Union Regiments by State

Vermont

Source: The Union Army, Vol. I. Madison, Wisconsin: Federal Publishing Company, 1908.

Military Affairs in Vermont
1861—65

The little State of Vermont established an enviable record for loyalty and unswerving devotion to the Union during the four years of civil strife. The story of what it did and suffered during this fateful period needs little embellishment by the historian to command the respect of all. It ranks high among the other loyal states, in proportion to population, in the number and quality of men furnished to the army, the splendid fighting qualities of its soldiers, and the material sacrifices made to prevent the disruption of the Union. It was ever ready throughout the struggle to aid the government with both men and treasure, and no state displayed a higher degree of patriotism. At the outbreak of the Civil war, Vermont was a small, rural commonwealth, devoid of any populous cities and almost stationary in population by reason of the constant stream of emigration to the West. In 1861 the total population was 315,098, and the total number of men subject to military duty was 60,719. Out of this number it sent to the war 10 men for every 100 of its population, and of the able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 45 years, every other man enlisted in the service of his country. By reason of the character of its population it furnished a greater proportion of native-born citizens than any other state, and in proportion to the number of men furnished, it gave to the Union more lives lost from all causes than any other loyal state. Pennsylvania sustained the greatest loss in killed of any state, its percentage being 7.1; Vermont ranks second with a loss of 6.8. The percentage of loss in the Union army, killed and mortally wounded, was 4.7, and it will thus be seen that Vermont troops saw their full share of the hard fighting. The first reconnoissance in force made by United States troops upon the soil of Virginia, was that of the 1st Vt., May 23, 1861. It is an interesting fact that the 2nd Vt. fired the last shot of the 6th army corps, April 6, 1865, at Sailor's creek, Virginia. The 1st Vt. brigade and the 10th regiment were among the first troops to enter Petersburg on the morning of its capture, April 3, 1861; and the same morning, Captain Abel E. Leavenworth, of the 9th Vt., assisted by Lieuts. Joel C. Baker and Burnham Cowdrey and a force of 120 men from the same regiment on the skirmish line, were the first organized troops to enter the Confederate capital of Richmond. In the final act of the bloody drama which took place at Appomattox Court House on the occasion of Lee's surrender, the 1st Vt. cavalry received and partly executed the last order given for a cavalry charge in the Army of the Potomac, when it received the order to halt, as a flag of truce announcing Lee's surrender had been displayed.

Vermont recorded its verdict on the momentous issues involved in the presidential election of 1860 in no uncertain manner, by giving President Lincoln a majority of 22,970 over the combined vote of Douglas, Breckenridge and Bell. The state election in September had resulted in an overwhelming majority for Erastus Fairbanks, of St. Johnsbury, the Republican candidate for governor. Governor Fairbanks was a successful business man, a citizen of substantial worth, and held the respect of all as an able and patriotic public servant. During the year 1861, the state was represented in the U. S. Senate by Solomon Foot and Jacob Collamer, who were honored by all as men of sterling worth and the purest patriotism. In the lower branch of Congress her representatives were Justin S. Morrill, Eliakim P. Walton and Homer E. Royce.

Despite the almost feverish activity displayed by the slaveholding states during the months and even the years preceding the outbreak of the war, Vermont, in common with the other loyal states, remained strangely blind to the seriousness of the situation. When the year 1861 began, practically nothing had been done by the people of Vermont in anticipation of actual war. Everywhere in the North, and especially in Washington, an optimistic view prevailed, and it was believed that the gathering storm of war would blow over. All open preparations and demonstrations designed to give armed support to the national government were even deprecated, lest such measures tend to widen the breach between the sections. Even after South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas had adopted formal ordinances of secession and withdrew their senators and representatives from Washington; when the Federal forts and arsenals had been garrisoned by Southern state militiamen; when a provisional Confederate government had been organized, few active steps were taken in the North to meet the threatened emergency. Many signs indicated, however, that the more far-seeing public men were at last beginning to appreciate the gravity of the situation. On January 5, 1861, Governor Fairbanks wrote to Governor Buckingham of Connecticut as follows: "I am desirous to learn your views as to the expediency of legislation in the Free States at the present time touching the affairs of the general government and the action of certain Southern states. * * * Should the plans of the secessionists in South Carolina and other cotton states be persevered in and culminate in the design to seize upon the national capital, will it be prudent to delay a demonstration on the part of the Free States assuring the general government of their united support in putting down rebellion and sustaining the constitution and the dignity of the United States Government?" It is a curious fact that on the very day this letter was written, Governor Andrew of Massachusetts sent confidential messengers to the governors of the several New England states, urging on them the necessity of military preparation, and stating that he was preparing to put part of the Massachusetts militia in a condition for active service. Colonel Wardrop of the 3d Mass militia was the Vermont messenger, and, not finding the governor at Montpelier, he drove to St. Johnsbury and held communication with him there. The nature of his errand leaked out and was commented on by the press of the day. Considerable excitement resulted, and it was deemed wise to contradict the rumor, which was formally denied by a Boston paper. The news that the secessionists were preparing to seize upon the national capital on or before the 4th of March was indeed startling, but Governor Fairbanks was a cautious man and hesitated to follow the advice of Governor Andrew to at once convene the legislature in special session, and put the state militia on a war footing. Instead, he sought the advice of the state's representatives at Washington and wrote the other New England governors, as well as Governor Morgan of New York, asking for their views and suggesting that they act in concert to meet any possible contingency threatening the safety of Washington. Governor Andrew was informed that he deemed it wise that all the free states make provisional preparation to meet force with force, if necessary, and that he only awaited advices from Vermont's representatives in Congress, and from the governors of the other states.

One suggestion of Governor Andrew, that January 8, the anniversary of General Jackson's victory at New Orleans in 1815, be made an occasion to arouse the latent patriotism and loyalty of the people was cordially adopted by Governor Fairbanks. He accordingly arranged that salutes of 100 guns be fired at noon of the 8th in the cities of Montpelier, Burlington, St. Albans, Rutland, Brattleboro, Bennington, Woodstock, Windsor, and several other towns "in honor of the Union of the states, and of Major Anderson, the gallant defender of the country's honor," who had occupied Fort Sumter, two weeks before, and had thus asserted the supremacy of the national government in the heart of the secession movement.

There was nothing in the advices received from Washington which, in the judgment of Governor Fairbanks, warranted him in calling the legislature together at this juncture. He took pains, however, to inform President Buchanan that Vermont stood ready to meet any requisition for troops that might be made upon it.

None of the Northern states was in a condition of military preparedness at the beginning of the war, Vermont least of all. Disorganization and inefficiency characterized her whole militia system. The people of the state, indeed, cherished in song and story the glorious achievements of their forbears at Ticonderoga, Bennington, and other battles of the Revolution, but their ways had long been ways of peace, and her sturdy sons were quite unversed in the arts of war. Even the laws on the statute books requiring the enrolled militia to do military duty, except in cases of insurrection, war, invasion, or to suppress riots, had been repealed before the year 1850. The effort to maintain a number of uniformed companies raised from the state at large had failed, the companies disbanded one by one. and in 1856, hardly a pretense of military organization was maintained. This condition of affairs was deplored by a number of able citizens, and between 1856 and 1861 some effort was made to revive the militia. A law of 1856 gave $3 a year to each militiaman who should drill "not less than three days during the year;" he was armed by the state, but was required to furnish his own uniform. A few companies were formed as a result. but there was no regimental organization. Governor Fletcher, an old militia officer, succeeded in bringing about a state muster of nine companies in 1858, at Brandon, when 450 members assembled, and were quartered in the halls and private houses of the village. as no tents were to be had. Some additional interest was aroused at this time, and a number of new companies were formed. The following year a brigade of four regiments was formed, under the command of General Alonzo Jackman, a professor in the Norwich military academy. By order of Governor Hall, a brigade muster occurred at Montpelier on August 30, 1860, when fourteen of the seventeen organized companies, drawing pay from the state, assembled, numbering with the staff officers and bands, about 900 men. Under the command of General Jackman, the men now received their first practical experience of military camp life in tents provided by the state. At the close of 1860, according to the records of the adjutant-general's office, there were twenty-two organized companies. Five of these had little more than a nominal existence, and the other seventeen were variously uniformed and armed. The majority of the companies possessed the smooth-bore percussion muskets, while some were armed with only the old flint-locks. Though nominally there were four regiments a brigade organization existed only on paper.

Of the military material which had been furnished the state by the ordnance department at Washington, there remained in January, 1861, only 957 muskets, 7 6-pounder field pieces, (3 brass and 4 iron) 503 Colt's pistols, which were practically worthless, and 104 tents. In other words the state could barely arm a single regiment from the material on hand.

On January 26, 1861, Vermont took the first step towards open preparation to meet the threatened emergency, when the adjutant and inspector-general was ordered to notify the town clerks and listers to comply with the law and make full returns of all persons liable for military service in their respective towns. General Order No. 10 immediately followed, wherein the officers of the several militia companies were directed to "ascertain at once whether any men in their commands are unable or indisposed to respond to the orders of the commander-in-chief, made upon any requisition of the president of the Unites States to aid in the maintenance of the laws and the peace of the Union, in order that they may be discharged and their places filled by men ready for any public exigency that may arise." The various captains were also directed in the same order to make every effort to bring their companies up to the required standard in point of numbers, and to see that the men were properly drilled and uniformed.

Despite this step, when the first call for troops came in April, many towns had wholly neglected to make returns of the number of men liable for military duty and no degree of accuracy in the total enrolment was ascertainable. Replies to General Order No. 10 from ten captains are to be found in the files of the adjutant-general's office, reporting 376 men armed, partially equipped and ready for active service. One company numbered 75 men, but the average number of members was less than 50. There was some increased effort to promote discipline in the companies and a few enlistments were made, but little actual good resulted.

