, Joseph, Jacob & Kittie & their individual personalities & attention needed, needing flannel shirts, grateful knitted socks are being made for him, and acknowledging money sent finally arriving home. Show less
From Brandy Station, Virginia Rutherford writes of his swollen left hand due to infection resulting in his whole body having tremors and shooting pains, taking a dose of morphine, the rainy weather, winter quarters being built, of Chaplain offering to help erect Rutherford's cabin, his dedication... Show moreFrom Brandy Station, Virginia Rutherford writes of his swollen left hand due to infection resulting in his whole body having tremors and shooting pains, taking a dose of morphine, the rainy weather, winter quarters being built, of Chaplain offering to help erect Rutherford's cabin, his dedication to duty for the wounded and the approaching of Christmas. Show less
Writing from camp at White's Ford (over the Potomac River) two letters dated Jan 2 and Jan 6 include topics of a description of the night of the expected fight, of having enough food to eat that he is gaining weight, of the camp's glee club singing, of being homesick and wanting a leave but may... Show moreWriting from camp at White's Ford (over the Potomac River) two letters dated Jan 2 and Jan 6 include topics of a description of the night of the expected fight, of having enough food to eat that he is gaining weight, of the camp's glee club singing, of being homesick and wanting a leave but may be on the eve of "some great event", a description of the camp ground, promotions within the camp including himself as Acting Surgeon and the possibility of a brigade hospital being created with himself most likely being put in charge of it. Show less
Three letters included here. Rutherford tells his wife about the raising of two new Vermont Regiments, his anxious feelings and desire for the possibility of a promotion to lead a Regiment, Dr. Willard Augustus Childe's letter and a letter from Lieut. Col. William Writ Henry to Vermont Governor... Show moreThree letters included here. Rutherford tells his wife about the raising of two new Vermont Regiments, his anxious feelings and desire for the possibility of a promotion to lead a Regiment, Dr. Willard Augustus Childe's letter and a letter from Lieut. Col. William Writ Henry to Vermont Governor Frederick Holbrook. Both letters recommending Rutherford for promotion. Show less
Brief letter telling of delay of an expected early morning march, of hearing and being disrupted by the blasts from heavy gunfire about five miles away.
In the field writing on a drum in the hot sun, topics include having completed a long march to his position near Washington, the proximity to the enemy, the expectation of a battle, the men prepared and eager seemingly having become desensitized to danger and death as they chat with one another... Show moreIn the field writing on a drum in the hot sun, topics include having completed a long march to his position near Washington, the proximity to the enemy, the expectation of a battle, the men prepared and eager seemingly having become desensitized to danger and death as they chat with one another and even sleep. Show less
Topics include description of the masses of food consumed over Thanksgiving dinner and the nature of the festivity,news that they will be on the march yet again, not being able to be home for Christmas.
Writing from Georgetown Heights, D.C. he tells of the regiment's march, towns they marched to (Poolsville, Luxbury, Winchester), expresses his fear more of capture than of being wounded, had an attack of dysentery and is recovering.
Two letters dated Mar 18 & 19 topics include return journey to White's Ford, Maryland from New York, the arrest, court martial, conviction of a neighbor for harboring a rebel officer (sent to Poolesville in irons), the recovery of Union army property, a visit from the Captain of the Vermont... Show moreTwo letters dated Mar 18 & 19 topics include return journey to White's Ford, Maryland from New York, the arrest, court martial, conviction of a neighbor for harboring a rebel officer (sent to Poolesville in irons), the recovery of Union army property, a visit from the Captain of the Vermont Cavalry with reference to the near death but escape by a fellow soldier from a rebel captain. Show less
