Topics include an affidavit to try and help find the missing money, Barney having to be in court for a court martial trial, checking on the sick in the hospital, anticipation of getting a box from home and the plan to be mustered tomorrow for pay to get in 2 or 3 weeks.
Barney writes that he has moved into his house (winter quarters) and that Colonel Ripley was staying with him until his house was finished as well. He also gives a description of the expedition made by Colonel Ripley and 75 men to destroy a load of salt that had come ashore after a steamer ran... Show moreBarney writes that he has moved into his house (winter quarters) and that Colonel Ripley was staying with him until his house was finished as well. He also gives a description of the expedition made by Colonel Ripley and 75 men to destroy a load of salt that had come ashore after a steamer ran aground. He also comments that Swanton has furnished its quota of troops but he is disappointed that the bounties were so high, and feels that the bounty system is unfair to the soldiers already serving. Show less
Topics include the march to camp in Brattleboro, having very good tents that helped keep the overnight rain from getting him wet and hopes to be home in about a week.
Topics include the food served in camp was plentiful and good, tent set up to be comfortable, health is good, the distribution of clothing among the men, Col. Stannard expected in camp, mentions plans to return home and the expected arrival of a few more companies at Brattleboro.
Barney writes of moving to a new location facing the dismal swamp, and of being called to arms in the middle of the night. As well, he describes how he disciplined a soldier who had been “saucy.” He also writes of hearing cannonading in the distance, near where they were camped the night before,... Show moreBarney writes of moving to a new location facing the dismal swamp, and of being called to arms in the middle of the night. As well, he describes how he disciplined a soldier who had been “saucy.” He also writes of hearing cannonading in the distance, near where they were camped the night before, and of rumors that a pontoon bridge had been built across the river there by Union soldiers. Show less
Topics include receiving family photographs, his displeasure with General Order 145, which allowed enlistment by volunteer soldiers in the regular army, how it affected discipline, Col. Andross resigning his office because of it, 65th waiting for their arms to be manufactured so they can move out.
Barney writes of becoming weak from diarrhea and being advised to go to the Chesapeake Hospital after the Regiment had moved to Yorktown. He reassures his wife that he is recovering and that the hospital is magnificent. He also writes that the news from Pennsylvania is not good. Mentions Hooker... Show moreBarney writes of becoming weak from diarrhea and being advised to go to the Chesapeake Hospital after the Regiment had moved to Yorktown. He reassures his wife that he is recovering and that the hospital is magnificent. He also writes that the news from Pennsylvania is not good. Mentions Hooker and Little Mac and then gives orders about placing the state pay of some of his men in the Union Bank. Show less
Topics include the continued improvement of Barney’s health from jaundice though his appetite is low and his skin itches, of foods he regularly eats, the sickness of Sergeant Whitmore with typhoid fever, and the deaths in the regiment including Chas Crook.
While in transport Barney writes of heading for Chicago along with others as prisoners, states he had a good breakfast that included much relished butter, speculates they are being moved West as it is cheaper than keeping them East, thinks they will not be exchanged any time soon, feels... Show moreWhile in transport Barney writes of heading for Chicago along with others as prisoners, states he had a good breakfast that included much relished butter, speculates they are being moved West as it is cheaper than keeping them East, thinks they will not be exchanged any time soon, feels humiliated to be sold but proud of having done his duty. States the arrest of all the officers in the brigade except Colonel Stannard who has taken command. Mentions photographs he is sending home. Show less
Topics include guarding Barber’s Cross Roads while the railroad tracks being taken up and transported to Suffolk. While there, his staying at the house of a Mr. Ely, a known secessionist, had difficulty restraining his troops from damaging the property that included setting fire to the Ely barn... Show moreTopics include guarding Barber’s Cross Roads while the railroad tracks being taken up and transported to Suffolk. While there, his staying at the house of a Mr. Ely, a known secessionist, had difficulty restraining his troops from damaging the property that included setting fire to the Ely barn and tarring their wagon even though Mr. Ely is respectful to the Union troops. Writes of being surprised at the resignation of Colonel [Dudley Kimball] Andross and being disturbed by the turnover in the Regiment’s leadership. Show less