Despite the active preparations for war which were taking place in the South, the spirit of compromise was still dominant in the North. This conciliatory spirit took concrete form in the well known Peace Conference called at Washington by the legislature of Virginia, to meet on February 4, 1861. Governor Fairbanks and the people of Vermont generally were in active sympathy with this effort to adjust the differences between the sections. The governor appointed as Vermont's representatives to the conference ex-Governor Hiland Hall, Lieut.-Governor Underwood, Hon. L. E. Chittenden, Adjt.-General H. H. Baxter, and Hon. B. D. Harris. The conference sat for 24 days behind closed doors, but the only result of its protracted deliberations was a series of proposed amendments to the constitution, none of which received serious consideration by the Congress of the United States. President Lincoln was duly inaugurated in March and still the angry mutterings of the South did not break forth into armed rebellion. The loyal people of the Green Mountain State still cherished the hope that milder counsels might prevail and an armed clash be averted, and little or no preparation was made for the great conflict so soon to arise.

When the news reached Vermont on April 14 that Fort Sumter had been captured, the most intense excitement prevailed throughout the commonwealth. On April 15, President Lincoln issued his proclamation for 75,000 militia for three months, or the emergency, under which Vermont was assigned one regiment of 780 men as its quota. All talk of compromise was now silenced, and the people of the state welcomed with inexpressible joy and satisfaction the firm determination to assert the national authority by force of arms. The response of the state was prompt and patriotic. The governor at once issued a proclamation apprising the people of the president's call for troops, and also the proper orders to Adjt. and Inspector-General Baxter of Rutland to provide the necessary men. His next step was to call an extra session of the legislature to convene on the 25th of the month to adopt the necessary measures to meet the exigencies of the hour, by organizing, arming and equipping the militia of the state, and to support the general government in the work of suppressing the insurrection. The legislature convened pursuant to this call and in a brief session of 42 hours, completed its work and adjourned. In his message the governor announced the preliminary steps he had already taken to comply with the requisition, reviewed the actions of the Southern States, explained the present emergency, urged the adoption of immediate measures for a more efficient organization of the military arm of the state and the appropriation of money, "to be expended, under the direction of the executive, for the outfit of any additional military forces which may be called for by the general government." He closed with the following patriotic utterance r "I feel assured, gentlemen, that you will best reflect the sentiments and wishes of your constituents, by emulating in your legislative action the patriotism and liberality of the noble states which have already responded to the call for the government. It is devoutly to be hoped that the mad ambition of the secession leaders may be restrained, and the impending sanguinary conflict averted. But a hesitating, half-way policy on the part of the administration of the loyal states will not avail to produce such a result. The United States government must be sustained, and the rebellion suppressed, at whatever cost of men and treasure." The prompt response of the people's representatives reflected the patriotic feeling which prevailed among all the citizens regardless of party or sex. Within 24 hours $1,000,000 were appropriated for war expenses by a unanimous vote of both houses; bills were also enacted, providing for the organization and placing upon a war footing, without delay, of two more regiments, in addition to the one already called for, and provision was made for drilling the same in barracks or encampment. The executive was authorized to call out four more regiments, if needed, (making seven in all) for two years' service, and to the governor was committed the duty of organizing and appointing the field officers thereof. Other acts exempted militia men, in service, from arrest on civil process; granted to each private $7 a month, in addition to the $13 offered by the government; provided for the relief of the families of volunteers at the cost of the state in cases of destitution ; made provision for furnishing the uniforms of all volunteers after March 12, 1861; authorized banks to loan over ten per cent. of their capital stock to the state; and levied a war tax of ten cents on the dollar of the grand list. No such sum of money had ever before been voted in the little state of Vermont. In proportion to population it exceeded the appropriation of any other state, and the levy of ten cents on the dollar had no parallel in the state's history. This action of the state in providing for six additional regiments to serve for two years, was evidence that the people did not believe the war would be a short one, or one of insignificant proportions.

Meanwhile, pending the meeting of the legislature, and the enactment of the above legislation, public meetings were held in the various towns and villages to express the patriotism of the people, promote enlistments, raise money for the equipment of new companies, and to provide for the families of all who should enlist. The Stars and Stripes were everywhere in evidence, and the enthusiasm of the people was unbounded. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were freely offered. From every part of the state offers of men and money poured in on the governor and the adjutant-general. The hills and valleys resounded with the tramp of marching men and the strains of martial music. Every man in the state capable of drilling a squad of recruits, was called into service; the students of the University of Vermont and of Middlebury college formed themselves into companies and devoted themselves to the work of drilling; the Montpelier banks each placed $25,000 at the disposal of the governor for military purposes, while the banks of Burlington and St. Albans each tendered ten per cent. of their capital stock and more if needed, for the same purpose. The public service corporations offered the governor free transportation of troops and munitions of war. Individual offers were equally generous; James R. Langdon, of Montpelier, tendered $20,000 on private account; Thomas McDaniels, of Bennington, $10,000; the firm of E. & T. Fairbanks, of St. Johnsbury, pledged $2,000 for the support of families of volunteers; William C. Harding, of Winooski, $1,000, and $10,000 if needed; F. P. Fletcher, of Bridport, $1,000 a year during the war. The patriotism and zeal of the women of the state were equally strong. They freely offered their services as hospital nurses and busied themselves in preparing soldiers' garments and hospital supplies. A resolution of the women of Burlington declared: "We further resolve that we will consider all our time and all our energies sacred to this object (the restoration of the authority of the government) until it shall be accomplished, and if need be until the end of the war." The above are only a few examples of the boundless enthusiasm, the generous spirit of self-sacrifice, and the intense patriotism which animated all classes in the old Green Mountain State, when the integrity of the Union was at stake. All distinctions of party were obliterated for the time being and the people were practically a unit in support of the government.

Very early in the war a state board of medical examiners, consisting of three eminent physicians, was appointed to pass upon candidates for appointment as surgeons and assistant surgeons of Vermont regiments. The board consisted of Dr. Samuel White Thayer, Jr., of Burlington, chairman and commissioned surgeon-general in 1864, Dr. Edward E. Phelps, of Windsor, and Dr. Charles L. Allen, of Rutland. In February, 1862, Dr. Phelps became brigade surgeon of volunteers, and his place on the board was taken by Dr. Hiram F. Stevens. A considerable number of recruits were allowed to enlist during the early part of the war, who were not properly examined as to their physical condition; the same was true in the closing days of the war, when men were less eager to enlist, and the demand for more troops was incessant. Once enlisted, however, the troops of Vermont received superior medical care, and the sanitary condition of the regiments in the field was far above the average, a fact which was largely due to the character of the regimental surgeons.

The organization of the 1st regiment proceeded rapidly. The militia companies of Brandon, Middlebury, Rutland, Northfield, Woodstock, Bradford, Cavendish, Burlington, St. Albans and Swanton were designated by an executive order of April 27, 1861, to form the regiment and it was mustered into the United States service for three months at Rutland, May 8. Before the regiment was mustered in, the work of organizing and equipping two more regiments was begun. Commissions to recruit these troops were issued by the governor on May 7, and within three days, the adjutant-general was tendered the services of fifty-six full companies, only twenty of which could then be accepted. On May 3 President Lincoln issued a second call for 42,000 volunteers for three years' service, and all subsequent regiments were enlisted for that period. The 1st regiment, admirably equipped, reached New York, May 10, commanded by Colonel J. Wolcott Phelps of Brattleboro,' a graduate of West Point. In many respects it was the most remarkable of the three months' organization. The men were of superior education and social position and nearly one-tenth were graduates of New England colleges. Many others were from the professional ranks and practically all were of strictly temperate habits. The remarkable stature of many of the men commanded especial attention. It is related that ten men from one of the companies lay down upon the ground for measurement, and formed a line 67 feet, 10 inches, in length. Their blankets, made by their wives and daughters, were also much admired, differing as they did from so many of the shoddy blankets furnished. A second regiment from Vermont arrived at New York June 25, and a third July 24. Two more followed in September and a sixth in October. Thus far all the regiments had been recruited by the state authorities. The 1st cavalry regiment, the only regiment of this arm of the service furnished by the state, was raised under the direct authority of the United States, by Colonel Lemuel B. Piatt, of Colchester, during the fall of the year, and was mustered into the United States service on November 19 with 966 officers and men.

The state election on the first Tuesday in September gave an overwhelming majority for the Republican and Union candidates. Frederick Holbrook, the Republican and Union candidate for governor, received 40,000 votes against 5,000 cast for the other two candidates. The administration of Governor Holbrook covered the darkest period of the war—1861-63. During this period Vermont furnished the United States government with more than 20,000 troops, including two of the governor's own sons. . All the regiments in the field were constantly recruited, and the following organizations were enlisted: the 1st cavalry regiment, above mentioned, the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th infantry regiments, three battalions of light artillery, and three companies of sharpshooters. It was at the suggestion of Governor Holbrook and in response to a document prepared and signed by him, and subsequently approved and signed by most of the governors of the loyal states, that President Lincoln issued his call for 300,000 volunteers after the Seven Days' battles. Under the call of July 2, 1862, for 300,000 men for three years, Vermont furnished 4,369 volunteers, and under the call of August 4, 1862, for 300,000 militia for nine months' service, 4,781 men volunteered. The Republican convention which renominated Governor Holbrook in the summer of 1862, declared itself "in favor of the confiscation of the slaves and property of rebels," urged "the speedy and effectual suppression of the rebellion," approved the general policy of the national administration, pledged Vermont to furnish men and money to the last extent of its ability, tendered thanks to the brave and patriotic soldiers in the field, and thanked Governor Holbrook for the prompt manner in which he tendered to the president Vermont's quota of 300,000 additional soldiers. Still another resolution accepted certain special acts of President Lincoln as pledges that the government had cut itself free from all complicity with slavery; this was adopted with only a few dissenting votes. In the Democratic convention, subsequently held, resolutions were adopted which declared, "That while we regret the existence of four or five millions of negroes in this country as slaves, we are unwilling to sacrifice the constitution and the Union, or the interests of the white race, for the fancied or real grievances of the black race," and "that the abolition and radical opinions of a portion of the people of the North have been largely productive of the present war and national difficulties, and we record our hearty condemnation of the action of that class of our citizens in Congress or elsewhere." In the election in September the Republican vote for governor was 30,032; Democratic, 3,724. There was no party division in the legislature and Solomon Foot was again chosen U. S. Senator.

