September 29, 1861 from Camp Advance, Virginia. Writes of Second Vermont ordered out, casualties due to troop confusion and friendly fire, Munsons Hill, picket duty.
Short letter written in the early morning hours describing being surrounded by the Rebels, a raid on the railroad with tracks being torn up, the arrival of reinforcements from Washington, D.C., feels he will sleep well tonight.
Letter discusses the movement of the troops towards the Rappahannock River on the repaired railroad, and his opinion of where winter quarters will be. He mentions his sister, Delia, who is married to a Southerner, and his desire for his wife to write her, since he feels it is imprudent for him to... Show moreLetter discusses the movement of the troops towards the Rappahannock River on the repaired railroad, and his opinion of where winter quarters will be. He mentions his sister, Delia, who is married to a Southerner, and his desire for his wife to write her, since he feels it is imprudent for him to send her a letter at this time, will write her after he gets home. Show less
The last two pages of a letter written on February 19 containing more plans for Mary Jane Henry’s visit to the 10th Vermont camp near Brandy Station. Henry describes a horse he has bought for his wife’s visit that is a ladies horse and can do tricks. He bought it from Mr. Offutt of Offutt’s Cross... Show moreThe last two pages of a letter written on February 19 containing more plans for Mary Jane Henry’s visit to the 10th Vermont camp near Brandy Station. Henry describes a horse he has bought for his wife’s visit that is a ladies horse and can do tricks. He bought it from Mr. Offutt of Offutt’s Cross Roads and it belonged to his daughter, who was upset that he sold it. Show less
Letter discusses the destruction of the railroad by rebel troops, the location of the Army of the Potomac and how it is being supplied ; the activities of the men as they make winter camp, in addition to the hopes that the efforts won't be wasted. He also writes of the “lucky Tenth,” since none... Show moreLetter discusses the destruction of the railroad by rebel troops, the location of the Army of the Potomac and how it is being supplied ; the activities of the men as they make winter camp, in addition to the hopes that the efforts won't be wasted. He also writes of the “lucky Tenth,” since none who stayed with the regiment have been wounded or killed. Show less
Very brief note with Henry stating that the soldiers are under marching orders and have been ordered to take the train to Washington D.C. and that possibly they will be ordered to follow the Confederate forces towards Culpeper, Virginia.
Writes from headquarters at White Ford of the weather, the need to inspect the regiment "Conrad's Ferry", a good dinner put on by the officers of the “Left wing” of the Regiment, gifts given to Henry by Company H, news of Waterbury men in the Regiment, and his hopes in getting leave to return to... Show moreWrites from headquarters at White Ford of the weather, the need to inspect the regiment "Conrad's Ferry", a good dinner put on by the officers of the “Left wing” of the Regiment, gifts given to Henry by Company H, news of Waterbury men in the Regiment, and his hopes in getting leave to return to Vermont. Show less
Still at Camp Griffin, Va. topics include a love letter to William Henry's wife, the expected discharge of Ned Wells, of himself heading for home even if Wells is not discharged.
Two letters included (Oct 19 and Oct 21). Writes of the possibility of the officers bring their wives to visit when the regiment goes into winter camp, being part of a new brigade, his name being submitted to fill the vacant Lieutenant Colonel’s position, glad to receive the daily journal from home.
The death a soldier due to disease, George Crossett, from Co B. Soldier's father was with him and will take the body to Washington & then return home, the effect it is having on the rest of the men.
Henry writes that the weather has been stormy and the mud has returned, since his wife left camp, and that he has a sore throat and misses her. Reference to Capt Dillingham & Lt Thompson and to Colonel Jewett deciding not to resign at present, but may change his mind soon.
Letter discusses his visit home, his desire to stay, but that his duty to his country prevents him from doing so. He also writes of the possible promotion of Col Albert B.Jewett to Brigadier General, and his desire for his daughter to be taught to sing.
Writes about the health of his children and God's will, anxious when receiving dispatches that the enemy is near, alerting the picket guards to be more alert, hearing many prisoners taken by the Rebels at Fairfax, wishes for more letters from home, is concerned for guards standing in the dark... Show moreWrites about the health of his children and God's will, anxious when receiving dispatches that the enemy is near, alerting the picket guards to be more alert, hearing many prisoners taken by the Rebels at Fairfax, wishes for more letters from home, is concerned for guards standing in the dark with cold rain, reflects on when the war will end. Show less
Misses his children, worries that his son Ferdie’s fits (Ferdinand Sherman Henry, born 1862) might have affected his intellect. Glad Mary Jane is horseback riding, reflects on losing precious time with family, wants his father-in-law (Lyman Beebe) to purchase sheep for him, since he feels they... Show moreMisses his children, worries that his son Ferdie’s fits (Ferdinand Sherman Henry, born 1862) might have affected his intellect. Glad Mary Jane is horseback riding, reflects on losing precious time with family, wants his father-in-law (Lyman Beebe) to purchase sheep for him, since he feels they are a good speculation. Show less
Two letters dated Oct 26 and Oct 28, asking his wife not to be depressed over him being gone, who his mess mates are (Col. Jewett, Surgeon Willard Augustus Childe, Dr. Joseph Chase Rutherford, Almon Clark, Quartermaster A. B. Valentine, Sutler Reed Bascom & Sutler George Skiff), having a kitchen... Show moreTwo letters dated Oct 26 and Oct 28, asking his wife not to be depressed over him being gone, who his mess mates are (Col. Jewett, Surgeon Willard Augustus Childe, Dr. Joseph Chase Rutherford, Almon Clark, Quartermaster A. B. Valentine, Sutler Reed Bascom & Sutler George Skiff), having a kitchen and dinning room in his current log cabin, having a stewed rabbit for dinner, and family matters. Show less
Letter discusses the returned health of their son, possible plans for his family to come and stay with him in camp, and his uncertainty over what he might do when the war is over.
Letter discusses the increased frequency of mail after been marching, newspaper reports of Copperheads in Vermont, the possibility of moving to a different location, command of the Regiment in addition to rumors about the possibility of getting a new commanding General, pride of the regiment with... Show moreLetter discusses the increased frequency of mail after been marching, newspaper reports of Copperheads in Vermont, the possibility of moving to a different location, command of the Regiment in addition to rumors about the possibility of getting a new commanding General, pride of the regiment with praise from Gen. Morris, and the difficulty of obtaining a leave of absence while being part of the Army of the Potomac. Show less
A brief letter stating that Henry is now in command of the 10th Vermont, that it is raining, and that he hopes the river at White Ford will rise to make it easier to guard.
A brief letter mentioning receiving letters from home, that he is in good health, states that folks back home get more regular news updates than he does.
