Writes of receiving a welcomed letter from his mother making him feel as if he is at home with her in a conversation. Some of the men from the hospital are going out to gather chestnuts, he is not able to go as he is confined at the hospital due to wounds. States he suffers from diarrhea from... Show moreWrites of receiving a welcomed letter from his mother making him feel as if he is at home with her in a conversation. Some of the men from the hospital are going out to gather chestnuts, he is not able to go as he is confined at the hospital due to wounds. States he suffers from diarrhea from time to time. Speaks of food available (meat, bread, milk, apples). Show less
Topics include D.K. Andross and J.C. Stearns, Lt. Col. Stowell resigning, visit to Fairfax Street hospital in Alexandria, Va. to see sick soldiers, men receiving good medical care, Mrs. Stannard with the General, the nice weather, and roses & laurels in bloom.
Farnham writes from nearby Hunting Creek, Virginia at the headquarters of the 12th Vermont Volunteers about the cold weather in the South, eleven sick in the hospital, two of which had shot themselves. Reference made to Gen. McClellan being superseded by Gen. Burnside.
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
Barney writes of continuing to gain strength, though not as quickly as he hoped; plans to buy a horse; excited at the news of his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel.
While in the Chesapeake Hospital near Fort Monroe, Virginia he writes of what to do with the money sent home by soldiers in his company, his belief that his illness stems from inadequately cooked food and offering advice to his wife about her own cooking. Can not find a horse to purchase.... Show moreWhile in the Chesapeake Hospital near Fort Monroe, Virginia he writes of what to do with the money sent home by soldiers in his company, his belief that his illness stems from inadequately cooked food and offering advice to his wife about her own cooking. Can not find a horse to purchase. Mentions the 4th of July preparations and reading Lanmere by Vermonter Julia Caroline Ripley Dorr. Show less
Topics include the arrival of a package from home that included much needed boots, hospital care by Southern women to southern soldiers far better than to the Union men hospitalized, the men of Virginia who are afraid to support the Union cause openly for fear it will fail, drunkenness among the... Show moreTopics include the arrival of a package from home that included much needed boots, hospital care by Southern women to southern soldiers far better than to the Union men hospitalized, the men of Virginia who are afraid to support the Union cause openly for fear it will fail, drunkenness among the soldiers, reference to Lamondy (or La'Mondy) death, the deaths in the regiment since leaving Clouds Mills, receives newspapers. Show less
Barney writes from the hospital that he is getting better and he has heard that his brother, Colonel Elisha Barney, has the same complaint. He also writes that he has sent his trunk home and that the view from his window shows the “Hampton Roads” with ships laying at anchor.
Topics include moving to camp near the Chickahominy, anticipation of a battle at Richmond, the capture of Fort Darling, a description of the Battle of Fair Oaks, and the death of Charles Bancroft. Use of hot air balloons in reconnaissance is mentioned, as is the observation that many plantations... Show moreTopics include moving to camp near the Chickahominy, anticipation of a battle at Richmond, the capture of Fort Darling, a description of the Battle of Fair Oaks, and the death of Charles Bancroft. Use of hot air balloons in reconnaissance is mentioned, as is the observation that many plantations are deserted by their owners and run by slaves, Gen. McClellan threatened to turn every "White House" (plantation) into a hospital. Show less
Topics include a favorable description of Columbia College Hospital in Washington, D.C. and its surgeons, his praise of General McClellan and his command, and the sickness of Colonel Hyde.
Henry writes that his hand is getting better and he hopes to return to his command in a couple of days. The army is currently resting, though there are rumors that the cavalry and gun boats will be going into action soon. He also writes that the army has confidence in Grant and Mead and that the... Show moreHenry writes that his hand is getting better and he hopes to return to his command in a couple of days. The army is currently resting, though there are rumors that the cavalry and gun boats will be going into action soon. He also writes that the army has confidence in Grant and Mead and that the loss of the railroad will hurt the Confederates, since they have a large army to feed and many civilians have fled to Richmond and Petersburg. As well, Henry writes of how much he misses his wife and how angry he is with Dr. Child for not authorizing leave. He also writes of having to put down the young horse he bought for his wife to ride because it caught glanders. Show less
Henry writes that he is getting along well and that Captain Dillingham and Lieutenant Thompson are both at the Hospital with him. They are all staying with Assistant Surgeon Dr. Rutherford and the Chaplain, Edwin M. Haynes. As well, Henry writes that because of his experience in the Hospital, he... Show moreHenry writes that he is getting along well and that Captain Dillingham and Lieutenant Thompson are both at the Hospital with him. They are all staying with Assistant Surgeon Dr. Rutherford and the Chaplain, Edwin M. Haynes. As well, Henry writes that because of his experience in the Hospital, he now has a greater appreciation of the Sanitary Commission and the Christian Commission, and he asks his wife to give the Sanitary Commission a ten dollar donation. Show less
Henry writes during a lull in the Battle of Cold Harbor that he has been wounded and a finger amputated, and that he will be in the Division Hospital for around three weeks, until he can wield a saber again. He then writes movingly about the death of Captain Edwin B. Frost, lists the names of... Show moreHenry writes during a lull in the Battle of Cold Harbor that he has been wounded and a finger amputated, and that he will be in the Division Hospital for around three weeks, until he can wield a saber again. He then writes movingly about the death of Captain Edwin B. Frost, lists the names of some of the wounded and makes reference to Gen. Grant to lay siege to Richmond, Va. The letter was dictated to Lieutenant George P. Welch. Show less
Henry writes that he is sorry for not writing sooner, but the Hospital was moved and his hand was so bad he thought he might lose it. It is better now and he hopes to be back with the Regiment in a few days. He also writes that the best account of the Battle of Cold Harbor is in the “Tribune” and... Show moreHenry writes that he is sorry for not writing sooner, but the Hospital was moved and his hand was so bad he thought he might lose it. It is better now and he hopes to be back with the Regiment in a few days. He also writes that the best account of the Battle of Cold Harbor is in the “Tribune” and to ignore the papers that reported his death or that he was wounded in the head. Show less
Henry writes that he has had to return to the hospital because he tore up the wound on his hand during a grand charge made by the 10th Vermont the day before. He complains that he and everyone else are very tired because of all the marching and charging they have had to do in such hot weather. He... Show moreHenry writes that he has had to return to the hospital because he tore up the wound on his hand during a grand charge made by the 10th Vermont the day before. He complains that he and everyone else are very tired because of all the marching and charging they have had to do in such hot weather. He also writes that the 10th Vermont has been given a good position on the left side of the line and hasn’t seen as much hard fighting as the other regiments. Show less
Writes from Camp Butler, Newport News, Virginia. Topics include a report of the hospital and a list of names of the sick men and names of the steward and attendants. Mentions Fort Monroe, the unsanitary conditions of the hospital, how the sick men have been neglected by the steward and attendants.