The annual state election in 1863 caused considerable excitement as the Democrats had declared in convention assembled, that the administration had endangered the liberties of the people by establishing martial law in states where the laws are unobstructed, and was committing tyrannical acts on loyal and unoffending citizens. The Union state convention shortly after expressed strong approval of all the measures of the government, and declared that Northern traitors deserve greater reproach than Southern rebels. The Democrats nominated Hon. T. P. Redfield, and the Republicans, or the Union party, John Gregory Smith of St. Albans. In the election in September, Smith's majority was 17,651. Governor Smith was the third and last of the able war governors of Vermont and served during the last two years of the great struggle, being triumphantly reelected in the fall of 1864 by a majority of 19,415 over his opponent of the previous election. He was the friend and frequent counsellor of Lincoln, and was often called to Washington in an advisory capacity. No governor was more solicitous of the welfare of the soldiers and he often visited the Vermont troops at the front. After the battle of the Wilderness, he went at once to Fredericksburg, Virginia, ordered there a dozen of the best surgeons in Vermont, and gave his personal supervision to the sick and wounded volunteers. His kindly face and cheerful voice are held in grateful remembrance by many of the old soldiers. During his administration the only new organizations raised in the state were the 17th infantry, the 3d battery of light artillery, and two companies, designated M and F, of the 1st frontier cavalry. In addition to these new organizations, the old regiments were veteranized, large numbers of recruits were added to the organizations in the field, and a considerable number of meh was furnished to the regular army of the United States, the U. S. navy, the U. S. colored troops, the signal corps, and to various state organizations.

In the presidential election which took place in November, 1864, Vermont gave to the Lincoln and Johnson electors a majority of 29,097 in a total vote of 55,741, and also returned substantial majorities for each of the states Union Republican candidates for Congress, F. E. Woodbridge, J. S. Morrill and P. Baxter.

On October 19, 1864, the northern part of the state was for a time filled with alarm, as the result of a successful raid, accompanied by wanton bloodshed, by some 30 or 40 Southern refugees from Canada, on the town of St. Albans, 15 miles from the Canadian border. The raiders claimed to be acting under orders from General Early, and in retaliation for acts committed by Federal troops in the Shenandoah Valley. They attacked simultaneously the St. Albans, Franklin county, and First national banks, and secured bank notes to the value of $211,150. With this sum in their possession, they seized all the horses they could find and hurried across the Canadian frontier. Previous to their departure, they wantonly fired upon a number of unoffending and unarmed citizens. An attempt to secretly fire the town fortunately failed. Eventually nearly the whole gang was captured in Canada. As a result of this raid the two companies of frontier cavalry above mentioned were raised in December, 1864, for the 1st regiment of frontier cavalry, together with a provisional militia force of 2,215 men, to secure the protection of the northern frontier.

An extraordinary session of the legislature was called in March, 1865, for the purpose of ratifying the anti-slavery amendment to the Federal constitution. The session only lasted one day, in which the amendment was ratified unanimously in the senate and with only two dissenting voices in the house.

As soon as the Confederate armies had surrendered, the war department made prompt provision for reducing the number of troops in service. As a result, all the Vermont regiments, batteries, and detached companies, except the 7th and four companies of the 9th infantry, were sent home with praiseworthy promptness and were mustered out of service at Burlington by the end of the summer. The 7th was finally mustered out of service at Brownsville, Tex., March 14, 1866, and the battalion of the 9th at Portsmouth, Virginia, December 1, 1865.

According to the Statistical Record of the Armies of the United States, as compiled by Captain Frederick Phisterer, the quota assigned to Vermont, under all calls for troops during the war, was 32,074; the number of men furnished by the state was 33,288; the drafted men who paid commutation numbered 1,974, making the total number of men with which the state was credited 35,262, and giving it a surplus of 3,188 over all calls.

The final summary of Vermont troops as shown upon the books of the adjutant-general gives the whole number of men furnished by the state during the war as 34,238; the aggregate quotas under all calls, 33,729; excess over quotas, 509.

The war department credited the state with a total of 35,242 men, or 1,004 more than the records of the state. This would give Vermont a surplus over all calls of 1,513 men. This discrepancy between the records is accounted for, to a large extent, by enlistments in other state organizations to the credit of Vermont, which appeared upon the muster in rolls of those organizations and were not reported to Vermont. The report of Adj.-General Peck for 1866 gives the following data in regard to Vermont troops:

Original members, 18,530; recruits, 10,437; total in Vermont organizations, 28,967; veterans reenlisted, 1,961; enlisted in U. S. army, navy and marine corps, 1,339; drafted men who paid commutation, 1,971; whole number furnished by the state, 34,238. The total number of drafted men and substitutes was 3,800. In the admirable state roster of Vermont troops, as recently compiled by Adjt.-General Theodore S. Peck, the earlier statistics of losses have been somewhat modified. It is here shown that the total number of deaths among Vermont troops during the war from all causes was 5,237, made up of 1,832 killed in action and mortally wounded, and 3,405 died of disease, accident and as prisoners.

When the war began the state was practically without debt; its taxable property was valued at $85,000,000; it expended for war purposes $9,887,353, of which amount $5,215,787 was expended by the several towns and municipal corporations for bounties and other purposes and has never been repaid. Of the balance $4,671,566, by far the greater amount, or nearly $4,000,000, was the result of the state bounty of $7 per month, paid to Vermont soldiers during their service in the United States army; the unique provision for the families of the volunteers, mentioned earlier in this history, absorbed a large part of the remainder.

Admirable arrangements were perfected by the state long before the close of the war, whereby sick and disabled soldiers received special care and attention, and secured for them whenever practicable a speedy transmittal to their native state. Three hospitals were established in the state—the U. S. general hospital at Brattleboro, with a capacity of 893 beds; the Sloan U. S. general hospital at Montpelier, with a capacity of 496 beds; and the Baxter U. S. general hospital at Burlington, with a capacity of 250 beds. The report of the adjutant-general for 1865 showed that 2,886 soldiers were admitted to these hospitals during the year, of whom 1,916, or nearly 75 per cent, were returned to duty. A total of nearly 6,000 wounded and sick Vermont soldiers were transferred to these hospitals, after their establishment, in addition to a large number from other states. Said Robert E. Corson, military agent for the state at Philadelphia: "Apart from the beneficial influence of a change of air, the associations of home, and the tender offices of friends who could thus reach and minister to those they loved (this transfer) was the undoubted means of hastening the recovery of very many and the state of Vermont was thus enabled to return to the government a much larger percentage of convalescent and well men than would have been the case had they been left in distant hospitals to receive those attentions which, with so vast a number to share them, can be bestowed but sparingly on individuals."

Before the end of the first year of the war, the protracted nature of the struggle before the North was better realized. Most of the soldiers at the front were enlisted for long terms of service, and the lists of casualties from disease and battle began to swell to large proportions. The state authorities were always solicitous of the welfare of the Vermont soldiers after they left the borders of the commonwealth, and for this purpose state military agencies were established and maintained throughout the war at Washington, Philadelphia and New York city. The excellent and zealous commissioner from Vermont at Washington was Frank F. Holbrook; the military agent at Philadelphia was Robert R. Corson, and at New York City, Frank E. Howe. The business of the agency at Washington involved a great variety of work and a vast multitude of details. In addition to the labor of caring for the sick and wounded soldiers in the various general hospitals at Washington, Alexandria, Baltimore, Annapolis, Frederick, Point Lookout, Fortress Monroe, City Point, York, Chester, Wilmington, Whitehall, Newark, Philadelphia, New York City, etc., providing lists of the arrivals and changes at the various hospitals and making prompt arrangements for their transfer, as far as possible, to the general hospitals in the state, much was done to promote the comfort and efficiency of the Vermont troops at the front. Full and complete lists of paroled prisoners and of those in the hands of the enemy were obtained; lists of the dead were published for the information of friends; the remains of many of those who perished were sent home for interment; assistance was rendered in procuring furloughs; leaves of absence, discharges; and in mustering men out of service in field and hospital as far as was consistent with the interests and regulations of the service. Soldiers were aided in obtaining claims for back pay, bounty, commutation of travel and subsistence, pensions, prize money, state pay, etc. Passes were obtained for citizens of the state, enabling them to visit friends in the army, and the soldiers in hospital were provided with supplies of various kinds, by orders on the U. S. sanitary and Christian commissions. After the date of his appointment, December 15, 1862, Mr. Holbrook personally visited more than 10,000 Vermont soldiers in over 100 different hospitals and reported on their condition.

The New York agency was maintained at 194 Broadway, the home of the New England soldiers' relief association. At this "midway home" of the soldiers a splendid work of love and mercy was carried on; the rooms of the agency were always open to receive sick, wounded and enfeebled soldiers and provide them with tender nursing; to receive the regiments en route for the front or returning home; and in general to give aid and comfort to the soldiers during their stay in the city. According to the report of Colonel Howe for the period from September 1, 1864, to September 1, 1865, a total of 7,689 Vermont soldiers were visited, registered and aided in general hospitals, lodged and provided for at the rooms of the association, or given aid directly or indirectly while returning home to the state rendezvous for their final muster out.

