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(1 - 17 of 17)
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- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
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Regiment moving into the Rebel fort at Yorktown and of being ordered to evict the 179th Pennsylvania Regiment from the barracks. He also writes of promotions in his former company, and of buying a splendid horse for $225. He comments on the expense of getting “rigged out” as a lieutenant colonel.
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- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Barney writes that the Brigade will be doing garrison duty, and that he was Brigade officer of the day. He also writes that the field officers live very well but that it is costly, and that the bathing is good there. Writes of sending a book to Fred, & a souvenir, a percussion tube used to fire...
Show moreBarney writes that the Brigade will be doing garrison duty, and that he was Brigade officer of the day. He also writes that the field officers live very well but that it is costly, and that the bathing is good there. Writes of sending a book to Fred, & a souvenir, a percussion tube used to fire heavy guns, and warns his wife not to pull hard on the wire, in case it goes off. Hopes "to hear of Lee's destruction today."
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- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Barney writes that the Regiment has still not moved and he is very anxious that they do so, though the sickness in the Regiment is abating a little. Mentions several names of men (Col. [James Wolfe] Ripley, H. Meigs, Sartwell, Dr. Carpenter & Bellrose). He also writes of the arrival of another...
Show moreBarney writes that the Regiment has still not moved and he is very anxious that they do so, though the sickness in the Regiment is abating a little. Mentions several names of men (Col. [James Wolfe] Ripley, H. Meigs, Sartwell, Dr. Carpenter & Bellrose). He also writes of the arrival of another colored regiment and of the efforts of General William F. “Baldy” Smith in getting the Regiment moved. As well he writes of target shooting with his brother Lester and some of the other officers and nearly shooting himself in the leg while reloading.
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- Title
- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Laments of trying to write the letter with other officers having a conversation around him, of the heat which curtails his exercise, and of having a photograph taken of his dark bay horse, Frank, and his contraband boy, both of whom he hopes to take back to Swanton as well as a little white dog...
Show moreLaments of trying to write the letter with other officers having a conversation around him, of the heat which curtails his exercise, and of having a photograph taken of his dark bay horse, Frank, and his contraband boy, both of whom he hopes to take back to Swanton as well as a little white dog for his children Carrie and Fred. He also writes of “Jewettville,” the negro contraband village, named after Lt. Jewett also known as Slabtown.
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- Title
- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Two letters enclosed. Gives detailed account of his duties as officer of the day, details on camp life including cleaning the sinks (latrines), of some of the sight-seeing he has done and hopes to do in the area of Yorktown, of sickness in the camp, of rain and lightening that killed one horse &...
Show moreTwo letters enclosed. Gives detailed account of his duties as officer of the day, details on camp life including cleaning the sinks (latrines), of some of the sight-seeing he has done and hopes to do in the area of Yorktown, of sickness in the camp, of rain and lightening that killed one horse & injured several others. As well, he complains of Vermont towns that pay $300 rather than send anyone who has been drafted, compares them to the rebels. Requests photographs of the children Fred and Carrie.
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- Title
- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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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.
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- Title
- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Brief letter notifying his wife, Maria, that the Regiment is moving to New Bern, North Carolina, and his brother, Lester, will be returning to Vermont, perhaps traveling as a nurse with the Vermont soldiers from the hospital at Fort Monroe.
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- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Writes of excessive heat, mosquitoes, responds to his wife’s complaint that he doesn’t write enough letters to her ; mentions several individuals (Capt Reynolds of Gen Wistar's staff, Qr Master Sawyer and Gen. Stannard) ; writes about how being absent from his family has led him to appreciate...
Show moreWrites of excessive heat, mosquitoes, responds to his wife’s complaint that he doesn’t write enough letters to her ; mentions several individuals (Capt Reynolds of Gen Wistar's staff, Qr Master Sawyer and Gen. Stannard) ; writes about how being absent from his family has led him to appreciate family life more dearly, suggests the idea of bringing home a "contraband" (i.e. a young person about 12 to 15 years old), again asks for photographs of the children, Fred and Carrie.
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- Title
- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Barney writes of having only 83 men on duty due to sickness, and that he is currently in command of the fort, though General Wistar would be returning soon after a raid on guerillas. He also comments on the lack of experience of the colored regiment. The rest of the letter contains comments and...
Show moreBarney writes of having only 83 men on duty due to sickness, and that he is currently in command of the fort, though General Wistar would be returning soon after a raid on guerillas. He also comments on the lack of experience of the colored regiment. The rest of the letter contains comments and questions about life at home in Swanton.
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- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Duty as judge in trying criminals in the Regiment, his interest in receiving news about Swanton residents who were conscripted (drafted), his amusement over the possible identities of some of the conscripts, & the cost of keeping up appearances (being outfitted). He comments that he & the Colonel...
Show moreDuty as judge in trying criminals in the Regiment, his interest in receiving news about Swanton residents who were conscripted (drafted), his amusement over the possible identities of some of the conscripts, & the cost of keeping up appearances (being outfitted). He comments that he & the Colonel get along amicably and that some of the officers will be returning to Vermont to bring back the conscripts (draftees) that have been assigned to the Regiment.
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- Title
- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Brief letter informing his wife that the Regiment has not yet moved, though there was a second order to board a steamer that was again countermanded. He also writes that he is expecting his box of clothing, which he needs, as his current shirts are too small.
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- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Barney writes of sickness in the Regiment, and of six deaths, one of whom was shot by a negro soldier. He also writes of hiring a new negro servant, as his old servant had “too much white blood in him.”
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- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Barney writes of the monotony of camp life in the fort and his wish for more action. Reflects on how the Rebels must see the hopelessness of their cause, mentions wishing to go to Charlestown, Va to help win the city and of the weather is getting cooler, but the many men still sick. Is glad Maria...
Show moreBarney writes of the monotony of camp life in the fort and his wish for more action. Reflects on how the Rebels must see the hopelessness of their cause, mentions wishing to go to Charlestown, Va to help win the city and of the weather is getting cooler, but the many men still sick. Is glad Maria is enjoying the outdoor excursions of fishing and riding.
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- Title
- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Very short letter in which Barney lists all his activities, including sitting on the examining board, holding a court martial, commanding the Regiment and being complimented by the Officer of the Day on the cleanliness of the camp.
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- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Barney writes of imagining himself at home with his family, and of fixing up the camp barracks for winter with comfortable living quarters. He thanks his wife for sending him slippers and asks for cloth, shirts, towels and socks to be sent to him.
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- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Topics include receiving news from home from Lieutenant Jewett, inquiring into what newspapers his wife is reading and whether she has had work done on building a barn. Writes winter barracks continue to be worked on. He also wishes to have photographs of his children sent to him, preferably in...
Show moreTopics include receiving news from home from Lieutenant Jewett, inquiring into what newspapers his wife is reading and whether she has had work done on building a barn. Writes winter barracks continue to be worked on. He also wishes to have photographs of his children sent to him, preferably in their every day clothing.
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- Title
- Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
- Description
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Letter is short because Barney in command of the Regiment and many duties, including signing passes for each Company. Writes that Colonel Ripley is sitting on an examining board which examines the competency of officers sent before it. No Vermont officers will be examined. Writes of keeping the...
Show moreLetter is short because Barney in command of the Regiment and many duties, including signing passes for each Company. Writes that Colonel Ripley is sitting on an examining board which examines the competency of officers sent before it. No Vermont officers will be examined. Writes of keeping the camp clean to try and avoid sickness with the help of a mule and cart to remove debris daily. .
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