Topics include descriptions of George W. Quimby’s superior officers, plus an incident that led to the arrest of a commanding officer, who was later exonerated.
Topics include the terrible weather at Camp Griffin, Va. and the numerous deaths from sicknesses such as Typhoid Fever. "Smith's Division" refers to the Vt. 5th Infantry Regiment under the command of Gen. William F. "Baldy" Smith.
Topics include the rebels being strongly fortified at Lee's Mill, the preparations for a hard battle (the month-long siege of Yorktown), and Merrill's sickness. Detailed description of some dead and wounded soldiers.
Dr. Almon Clark returns to camp & will lighten Rutherford's work load & help improve his health, dining with Vermont Governor J. Gregory Smith, telling of troop movements & destinations, improving weather, sending money home with instructions to spend it on necessities as military pay is... Show moreDr. Almon Clark returns to camp & will lighten Rutherford's work load & help improve his health, dining with Vermont Governor J. Gregory Smith, telling of troop movements & destinations, improving weather, sending money home with instructions to spend it on necessities as military pay is unpredictable, and an enclosing picture of the camp. Show less
Topics include preparations to take the field for up to seven days, reflections on what living conditions might be light, what items are being taken, sending music home (Sitting on the Style & Dear Mother, I’ll come home again)
Writing a illustrated letter head stationery in an abandoned home, Spafford writes of guarding the Kettle Run Bridge in Virginia, a brief description of the deserted and burned homes between Manassas Junction and Warrenton Junction, using an old wind mill as a look out tower, the building of... Show moreWriting a illustrated letter head stationery in an abandoned home, Spafford writes of guarding the Kettle Run Bridge in Virginia, a brief description of the deserted and burned homes between Manassas Junction and Warrenton Junction, using an old wind mill as a look out tower, the building of block houses for the men allowing them to shoot in all directions, being able to get milk and eggs, having stray dogs stealing fresh beef from the soldiers, inquiries about the draft in Vermont and talk among the men due to be released from the army. Show less
Still writing from the Mansion House Hospital, topics include listening to the rattling of the soldiers' swords as they pass on the sidewalk outside the hospital, commenting on the number of regiments going down the river, and news of home.
Topics include a train crash, confiscating rebel property including horses, cattle, sheep and mules. Writes of having plenty of food on their travel back to camp including dining on lamb. Provided a meal at an old planters house. Mentions Negroes (slaves) and 1500 Blacks at camp, sending troops... Show moreTopics include a train crash, confiscating rebel property including horses, cattle, sheep and mules. Writes of having plenty of food on their travel back to camp including dining on lamb. Provided a meal at an old planters house. Mentions Negroes (slaves) and 1500 Blacks at camp, sending troops to Gen. Phelps, the expectation of getting paid, rebels killed in an encounter with the enemy. Show less
Writing to his mother, topics include marching orders to go up the railroad, waiting for a regiment of contrabands from the other side of the river to lead the way on their march, receiving his military pay, and giving his best wishes to his mother.
Lyman Barton writes a detailed description of the capture of the Confederate battery at Hill’s Point on May 19, 1863, when his company and six others from the 8th Connecticut Infantry Regiment and eight companies of the 89th New York Infantry Regiment boarded the U.S.S. Stepping Stones and... Show moreLyman Barton writes a detailed description of the capture of the Confederate battery at Hill’s Point on May 19, 1863, when his company and six others from the 8th Connecticut Infantry Regiment and eight companies of the 89th New York Infantry Regiment boarded the U.S.S. Stepping Stones and traveled up the Nansemond River to assault the rifle pits and fort. Show less
Writing seven miles from Richmond, Virginia topics include the mention of the Chickahominy River, a prediction of a battle and a description of skirmishes.
Writing from Newport News (Virginia?) topics include the journey from Alexandria to his new camp, mentions the destruction of Hampton, Va. by the Confederates, the "concentration of troops" for the possible purpose of advancing into Va. and the inefficiency of the Quarter Master resulting in the... Show moreWriting from Newport News (Virginia?) topics include the journey from Alexandria to his new camp, mentions the destruction of Hampton, Va. by the Confederates, the "concentration of troops" for the possible purpose of advancing into Va. and the inefficiency of the Quarter Master resulting in the soldiers going hungry for a week. He makes reference to passing gun boats, gives a brief description and impression of the "renowned" Monitor (Ironclad) and Fort Monroe. Show less
Towle's regiment pursues the Rebels after finding their hasty departure from their camps. The men marched to the enemy's strong holds at Williamsburg, Virginia including Fort Magruder and a battle was fought. Killed and wounded reported. Soldiers had to endure heavy rain and muddy conditions.... Show moreTowle's regiment pursues the Rebels after finding their hasty departure from their camps. The men marched to the enemy's strong holds at Williamsburg, Virginia including Fort Magruder and a battle was fought. Killed and wounded reported. Soldiers had to endure heavy rain and muddy conditions. Some men did reconnaissance. Show less
Writing from camp near Fairfax, Virginia to Brig. Gen. Stoughton this report includes placement of various troops including the 12th Vt. Vol. Militia regiment moving to the stone bridge, the passing of two bodies of cavalry, and a picket in the rear to look out for rebels.
Farnham writes from Camp Vermont near Fairfax Court House, Va. to his sister, Laura, of rebel threatening, of military action with the rebels, of Col. Stoughton's entry into the rebel camp, of wife Mary's reaction to gunfire, of Jackson and his 12,000 men on the march maybe to Harper's Ferry.
A reconnaissance in force made by General [Michael] Corcoran, while Barney was part of the reserve left behind. Writes of rifle pits, his lack of sleep, being part of a labor party building a fort, of the area’s fortifications, of a sharpshooter who kept firing at his company until driven off by... Show moreA reconnaissance in force made by General [Michael] Corcoran, while Barney was part of the reserve left behind. Writes of rifle pits, his lack of sleep, being part of a labor party building a fort, of the area’s fortifications, of a sharpshooter who kept firing at his company until driven off by a 12 pounder shot, of prisoners taken, casualties, mud and sending money home. Show less
Topics include movement of the Army to Clouds Mills in a rainstorm, impossibility of getting to the enemy via land, presence of fortifications at Manassas, observations about McClellan, and reminiscences of good times spent with his wife.
Letter written in the field discusses marching, the movement of the Army of the Potomac to the Rapidan River in the hope that there will be some form of action soon, Henry in new camp near Culpeper, Virginia, on the Pike to Sulphur Springs, possible move to Gordonsville where it is believed Lee's... Show moreLetter written in the field discusses marching, the movement of the Army of the Potomac to the Rapidan River in the hope that there will be some form of action soon, Henry in new camp near Culpeper, Virginia, on the Pike to Sulphur Springs, possible move to Gordonsville where it is believed Lee's army is, the sickness of several members of Company B, receiving military pay. Show less
Letter written to Colonel Henry by two of his officers, Lieutenant Daniel Foster and Captain Henry H. Dewey, giving him news of the 10th Regiment while Henry is home on sick leave. Includes names of men sick, military drill daily schedules, 2nd Division out on reconnaissance with some fighting