The admirable service rendered the state by its efficient military agent at Philadelphia, Robert R. Corson, is deserving of all praise. He held his commission for more than three years, and, during that time his office was a general headquarters for the soldiers of Vermont and other states in the different hospitals in the city. The men were furnished with any desired information connected with their positions in the army, their private wants, such as for stationery, postage stamps, tobacco, money, car tickets to different parts of the city, etc., were supplied. Mr. Corson's most important duty, however, was that of visiting the soldiers in the twenty or more different hospitals in the city, where he inquired into the special wants of each man. He also visited numerous battle-fields, where he rendered to the soldiers every aid in his power. After the establishment of the U. S. sanitary and Christian commissions he procured from them whatever they had to give to the sick and wounded men. When some 30,000 Union prisoners were exchanged near the close of the war, he visited the men on their arrival at Annapolis and reported on them to the state adjutant-general. He said: "Although long accustomed to the horrible scenes which are the necessary result of terrible battles; familiar as I am with the ghastly spectacles which cover every field of conflict; acquainted with human suffering in a thousand dreadful forms, I confess that I was not prepared for the horrible sight which I witnessed on the wharves and in the hospitals at Annapolis. Here, day after day, these floating charnel-houses poured forth their contents. Men, emaciated, hunger-stricken, worn away to skeletons by disease and starvation, trooped out from the ships in vast numbers, until the heart sickened at the fearful sum of human misery here presented. No pen can ever depict the awfulness of this scene, much less overdraw it." The three state agencies in Washington, New York and Philadelphia closed their labors in September, 1865.

Vermont is one of the smallest states in the Union, and it furnished less than an eightieth part of the Union army, but the quality of the soldiers furnished was much above the average, while their fighting characteristics, and the brilliant service to the government rendered by the troops of the Green Mountain State is recognized by every impartial historian. Vermont soldiers shared in every decisive campaign and battle of the war and frequently performed a leading part. Every man called for by the Federal authorities was promptly furnished and every dollar necessary to raise and equip the men was as promptly expended. The sons of Vermont did their full duty in the hour of the Nation's peril, and have made for themselves an imperishable record of patriotism and bravery, unsurpassed in the story of bloody wars.

Page 108


RECORD OF VERMONT REGIMENTS

First Infantry.—Colonel, J. Wolcott Phelps; Lieut.-Colonel, Peter T. Washburn; Major, Harry N. Worthen. The 1st regiment, composed of militia companies from Bradford, Brandon, Burlington, Cavendish, Middlebury, Northfield, Rutland, St. Albans, Swanton and Woodstock, ten in all, was mustered into the service of the United States at Rutland, May 8, 1861, for a term of three months. It proceeded at once to Fortress Monroe, receiving along its route the greeting of the enthusiastic people. From Fortress Monroe, on May 23, the regiment marched 6 miles to Hampton, Virginia, making the first reconnaissance of Union troops in that state. On May 26 it again left Fortress Monroe, this time for Newport News, which place it was for a time employed in fortifying. On June o an expedition was undertaken to Big Bethel which resulted in an encounter with the enemy, and on August 4 the regiment embarked for New Haven, the men being mustered out at Brattleboro soon after their arrival. The total number of men in the 1st was 781, of whom many reenlisted in other organizations. Its loss by death in action was 1 man, by disease 4, and by accident 1.

Second Infantry.—Colonels, Henry Whiting, James H. Walbridge, Newton Stone, John S. Tyler, Amasa S. Tracy; Lieut.-Colonels, George J. Stannard, Charles H. Joyce, Newton Stone, John S. Tyler, Amasa S. Tracy, Enoch E. Johnson; Majors, Charles H. Joyce, James H. Walbridge, Newton Stone, John S. Tyler, Amasa S. Tracy, Enoch E Johnson, Erastus G. Ballou. The 2nd regiment was organized at Burlington and there mustered into the U. S. service for three years on June 20, 1861. It left Burlington for Washington, June 24, and encamped on Capitol hill until July 10, when it was ordered to Bush hill, Virginia, where it was attached to Howard's brigade, Heintzelman's division, with which it fought at Bull Run on July 21. It was next sent to Chain bridge for guard duty along the Potomac, and assisted in the construction of Forts Marcy and Ethan Allen. In September it was formed with the 4th and 5th Vermont regiments into the Vermont brigade (later known on many battlefields), the 2nd brigade of Smith's division. Winter quarters were established at Camp Griffin and occupied until March 10, 1862, when the regiment marched to Centerville, thence to Alexandria, where it was ordered to Newport News and participated in the Peninsular campaign. It was in action at Young's mills, Lee's mills and Williamsburg. In the organization of the 6th corps, the Vermont brigade, to which had been added the 6th Vt., became the 2nd brigade, 2nd division. From April 13 to May 19, 1862, the brigade was posted at White House landing. On June 26 it shared in the battle of Golding's farm and in the Seven Days' battles it was repeatedly engaged. It was ordered to Alexandria and to Bull Run late in August . The corps was not ordered into the battle and was next in action at Crampton's gap and Antietam in September. It fought at Fredericksburg December 13, 1862, after which winter quarters were established near Falmouth and broken for the Chancellorsville battles in May, where the 6th corps made a gallant charge upon the heights. It fought at Gettysburg, and from August 14 to September 13, 1863, the  brigade was stationed in New York to guard against rioting and then rejoined the corps. Winter quarters were occupied with the Army of the Potomac near the Rapidan and a large number of members of the regiment reenlisted. The command continued in the field as a veteran organization and broke camp May 4, 1864, for the Wilderness campaign. On the opening day of the fight at the Wilderness Colonel Stone was killed and Lieut.-Colonel Tyler fatally wounded. A number of the bravest officers and men perished in the month following, during which the Vermont brigade fought valiantly day after day with wonderful endurance, at the famous "bloody angle" at Spottsylvania, at Cold Harbor and in the early assaults on Petersburg. On July 10 it formed a part of the force ordered to hasten to Washington to defend the city against General Early, and shared in the campaign in the Shenandoah valley which followed— the fatiguing marches and counter-marches and the battles of Charlestown, Fishers hill, Winchester and Cedar creek. During the last named battle the brigade held its ground when it seemed no longer tenable and only withdrew when it was left alone. Returning with the 6th corps to Petersburg in December, it participated in the charge on March 25, 1865, and the final assault April 2, after which it joined in the pursuit of Lee's army and was active at the battle of Sailor's creek, April 6, where it is said to have fired the last shot of the 6th corps. The service of the 2nd closed with participation in the grand review of the Union armies at Washington, after which it returned to Burlington. The original members who did not reenlist were mustered out on June 29, 1864, the veterans and recruits at Washington, July 15, 1865. The total strength of the regiment was 1,858 and the loss by death 399, of which number 224 were killed or died of wounds and 175 from other causes. In his well-known work on 'Regimental Losses," Colonel Fox mentions the 2nd Vt. infantry among the "three hundred fighting regiments" of the Union army.

Third Infantry.—Colonels, William F. Smith, Breed N. Hyde, Thomas O. Seaver, Horace W. Floyd; Lieut.-Colonels, Breed N. Hyde, Wheelock G. Veazey, Thomas O. Seaver, Samuel E. Pingree, Horace W. Floyd, William H. Hubbard; Majors, Walter W. Cochran, Wheelock G. Veazey, Thomas O. Seaver, Samuel E. Pingree, Thomas Nelson, Horace W. Floyd, John F. Cook, William W. Hubbard, Alonzo H. Newt. The 3d regiment was mustered into the U. S. service for three years at Camp Baxter, St. Johnsbury, July 16, 1861, and ordered to Washington on July 24. It was assigned to the force on guard at the Chain bridge over the Potomac and became a part of the famous Vermont brigade, with which it served until the expiration of its service, as part of the 6th corps. It assisted in building Fort Ethan Allen and participated in its first engagement at Lewinsville, Virginia, September 11, 1861, after which it was in winter quarters at Camp Griffin until March 10, 1862, when it moved to Alexandria and Fortress Monroe. The regiment shared in the Peninsular campaign of 1862 and in all the difficult and arduous service of the Vermont brigade in the following years of the war. This brigade, according to Colonel Fox, suffered the heaviest loss of life of any one brigade during the war. The engagements participated in by the brigade were as follows: Lee's mills, Virginia, Williamsburg, Golding's farm, Savage Station, White Oak swamp, Crampton's gap. Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Funkstown, Rappahannock Station, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Reams' Station, Fort Stevens, Charlestown, Opequan, Fisher's hill, Winchester, Cedar creek, and again at Petersburg at the end of the siege and at Sailor's creek. The 3d Vt . is also mentioned by Colonel Fox in the list of the 'three hundred fighting regiments." The winter of 1862-63 was spent in camp near Falmouth and in the Chancellorsville battles in May, 1863, the brigade was repeatedly in action, making a brilliant assault upon Marye's heights. At Gettysburg the regiment participated in the battle with heavy loss and was then ordered to New York to preserve order in that city. Winter quarters of the 6th corps, of which the Vermont brigade was the 2nd brigade, 2nd division, were established at Brandy Station, Virginia, where a large number of the members of the 3d reenlisted. In the battles of the Wilderness and Cold Harbor the command suffered severely and when the original members not reenlisted were mustered out on July 27, 1864, the remainder of the regiment was consolidated into a battalion of six companies. It proceeded to Petersburg with the Army of the Potomac and in July was ordered to Washington, where it faced General Early in the campaign which followed in the valley of the Shenandoah. Returning to Petersburg, it was employed in the operations of the siege from December, 1864, to the fall of the city, April 2, 1865, and joined in the final assault on the works. After participating in the grand review at Washington, the regiment was mustered out there on July 11, 1865. The total strength of the regiment was 1,809, of whom 196 were killed or died of wounds and 166 from disease, imprisonment or accident.

