Lyman Barton writes of his travels from Fredericksburg to Newport News via a steamer, and then on to Suffolk. While at Newport News he saw a monitor and the U.S.S. Galena, as well as the wrecks of the U.S.S. Merrimack (C.S.S. Virginia) and the U.S.S. Cumberland and U.S.S. Congress. He also... Show moreLyman Barton writes of his travels from Fredericksburg to Newport News via a steamer, and then on to Suffolk. While at Newport News he saw a monitor and the U.S.S. Galena, as well as the wrecks of the U.S.S. Merrimack (C.S.S. Virginia) and the U.S.S. Cumberland and U.S.S. Congress. He also comments on the lack of alcohol available to the troops and that while he is not a drinker, he is “as bad can be” and that it is “hard spoiling a rotten egg.” Show less
Topics include his arrival at the Newport barracks after leaving the steamer Maple Leaf, the news that Colonel [James Wolfe] Ripley was in command of the post, and settling the men in barracks. He also comments on the poverty of the area, that wild game is plentiful, that hunting game may be the... Show moreTopics include his arrival at the Newport barracks after leaving the steamer Maple Leaf, the news that Colonel [James Wolfe] Ripley was in command of the post, and settling the men in barracks. He also comments on the poverty of the area, that wild game is plentiful, that hunting game may be the only amusement & how to direct letters through the mail. Show less
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
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 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
Barney writes of gifts given to his wife, Maria, and daughter Carrie by his cousin, Silas L. Griffith of Danby, and also of his attempt to buy a horse in Vermont from George but $300 asking price too high. He also writes of a storm that blew down the Chaplain’s tent, how the officers’ winter... Show moreBarney writes of gifts given to his wife, Maria, and daughter Carrie by his cousin, Silas L. Griffith of Danby, and also of his attempt to buy a horse in Vermont from George but $300 asking price too high. He also writes of a storm that blew down the Chaplain’s tent, how the officers’ winter quarters are progressing & eating well with food available. Show less
Barney writes of wishing his wife happy birthday, commenting on how much older he looks now, of his happiness at receiving the box containing larger shirts, of his appreciation at receiving a “love letter” tucked in one of the pockets and writes of the rumor of the fall of Charlestown.
Barney writes that he is not in his house (winter quarters) yet, but hopes to be shortly, as the weather is getting colder. He also writes that he has a new “Darkey” servant named John Franklin, as the last man had a wife in Yorktown and didn’t want to stay at Newport Barracks. Wants a pair of... Show moreBarney writes that he is not in his house (winter quarters) yet, but hopes to be shortly, as the weather is getting colder. He also writes that he has a new “Darkey” servant named John Franklin, as the last man had a wife in Yorktown and didn’t want to stay at Newport Barracks. Wants a pair of boots made by D. Heher and asks if the $200 sent to Maria is received. Show less
Barney writes of the death of Major [Charles] Jarvis, shot in the abdomen when he attempted to capture some Rebels while he was out looking from stolen horses.
Barney writes of visiting Captain Kelley at “Bogue Sound” and of how the Regiment is gaining health, though many still have the “shakes.” He also asks after news of his brother, Colonel Elisha Barney thinking he is with Gen. Meade & in pursuit of Lee and how the recruiting is going in Swanton for... Show moreBarney writes of visiting Captain Kelley at “Bogue Sound” and of how the Regiment is gaining health, though many still have the “shakes.” He also asks after news of his brother, Colonel Elisha Barney thinking he is with Gen. Meade & in pursuit of Lee and how the recruiting is going in Swanton for the 9th Regiment. Show less
A short letter to let his wife know he has arrived in Morehead City, N.C., they are waiting for railroad cars to take them to the Newport barracks. He is writing while waiting for his breakfast with a dozen other men, also writing letters.
Topics include Barney taking a ride down the Beaufort road and seeing a painted house whose resident wishes to buy Barney's horse. He also writes strong advice to his wife to find someone else to milk the family’s cow, as he does not want her exerting herself so much. Mentions that a discharged... Show moreTopics include Barney taking a ride down the Beaufort road and seeing a painted house whose resident wishes to buy Barney's horse. He also writes strong advice to his wife to find someone else to milk the family’s cow, as he does not want her exerting herself so much. Mentions that a discharged Rebel soldier has just come into camp with information and wishes for fresh apples. Show less
In his letter Barney gives the location, a brief description of the area around Newport Barracks (also known as Shepardsville, Lucknow and Newport), camp life comfortable, mentions the arrival of a German musician in camp who entertained on a cithara.
Barney writes of his love for his wife, and comments on news from home. He gives his wife information on mail regulations and the cost of sending letters and other items. As well, he describes what the officers will be eating for Thanksgiving and comments that General Butler has aged since he... Show moreBarney writes of his love for his wife, and comments on news from home. He gives his wife information on mail regulations and the cost of sending letters and other items. As well, he describes what the officers will be eating for Thanksgiving and comments that General Butler has aged since he last saw him. Show less
Barney writes of visiting New Bern with Dr. Carpenter, and lists his purchases with the prices. He also writes of visiting all the pickets using a large carriage captured from a Secessionist. As well he responds to a question from his wife about his religious views.
Topics include receiving a photograph of his children, reading in a St Albans newspaper that his brother, Colonel Elisha Barney, is making recruiting speeches and feeling that he would not be as eloquent as his brother. He also mentions that Colonel Ripley has left camp with 75 men to recapture a... Show moreTopics include receiving a photograph of his children, reading in a St Albans newspaper that his brother, Colonel Elisha Barney, is making recruiting speeches and feeling that he would not be as eloquent as his brother. He also mentions that Colonel Ripley has left camp with 75 men to recapture a load of salt that was blown ashore. Show less
Topics include wishing he could come home on leave, noticing that his brother, Colonel Elisha Barney, was home on leave as seen in the Burlington Times, and naming the members of the recruiting party who were returning to Vermont and carrying Major [Charles] Jarvis’ body with them on the steamer.... Show moreTopics include wishing he could come home on leave, noticing that his brother, Colonel Elisha Barney, was home on leave as seen in the Burlington Times, and naming the members of the recruiting party who were returning to Vermont and carrying Major [Charles] Jarvis’ body with them on the steamer. As well he mentions visiting Beaufort, dining with the commander of the sub-district, of planning a hunting party, of sending money home with thoughts of maybe purchasing land. Show less