Barney writes that his health has improved, there are 130 men on the sick list but little death. He also allays his wife’s fear that he is drinking, assures her that the officers of the 9th are not drinking men, that he is still in charge of the regiment as Col. Ripley is still on the examining... Show moreBarney writes that his health has improved, there are 130 men on the sick list but little death. He also allays his wife’s fear that he is drinking, assures her that the officers of the 9th are not drinking men, that he is still in charge of the regiment as Col. Ripley is still on the examining board, of being hungry for milk & hopes Maria will get a barn. Show less
In camp in North Carolina, topics include receiving letters from home that had been delayed due to the move from Yorktown, Virginia ; Maria upset because other soldiers getting to go home but not Barney, the dullness of camp life, going on buggy rides, his filly Madam and the wildlife that visits... Show moreIn camp in North Carolina, topics include receiving letters from home that had been delayed due to the move from Yorktown, Virginia ; Maria upset because other soldiers getting to go home but not Barney, the dullness of camp life, going on buggy rides, his filly Madam and the wildlife that visits the camp, which the soldiers aren’t allowed to shoot and hearing Gen. Meade's advance and capture of about 2000 prisoners. Show less
Barney writes of the men repairing the barracks in preparation for the winter, and of having a photograph taken of his horse. He also writes of food for breakfast, getting a firkin (56 lbs.) of butter of acquiring a cow for the field and staff officers’ mess and of hearing from Major Jarvis who... Show moreBarney writes of the men repairing the barracks in preparation for the winter, and of having a photograph taken of his horse. He also writes of food for breakfast, getting a firkin (56 lbs.) of butter of acquiring a cow for the field and staff officers’ mess and of hearing from Major Jarvis who will be traveling to Brattleboro shortly. Show less
Barney writes that he could not join the planned hunt since at least one officer has to remain behind to command the regiment. He writes of selling his horse, named Old Frank, to a local man (Mr. Bell) for $250 and thinking that he will send for a horse from Vermont, as he wants one that is a... Show moreBarney writes that he could not join the planned hunt since at least one officer has to remain behind to command the regiment. He writes of selling his horse, named Old Frank, to a local man (Mr. Bell) for $250 and thinking that he will send for a horse from Vermont, as he wants one that is a little better than any in the regiment. Show less
Writes of moving camp again to along the Nansemond River (tributary of the James River), lack of sleep due to being on picket duty, coming under fire by enemy sharpshooters. He continues the letter by describing coming into the new camp after picket duty and being roused from sleep to prepare for... Show moreWrites of moving camp again to along the Nansemond River (tributary of the James River), lack of sleep due to being on picket duty, coming under fire by enemy sharpshooters. He continues the letter by describing coming into the new camp after picket duty and being roused from sleep to prepare for another march because the enemy has crossed the river. Show less
Topics include working on building forts, his surprise at the resignation of Colonel Stowell, that he was finally able to send his box back to Vermont, and mentions photographs for his album at home. He also refers to the wedding of Silas L. Griffith and Libby M. Staples on May 20th in Danby,... Show moreTopics include working on building forts, his surprise at the resignation of Colonel Stowell, that he was finally able to send his box back to Vermont, and mentions photographs for his album at home. He also refers to the wedding of Silas L. Griffith and Libby M. Staples on May 20th in Danby, Vermont. Show less
Topics include a visit to Norfolk, Virginia, where he met his brother, Lester (Rufus Lester Barney), his return to the Regiment by boat, and an aborted movement of the Regiment to Portsmouth, Virginia. He also mentions the large number of sick in the Regiment, the arrival of a colored regiment to... Show moreTopics include a visit to Norfolk, Virginia, where he met his brother, Lester (Rufus Lester Barney), his return to the Regiment by boat, and an aborted movement of the Regiment to Portsmouth, Virginia. He also mentions the large number of sick in the Regiment, the arrival of a colored regiment to help stand guard, though he doubts their capability, taking a horse back ride through the Negro regiment and Jewettville. Show less
Topics include the execution of many deserters via orders of Gen Hooker, small pox at Camp Douglas with Barney taking the vaccine against the disease, celebrating George Washington’s birthday, rebels taking the oath of allegiance, the passage of the draft bill with an expectation that many will... Show moreTopics include the execution of many deserters via orders of Gen Hooker, small pox at Camp Douglas with Barney taking the vaccine against the disease, celebrating George Washington’s birthday, rebels taking the oath of allegiance, the passage of the draft bill with an expectation that many will leave for Canada. Show less