Fourth Infantry.—Colonels, Edwin H. Stoughton, Charles B. Stoughton, George P. Foster; Lieut.-Colonels, Harry N. Worthen, Charles B. Stoughton, George P. Foster, Stephen M. Pingree, John E. Pratt; Majors, John Curtis Tyler, Charles B. Stoughton, George P. Foster, Stephen M. Pingree, John E. Pratt, Charles W. Boutin. The 4th, composed of members from the eastern part of the state, was mustered into the U. S. service for a term of three years at Brattleboro, September 21, 1861, and ordered at once to Washington. Co. A was composed mainly of members from Bennington county, and Windsor, Orange, Orleans, Windham, Washington and Caledonia counties were all represented. The regiment spent but a few days at Washington and moved on to join the other Vermont regiments, stationed at Camp Advance, Virginia. It was assigned to the Vermont brigade, General W. T. Brooks, 2nd division, General William F. Smith, 6th corps, and remained with this corps during the entire war. The original members not reenlisted were mustered out, September 30, 1864, and the 1st, 2nd and 3d companies of sharpshooters were assigned to the regiment, February 25, 1865. The losses of the regiment were so heavy that in spite of the large numbers of reenlisted men and recruits, it was consolidated into eight companies on February 25, 1865. The 4th is mentioned by Colonel Fox in his "Regimental Losses" as one of the "three hundred fighting regiments." The active service of the command opened with the campaign on the Peninsula early in 1862. followed by the battles of Antietam and Fredericksburg of that year, the "Mud March," Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Mine Run campaign, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, the siege of Petersburg, the campaign against Early in the valley of the Shenandoah in the summer of 1864, and the final capture of Petersburg. The first winter was spent near the Chain bridge over the Potomac; the second near Falmouth, Virginia; the winter of 1863-64 at Brandy Station, Virginia, and the final winter in the trenches before Petersburg. In all of the varied services of the Vermont brigade, the 4th always played its part with steadiness and courage, meeting losses that were almost overwhelming. After the grand review at Washington in May, 1865, the regiment was mustered out (July 13), and received the welcome orders for the homeward journey. The total strength of the regiment was 1,690 members, of whom 159 were killed or died of wounds, 201 from disease, 61 in Confederate prisons and 2 by accident.

Fifth Infantry.—Colonels, Henry A. Smalley, Lewis A. Grant, John R. Lewis, Ronald A. Kennedy; Lieut.-Colonels, Nathan Lord, Jr., Lewis A. Grant, John R. Lewis, Charles P. Dudley, Addison Brown, Jr., Ronald A. Kennedy, Eugene O. Cole; Majors, Lewis A. Grant, Redfield Proctor, John R. Lewis, Charles P. Dudley, Eugene O. Cole, Thomas Kavaney. The 5th was composed of members from St. Albans, Middlebury, Swanton, Hyde Park, Manchester, Cornwall, Rutland, Brandon, Burlington, Poultney, Tinmouth and Richmond and was mustered into the U. S. service for three years at St. Albans, September 16, 1861. It was ordered at once to Washington and joined the other Vermont troops at Camp Advance, Virginia, near the Chain bridge, where it was assigned to the Vermont brigade, with which it served during the remainder of the war. The fortunes of this brigade were many months of hard fighting and miles of weary marching, but at the end the attainment of lasting renown. The 5th is one of the "three hundred fighting regiments" mentioned by Colonel Fox. Co. E, from Manchester, is said to have suffered the heaviest loss of any company from Vermont, and at the battle of Savage Station, Virginia June 29, 1862, the regiment is said to have suffered the heaviest loss in killed and wounded of any one regiment in a single action. The story of the Vermont brigade has already been told and the 5th had its important share in the engagements of the brigade throughout the Peninsular and Maryland campaigns of 1862, both Fredericksburg campaigns, Gettysburg and the movements in the vicinity of the Rapidan and Rappahannock in the autumn of 1863. Early in December of that year a large number of the members of the 5th reenlisted, and on September 15, 1864, the original members not reenlisted, were mustered out at Clifton, Virginia. The 5th was continued in service as a veteran organization and participated in the bloody month with the Army of the Potomac from the Wilderness to Cold Harbor, afterward taking part in the siege of Petersburg, where it was active in the operations. It moved to Washington with *he 6th corps to confront General Early, whose troops threatened the city. In the final assault on Petersburg, April 2, 1865, the Vermont brigade was in the front of the line, the 5th being the first regiment to reach the enemy's works and there plant its colors. It then joined in the pursuit and after Lee's surrender moved to Danville to cooperate with General Sherman. The total strength of the regiment was 1,618, of whom 201 members were killed or died of wounds, 112 from disease, 21 from imprisonment and 4 by accident. The veterans and recruits were mustered out on June 29, 1865.

Sixth Infantry.—Colonels, Nathan Lord, Jr., Oscar S. Tuttle, Elisha L. Barney, Sumner H. Lincoln; Lieut.-Colonels, Asa P. Blunt, Oscar S. Tuttle, Elisha L. Barney, Oscar A. Hale, Frank G. Butterfield, Sumner H. Lincoln, William J. Sperry; Majors, Oscar S. Tuttle, Elisha L. Barney, Oscar A. Hale, Richard B. Crandall, Carlos W. Dwinell, Sumner H. Lincoln, William J. Sperry, Edwin R . Kinney. The 6th, recruited from the state at large, was mustered into the U. S. service for three years at Montpelier, October 15, 1861, and immediately ordered to Washington, where it arrived on the 22nd. It proceeded at once to Camp Griffin, where it was attached to the Vermont brigade. The command remained at this post during the winter and broke camp on March 10, 1862, for the Peninsular campaign. On April 6, 1862, at Warwick creek, Virginia, the regiment was first in action, fortunately without loss. The brigade was first a part of the 4th and later of the 6th corps, with which it was generally known. In the battle of Gelding's farm the 6th won complimentary mention from General Hancock. The loss at Savage Station was severe, and in the Maryland campaign it bore an active part. It was active at Fredericksburg and soon after went into winter quarters at White Oak Church, where it remained until camp was broken for the Chancellorsville movement in the spring of 1863. There and at Gettysburg and Funkstown later in the summer, the regiment proved its right to be known as a brave and gallant band. After sharing in the Mine Run campaign, the 6th went into winter camp at Brandy Station, Virginia, until the opening of the Wilderness campaign in the spring of 1864. In this memorable campaign the part of the Vermont brigade was both important and tragic. The work was arduous and the loss terrible. It joined in the famous assault at Spottsylvania and was repeatedly in action at Cold Harbor. Soon after the arrival of the army at Petersburg the 6th corps was ordered to the defense of Washington and rejoined the Army of the Potomac in December, 1864, to remain with it during the remainder of the siege. In October, 1864, the original members not reenlisted were mustered out and the veterans and recruits consolidated into a battalion of six companies. After the surrender of Lee at Appomattox the regiment was mustered out at Washington, June 19, 1865, and ordered home. The total number of members of the 6th was 1,681, of whom 189 were killed or died of wounds, 189 from disease, 20 from imprisonment and 2 from accident.

Seventh Infantry.—Colonels, George T. Roberts, William C. Holbrook, David B. Peck, Henry M. Porter; Lieut.-Colonels, Volney S. Fullam, David B. Peck, Henry M. Porter, Edgar N. Bullard; Majors, William C. Holbrook, Henry M. Porter, Edgar N. Bullard, Darwin A. Smalley, George E. Croff. The 7th was mustered into the U. S. service at Rutland, February 12, 1862, for a three years' term. Greatly to the disappointment of its members, it was ordered to join General Butler's southern expedition and sailed from New York March 10, landing at Ship island, Miss., two weeks later. When the army occupied New Orleans, the 7th was stationed at Fort Pike and Carrollton, and subsequently at Baton Rouge. Eight companies joined in the expedition from Baton Rouge to Vicksburg in June, 1862, in which the men suffered much from diseases incident to the climate. After a short period passed in the vicinity of New Orleans, the regiment was sent to Pensacola, where it remained until August 10, 1864. The southern summers proved very difficult for troops from the climate of Vermont to endure, and the ranks were greatly depleted by yellow fever, malaria, etc. On August 30, 1864, the original members not reenlisted were mustered out. All but 58, however, had enlisted for another term and, in spite of the great reduction of the regiment by disease, it was continued in the field as a veteran organization. It was engaged in the defense of important fortifications at Pensacola and skirmished with the enemy at a number of points in the vicinity. The regiment was ordered again to New Orleans in August, 1864, and remained there until February, 1865, when it was ordered to Mobile, which was then besieged by General Canby, and from that time took an active part in the operations of the siege. After the fall of Mobile, the regiment was stationed at Clarksville and later at Brownsville, Tex., where it was mustered out on March 14, 1866. The total strength of the 7th was 1,572 members, of whom 11 were killed or died of wounds, 379 died of disease, 6 in prison and 15 by accident. It was longer in the service than any other Vermont regiment, lost more members from sickness and a larger number of its members reenlisted than any other Vermont organization.

Eighth Infantry.—Colonels, Stephen Thomas. John B. Mead; Lieut. Colonels, Edward M. Brown, Charles Dillingham. Henry F. Dutton, John B. Mead, Alvin B. Franklin; Majors, Charles Dillingham, Luman M. Grout, Henry F. Dutton, John L. Barstow, John B. Mead, Alvin B. Franklin, Henry M. Pollard. The 8th, recruited for General Butler's southern expedition and rendezvoused at Camp Holbrook, Brattleboro, was mustered into the U. S. service for three years, February 18, 1862. It remained in camp at Brattleboro until March 4, when it left for New York, there to embark for Ship island, Miss. From April 5 until early in May it encamped at Ship island and was then ordered to New Orleans, where it was quartered in the Mechanics' Institute building until the end of the month, when it crossed to Algiers and Colonel Thomas was placed in command of the district of La Fourche. It opened the Opelousas railroad as far_ as La Fourche crossing, and was engaged for some months in guarding the road. On June 22, a detachment of 30 men from Co. H was ambushed at Raceland Station, losing 5 killed and 9 wounded, the first blood shed in the regiment. On Sept . 4, another detachment of 60 men was ambushed at Boutte Station by a Confederate force of 1,500 men, and lost 15 killed and 20 wounded. The same force of the enemy then moved on Bayou Des Allemands Station, and compelled the surrender of Captain Hall, Lieuts. Sargent, Green and Mead, and 137 men. Among those surrendered were 7 Germans, who had enlisted at New Orleans, and who were promptly condemned and shot on the pretext that they were deserters from the Confederate army. In October, as a part of General Weitzel's brigade, the 8th began the work of opening the Opelousas railroad to Brashear City, which was completed on December 8. It was encamped at Brashear City until January 8, 1863, when it moved to Camp Stevens at Thibodeaux, but returned after two days, and shared in the expedition against the gunboat "John L. Cotton," located in the Bayou Teche, during which it performed excellent service, but suffered no loss. On April 12 it moved with the 19th corps in the advance to Port Hudson, having a brisk engagement with the enemy at Fort Bisland on the same evening, which was resumed on the 13th. In the desperate assault on Port Hudson, May 27, Colonel Thomas commanded the brigade, and the 8th again distinguished itself for gallantry, losing in this battle 12 killed, and 76 wounded, among the latter Colonel Thomas, Captain Foster and Lieut. Welch. It now shared in the siege operations and on June 14, led the assaulting column in the second attack on the Confederate works. Its loss on this occasion was 21 killed, and 75 wounded. After the surrender of Port Hudson it was ordered to Donaldsonville, thence to Thibodeaux, where it encamped until September 1, when it moved to Algiers and took part in the fruitless Sabine Pass expedition, returning on Sept . 11. On January 5, 1864, 321 men reenlisted for another three years' term and received the usual veteran furlough. The remainder of the regiment, including the recruits, remained in active service at Algiers and Thibodeaux, until June 6, when they returned to the state and were mustered out at Brattleboro on the 22nd. The veteran portion of the regiment returned to New Orleans and after a number of scouting expeditions embarked for Fortress Monroe on the steamer St. Mary, July 5. On its arrival there it was at once ordered to Washington to assist in resisting General Early's attempt upon the city, after which it was ordered to join the 6th corps at Tenallytown, Maryland. It then moved with the army in pursuit of the enemy as far as Berryville, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley, but immediately countermarched to the vicinity of Washington, whence they were ordered back into Maryland during the flurry caused by McCausland's raid into that state. The severe marching of this month on half rations, will never be forgotten by the men. In August, 1864, General Sheridan took command of the Army of the Shenandoah, and the 8th was assigned to the 2nd brigade (McMillan's), 1st division (Dwight's), 19th corps, under General Emory. It did gallant service at the battle of the Opequan, September 19, executing a splendid bayonet charge. Its casualties were 7 killed and 33 wounded, among the latter Lieut.-Colonel Dutton, Captain Ford, and Lieuts. Livingston and Robie. It participated in the charge which routed the enemy at Fisher's hill on the 22nd, and then followed in pursuit. On October 10 it encamped north of Cedar creek, where it remained until the battle on the 19th. Its loss during the fierce fighting at Cedar creek was 15 killed, 82 wounded and 27 missing, out of 350 men in action. Captain Hall was mortally wounded, and among the wounded were Captains Franklin, W. H. Smith, Ford and Howard and Major Mead. This battle ended the hard fighting of the regiment, though on November 12 it was engaged at Newtown without loss. The command was encamped for five weeks at Newtown and on December 20 moved to Summit Point, where it remained through the winter of 1864-65, on guard and picket duty along the railroad from Charlestown to Winchester. On February 20, 1865, a detachment, while cutting wood, was attacked by guerrillas and 11 men were captured, but were soon exchanged and rejoined the regiment . At the beginning of 1865 the regiment mustered 675 men, of whom 470 were present for duty. Enough recruits were received during January and February to bring the total enrolment to 781, with 662 for duty. Lieut. Colonel Mead was promoted colonel March 4, Colonel Thomas having resigned January 21, and been appointed brigadier-general February 1. On April 15 the regiment was part of the cordon of infantry about the city of Washington to prevent the escape of the assassin Booth. It participated in the grand review May 23, and on June 1, as part of Dwight's division, it embarked for Savannah, Georgia, but, at the last moment through the intercession of Governor Smith, then in Washington, it was ordered to disembark. It now reported to General Wright, commanding the 6th corps, and went into camp with the other Vermont troops on Munson's hill until June 28, when it was mustered out and arrived at Burlington, July 2, with 650 officers and men. July 8 and 10 they were finally paid and discharged. The regiment had 1,016 original members, 752 recruits and 4 transfers, a total of 1,772. Its losses were 102 killed or mortally wounded; 214 who died of disease, 7 by accident and 22 as prisoners—total, 345. It had 264 men wounded, 185 captured and 83 deserted. More of its members (viz.: 33) were promoted to be officers in other regiments than any other Vermont regiment, and more of its members reenlisted than in any other Vermont regiment except the 7th.

Ninth Infantry.—Colonels, George J. Stannard, Dudley K. Andross, Edward H. Ripley; Lieut.-Colonels, Dudley K. Andross, Edwin S. Stowell, Edward H. Ripley, Valentine G. Barney, Herman Seligson; Majors, Edwin S. Stowell, Edward H. Ripley, Charles Jarvis, Amasa Bartlett, Joseph C. Brooks. This regiment was organized at Brattleboro and there mustered into the U. S. service, July 9, 1862, for three years. It was ordered at once to Washington, left camp on July 15, and four days later was attached to General Sturgis' division at Cloud's mills. On the 24th the command moved to Winchester, where it was employed in the construction of fortifications, and other duties for several months. Early in September it was withdrawn to Harper's Ferry on the approach of Stonewall Jackson's forces and with the other troops there posted was surrendered and sent on parole to Chicago. On January 10, 1863, the prisoners were exchanged and the regiment was placed on guard duty over prisoners captured at Murfreesboro and Arkansas Post until April 1, when it returned to City Point, Virginia. It was at Suffolk during the siege in April and May, 1863; was next sent to Yorktown and occupied West Point during the Gettysburg campaign, when a futile attempt was made upon Richmond. July, August and September were spent at Yorktown, where the health of the men suffered from the climate and malaria was common. For this reason the command was transferred in October to Newport barracks, between Morehead City and New Berne, N. C. Early in February, 1864, at the time of the attack upon New Berne, a detachment was sent by the Confederate leader, General Pickett, to capture Newport barracks and in the battle which resulted 3 men of the 9th won medals for gallantry. The regiment was finally obliged to withdraw to Morehead City, after a brave stand in defense of the post, and finally to Beaufort. Three days later the old position at Newport barracks was reoccupied by the 9th Vt. and the 21st Conn. and held for some months without any break in the routine except several excursions into the surrounding country. During the summer various details near New Berne employed several detachments of the regiment, and in September, the entire command was ordered to Petersburg, Virginia, where it became a part of the 2nd brigade, 2nd division, 18th corps, Army of the James, with which it remained during the existence of the corps. A detachment of the regiment was posted at an earthwork known as Redoubt Dutton, sometimes called Butler's slaughter-pen, which exposed position it held and defended with honor, protecting the artillery, and the remainder of the regiment was stationed at Chaffin's farm, where it was joined by the detail from Redoubt Dutton. The regiment formed part of the force that engaged the enemy at Fort Harrison on September 29 and carried Battery Morris. On October 27 it participated in the conflict at Fair Oaks, after which it was ordered to New York to guard against possible rioting during the presidential election. With the 3d division, 24th corps, it was again stationed before Petersburg and took part in the final assault on the city April 2, 1865. On June 13, the members of the regiment whose term would expire before Oct . 1, 1865, were mustered out and the remainder consolidated into a battalion of four companies, which remained in service until December 1, 1865. The total strength of the 9th was 1,878 members, of whom 23 were killed or died of wounds, 232 from disease, 36 from imprisonment and 7 from other causes.

Tenth Infantry.—Colonels, Albert B. Jewett, William W. Henry, George B. Damon; Lieut.-Colonels, John H. Edson, William W. Henry, Charles G. Chandler, Edwin Dillingham, Lucius T. Hunt, George B. Damon, Wyllys Lyman, John A. Salsbury. The 10th, composed of members from all portions of the state, was mustered into the U. S. service at Brattleboro, September 1, 1862, for three years, and left camp on the 6th for Washington, where it spent a few days at Camp Chase, and was then posted along the Maryland side of the Potomac to guard the fords near Edwards' ferry. The winter was spent in the vicinity of Seneca creek and on June 22, 1863, it was ordered to Harper's Ferry, where it was assigned to the 1st brigade, 3d division, 3d corps, with which it served until the reorganization of the Army of the Potomac in March, 1864, when it became a part of the 1st brigade, 3d division, 6th corps. The regiment was in action at Locust Grove, November 27, 1863, and was quartered at Brandy Station, Virginia, during the winter of 1863-64. At the beginning of the Wilderness campaign, it was not in the thick of the fight and it was not until the battle of Cold Harbor that it suffered heavily, when its services were especially complimented in orders. The 6th corps was sent to Bermuda Hundred, while the army advanced to Petersburg but soon rejoined the main body. On July 6 the 3d division was ordered to Harper's Ferry, but the 10th and one regiment of the 2nd brigade was detained with the 1st brigade at Frederick City, Maryland, and under General Wallace it engaged the enemy there on July 8 and at Monocacy on the 9th. The 10th then became a part of the army under General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley and participated in the battles of Winchester, September 19, Fisher's hill, and Cedar creek. After a short rest at Cedar creek and Kernstown it returned to Petersburg on December 3 and was active at the time of the assault upon Fort Stedman in March, 1865, capturing 160 prisoners. The regiment shared in the final assault on Petersburg, April 2, and was among the first to enter the captured city. It then joined in the pursuit of Lee's army and after the surrender was sent to Burlington, where the men were mustered out on June 27, 1865. Fourteen officers and 136 men were transferred on June 22 to the 5th Vt. infantry and were mustered out on the 29th. The total strength of the 10th was 1,306 members, of whom 149 were killed or died of wounds, 153 from disease, 32 in prison and 2 by accident . The regiment is included as one of the "three hundred fighting regiments" in Fox's "Regimental Losses." The following officers of this regiment were brevetted for gallant and meritorious service: Captain and Lieut.-Colonel George B. Davis, Lieut . Austin W. Fuller, Col . and Brigadier-General William W. Henry, Captain and Major John A. Hicks, Lieut . and Captain Silas Lewis, Lieut. and Captain James M. Read, and Major A. Salsbury.

Eleventh Infantry—First Heavy Artillery.—Colonels, James M. Warner, Charles Hunsdson; Lieut.-Colonels, Reuben C. Benton, George E. Chamberlin, Charles Hunsdon, Aldace F. Walker, Darius J. Safford; Majors, George E. Chamberlin, Charles Hunsdson, Charles K. Fleming, Aldace F. Walker, Charles Buxton, George D. Sowles, Robinson Templeton, Darius J. Safford, Henry R. Chase. The 11th was the largest Vermont regiment sent to the war, both in original membership and in total enrolment. It was recruited as an infantry regiment at the same time as the 10th, under the call of July 2, 1862, for 300,000 volunteers. By the middle of August ten companies had been organized, and rendezvoused at Camp Bradley, Brattleboro, where they were mustered into the U. S. service, September 1, 1862, for three years. It left the state on Sept . 7 for Washington, where it arrived on the 9th and was assigned to duty in the chain of forts constituting the northern defenses of the capital. By order of the secretary of war, dated December 10, 1862, it was made a heavy artillery regiment, and was designated the "1st artillery, 11th Vt. volunteers." Authority was also given to increase its numbers to the regular heavy artillery standard of twelve companies of 150 men each, with three majors and four lieutenants to a company. This was accomplished in the course of the next few months. It remained in the defenses of Washington for a period of 18 months, during which time it was chiefly employed in strengthening the works and constructing and garrisoning Forts Slocum, Stevens and Totten. It assumed the red stripes and chevrons of the artillery and its companies were designated as batteries. A new flag was also added to the other colors of the regiment, bearing crossed cannons on a yellow field. During the latter part of its artillery service at Washington, it garrisoned four other forts and occupied a line of about 7 miles front, the works mounting upwards of 200 heavy guns and mortars. It experienced little of the real hardships of war during the year 1863 and the first three months of 1864. It had comfortable quarters, the men enjoyed excellent health and rations and even luxuries were abundant. It maintained an excellent state of discipline and was rated the best disciplined regiment in the defenses of the capital. After the terrible losses incurred at the battle of the Wilderness, it was ordered to reinforce the army of the Potomac and reported for duty as infantry near Spottsylvania Court House with nearly 1,500 men in line. It was assigned to the Vermont brigade, 2nd brigade, 2nd division, 6th corps, and was divided into three battalions, each of which was manoeuvred as a regiment, and each of which exceeded in numbers any one of the older regiments of the brigade. The Vermont brigade at this time was reduced to about 1,200 muskets. During the severe campaigning which now ensued, the 11th participated in every battle of the 6th corps from May, 1864, to April, 1865. It was engaged at Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, June 18, 1864, Weldon railroad, Fort Stevens, Charlestown, Gilbert's ford, Opequan, Fisher's hill, Cedar creek, Petersburg, March 25 and 27, 1865, and in the final assault which carried the works of Petersburg on April 2. In the affair on the Weldon railroad, June 23, 1864, the regiment suffered the greatest loss sustained by any Vermont regiment in one action, its loss being 9 killed, 31 wounded, and 261 captured. Among the prisoners were 1 field and 17 line officers. The regiment participated in the review of the brigade, June 7, and in the grand review of the 6th corps at Washington on the following day. Original members, recruits for one year, and recruits whose term of service expired before October 1, 1865, were mustered out of service on June 24, 1865, and the remainder of the regiment was consolidated into a battalion of four companies of heavy artillery, commanded by Major Safford, and stationed in the defenses of Washington until mustered out on August 25, 1865. The following officers were brevetted for gallant and meritorious service: Colonel James M. Warner, Major Aldace F. Walker, Captain James E. Eldredge, Lieut. Henry C Baxter, Captain George G. Tilden, Lieuts. Henry J. Nichols, George A. Bailey, John H. Macomber and Charles H. Anson. The original members of the 11th numbered 1,315, recruits and transferred men, 1,005—total, 2,320. Its losses were 152 killed and mortally wounded, 210 who died of disease, 175 who died in prison and 2 by accident, a total of 539. The total number wounded was 457, captured 339.

Twelfth Infantry.—Colonel, Asa P. Blunt; Lieut.-Colonel, Roswell Farnham; Major, Levi G. Kingsley. The 12th regiment was the first of the five regiments raised in response to the president's call of August 4, 1862, for 300,000 militia for nine months' service, the quota of Vermont under this call being 4,808 men. Governor Holbrook issued a general order for a new enrolment of the Vermont militia and all the militia companies of the state were called into active service. There were twenty-two such companies upon the state roster, but some had formally disbanded, and some existed only on paper, so that only thirteen companies were in a condition to respond to the call. General Order No. 13 calling for nine months men to fill the quota, stated that town officers and patriotic citizens would be expected to enlist the men and form the necessary companies. By September 20, 1862, fifty companies were enlisted and organized into the 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th regiments of infantry. All were militia regiments, organized in accordance with the state constitution, the privates electing the company officers and the company officers nominating the field officers, who were then commissioned by the governor, the field officers in turn electing the regimental staff. The first ten companies which responded to the call comprised the 12th regiment. These were the West Windsor Guards (Co. A), Woodstock Light Infantry (Co. B), Howard Guards (Co. C), Tunbridge Light Infantry (Co. D), Ransom Guards (Co. E), New England Guards (Co. F), Allen Grays of Brandon (Co. G), Bradford Guards (Co. H), Saxton's River Light Infantry of Rockingham (Co. I), and Rutland Light Guard (Co. K). B, C, E, F, G, H, and K formerly formed part of the 1st infantry, but under different officers and with many different members. The several companies rendezvoused at Brattleboro, September 25, and were mustered into the U. S. service on October 4, with a membership of 006 officers and men, many of the officers having seen previous service. Colonel Blunt had served as adjutant in the 3d, and lieutenant-colonel in the 6th; Lieut.-Colonel Farnham and Major Kingsley had held lieutenants' commissions in the 1st and more than a dozen of the line officers had served in the ranks of that organization. The personnel of the regiment comprised the best citizenship of the state,—men of property and high business and professional standing, who afterwards gave to the state two governors, a quartermaster-general, a railroad commissioner, a state librarian, a state historian and several state senators. The 12th left the state on Oct . 7 for Washington, and on its arrival there was assigned to Derrom's brigade, Casey's division. When the other four nine months regiments arrived on October 30, the five organizations were united to form the 2nd Vermont brigade,—the 2nd brigade, Casey's division, reserve army corps for the defense of the capital. Colonel Blunt was the ranking colonel and commanded the brigade until December 7, when Brigadier-General E. H. Stoughton took command. On the morning of October 30, the brigade broke camp and moved to a point 2 miles south of Alexandria, on the Mt. Vernon railroad, where it did picket and fatigue duty for 6 weeks. It then moved with the brigade to Fairfax Court House and performed picket duty for 3 months along Bull run and Cub run. On December 28 it assisted in repulsing Stuart's third cavalry raid, inflicting some loss on the enemy, but sustaining none itself. It was afterwards employed in guarding the fords of the Occoquan river and picketing the outer line of defenses of Washington. During May and part of June, 1863, it was engaged in railroad guard duty by detachments on the Orange & Alexandria railroad and on June 21, moved to Wolf Run shoals. At the beginning of the Gettysburg campaign, the 2nd Vermont brigade was attached to the 3d division, 1st corps, and formed the rear-guard of the army until it crossed the Potomac. During the battle of Gettysburg it was detached with the 15th Vt. to guard the corps trains. Cos. B and G were later detached as guard for a portion of the ammunition trains and were posted on the Taneytown road on the outskirts of the field, during the 3d day of the fight. After the battle it moved by railroad to Baltimore, as guard for 2,500 Confederate prisoners. Its term of service having expired on July 4, 1863, it returned to Brattleboro on the 9th and was mustered out on the 14th. It suffered no losses in action, but willingly performed all that was asked of it, and was a well disciplined command. Many of its members subsequently reenlisted in other organizations. The total enrolment was 1,005; of whom 63 died of disease and only 4 deserted.

Thirteenth Infantry.—Colonel, Francis V. Randall; Lieut.-Colonels, Andrew C. Brown, William D. Munson; Majors, Lawrence D. Clark, Joseph J. Boynton. The 13th was recruited in the summer of 1862 in the counties of Washington, Chittenden, Lamoille and Franklin. It was organized on September 24, rendezvoused at Brattleboro on the 29th, and was mustered into the U. S. service for nine months on October 10, 1862. Two of its companies, the Emmett Guards of Burlington, and the Lafayette Artillery of Calais, belonged to the uniformed militia of the state, who responded to the order of August 12, calling all the state militia into active service. The personnel of the regiment was of a high order, more than half of the members being young farmers and many of the others belonging to the learned professions. Colonel Randall had seen 15 months' service as captain of Co. F, 2nd infantry; Lieut.-Colonel Brown was a captain of the Montpelier militia company when elected, but was without previous military service; Major Clark had been a captain in the 1st infantry throughout its term of service. The 13th left the state for Washington, October 11, 953 strong, and soon after its arrival there was united with the other nine months' Vermont regiments to form the 2nd Vermont brigade. On October 30 it proceeded to the heights south of Alexandria, Virginia, where it engaged in picket and fatigue duty at "Camp Vermont" for a month. Late in November it moved to Fairfax Court House, thence to Union mills, Virginia, where it was occupied for 2 weeks in railroad guard duty, and then returned to Camp Vermont, December 5. A week later it marched with the brigade to Fairfax Court House, was occupied for 5 weeks in holding the fortifications at Centerville and picketing along Bull run, assisting in the repulse of General Stuart's cavalry at Fairfax Court House December _2& It was posted at Wolf Run shoals from January 20 to April 2, 1863, then established "Camp Carusi," on the Occoquan, guarded the fords of that stream until the latter part of June, when it joined the other regiments of the brigade at Union mills and started on the 7 days' march to Gettysburg. It arrived on the battle-field on the evening of July 1 and went into position on the left of Buford's cavalry on Cemetery hill. On the second day of the battle five companies of the 13th, commanded by Lieut. Colonel Munson, supported a battery on the west side of Cemetery hill. The other companies under Colonel Randall recovered a Union battery by a gallant charge, and advancing in the evening on the Emmitsburg road as far as the Rogers' house, captured 83 of the enemy who had taken refuge there. On the 3d day of the battle it was heavily engaged during Pickett's famous charge, capturing 243 officers and men. The loss of the 13th at Gettysburg was 11 killed, 81 wounded and 23 missing. Its term of service having expired, it returned to Brattleboro shortly after the battle and was there mustered out on July 21, 1863. A large number of the members afterwards reenlisted in other organizations. The total enrolment of the regiment was 068, of whom 19 were killed in action or died of wounds, 53 died of disease, 7 deserted, 84 were wounded and 5 were captured.

Fourteenth Infantry.—Colonel, William T. Nichols; Lieut.-Colonel, Charles W. Rose; Major, Nathaniel B. Hall. The 14th was one of the five Vermont regiments raised under the call of August 4, 1862, for 300,000 militia to serve for nine months. It was recruited in the counties of Addison, Rutland and Bennington, and comprised the following companies: Co. A, from the town of Bennington; Co. B, Wallingford; Co. C, Shoreham; Co. E, Middlebury; Co. F, Castleton; Co. G, Bristol; Co. H, Rutland; Co. I, Vergennes; and Co. K, Danby. The several companies rendezvoused at Brattleboro on October 6, 1862, and were mustered into the U. S. service for nine months on the 21st . The following day it left for Washington with 952 officers and men. Col Nichols was a prominent young lawyer of Rutland; had been a member of the Rutland Light Guard, and had served with the 1st regiment. Lieut.-Colonel Rose had been a lieutenant of the Middlebury company of the 1st regiment; was afterwards captain of Co. B of the 5th, and was wounded at Savage Station. Major Hall was a son of Ex-Governor Hiland Hall; a successful lawyer and state's attorney of Bennington county, when commissioned, but was without previous military experience. On its arrival in Washington on the 25th, the 14th was temporarily brigaded with some Maine troops, but a few days later was united with the other nine months' regiments to form the 2nd Vermont brigade. The command was assigned to duty in the outer defenses of Washington, serving first at Alexandria, Virginia, then in the vicinity of Fairfax Court House, where it assisted on December 28, 1862, in repulsing Stuart's cavalry raid, and was posted at Wolf Run shoals on the Occoquan river, from March to June, 1863. In addition to picket duty it performed arduous fatigue duty, digging rifle pits and building corduroy roads. On April 20, 1863, Brigadier-General George J. Stannard took command of the brigade, and on June 25 the brigade was assigned to the 3d division, 1st corps, and began its march to Gettysburg. It marched 120 miles in 6 days, reaching Emmitsburg, Maryland, on the 30th. It arrived on the battle-field too late to share in the first day's fighting and encamped for the night in a wheat field to the left of Cemetery hill. On the afternoon of the 2nd day it went into action on the left center, where it remained during the remainder of the battle. Its chief loss was sustained on the 3d day during the splendid charge of Pickett's men. The 14th behaved with the steadiness and gallantry of veteran troops, executing a number of difficult movements while under a heavy fire of artillery and musketry. Its casualties were 18 killed, 9 mortally and 65 severely wounded, the heaviest loss in killed and wounded sustained by any regiment in the brigade. After the battle it joined in the pursuit of Lee's army, making a number of hard marches. On July 18, its term of service having expired, it started for home, and was mustered out at Brattleboro, July 30, 1863. The total enrolment of the regiment was 964, of whom 27 were killed in action or mortally wounded; 39 died of disease; 1 died in prison and 1 was murdered—total deaths 68. It lost not a man by desertion; 65 were wounded.

Fifteenth Infantry.—Colonel, Redfield Proctor; Lieut.-Colonel, William W. Grout; Major, Charles F. Spaulding. The 15th was one of the five Vermont regiments enlisted under the President's call of August 4, 1852, for nine months' service. It was recruited in the counties of Caledonia, Orleans, Orange and Windsor, one of its companies, the Frontier Guards of Coventry, being one of the thirteen existing companies of uniformed militia which first responded to the call. The companies perfected a regimental organization on September 26, 1862; rendezvoused at Brattleboro October 8; were mustered into the U. S. service for nine months on October 22, and left the state for Washington on the 23d. Colonel Proctor had seen previous service as quartermaster of the 3d Vt., and afterwards as major of the 5th. He was a fine type of the civilian soldier and was one of the best colonels in the service. His fine qualities later placed him in the highest office within the gift of the state. Lieut.-Colonel Grout was a rising young lawyer of the Orleans county bar, and Major Spaulding was a business man of St. Johnsbury, though neither was experienced in military affairs. After the arrival of the 15th in Washington on the morning of the 26th, it was temporarily assigned to the 2nd brigade, Casey's division, and a few days later joined the other Vermont regiments to form the 2nd Vt. brigade. It was stationed at "Camp Vermont" near Hunting creek, engaged in drill, picket and fatigue duty, until December 12. From that date until the following spring it was stationed one mile south of Fairfax Court House, occupied in drill and fatigue duty on rifle-pits. At the time of General Stuart's raid in the rear of Fairfax Court House, December 28, 1862, it picketed all the approaches to Centerville, and during May, 1863, it was on picket duty at Bealeton Station for a few days with General Stoneman's cavalry, after which it returned to Bull run, with headquarters at Union Mills. On May 30 a detachment of 15 men guarding a supply train, near Catlett's station, was overpowered by a. superior force of Mosby's men and the train was partially burned. The regiment was employed during part of June in guarding the Orange & Alexandria railroad at Catlett's and Bristoe Stations. On June 25, with the rest of the brigade, it began its long forced march to join the 1st corps at Gettysburg. At Emmitsburg on the 30th, the 15th and 12th regiments were detailed to guard the corps train, which they escorted to within about 2 miles of the battle-field on July 1. That evening the 15th was ordered to join the 13th, 14th and 16th, and bivouacked in a wheat field to the left of Cemetery hill. At noon of July 2, while serving as support to the batteries on Cemetery hill, it was ordered to return again and assist the 12th in guarding the train. A detail of two companies, with two from the 12th, had charge of the 1st corps ammunition train near the battlefield. The command overtook the train at Westminster, and moved with it via Frederick City and South mountain towards Hagerstown, Maryland, rejoining the brigade at Funkstown. During the pursuit of Lee it formed in line of battle on the right of the 1st corps in front of Hagerstown, 200 men of the 15th being thrown forward as skirmishers. When Lee effected his escape into Virginia the regiment was ordered home, arriving in New York City during the draft riots. Its term of service had expired, but it remained at the request of General Canby until order was restored. It was mustered out of service at Brattleboro, August 5, 1863. The total enrolment of the 15th was 942, of whom 78 died by disease, 1 committed suicide, 1 deserted, 69 were honorably discharged, 1 was transferred to veteran reserve corps and 5 were captured.

Sixteenth Infantry.—Colonel, Wheelock G. Veazey; Lieut.-Colonel, Charles Cummings; Major, William Rounds. This regiment, composed of men from Windsor and Windham counties, was organized September 27, 1862, rendezvoused at Brattleboro October 9, and was mustered into the United States service for nine months on the 23d. It was one of the five nine months' regiments recruited in Vermont under the call of August 4, 1862, for 300,000 militia. Colonel Veazey, a graduate of Dartmouth college, had received excellent training in military affairs as captain, major and lieutenant-colonel in the 3d Vt. infantry, and as commander of the 5th Vt., during part of the Peninsular campaign. He was an excellent officer and commanded the complete confidence of his regiment. Lieut.-Colonel Cummings had served as first lieutenant of Co. E of the 11th Vt., afterwards returned to the service as lieutenant-colonel of the 17th Vt., and was killed while commanding that regiment at the battle of Poplar Grove, near Petersburg, Virginia. Major Rounds was a well known lawyer of the Windsor county bar, but without previous experience in military affairs. The regiment had an unusually large number of intelligent and well educated men and contained some of the best blood of the state. It left Brattleboro on October 24, 1862, with 949 officers and men, for Washington, and on its arrival there was brigaded with the other Vermont troops to form the 2nd Vermont brigade. On October 30, it moved with the brigade, to Ball's cross-roads, Virginia, and then to Hunting creek, where it established "Camp Vermont." On December 11, it moved farther to the front and was stationed at Centerville and Fairfax Court House until January 20, 1863. It was then at Fairfax Station on the Orange & Alexandria railroad until March 24, when it moved to Bull run and was chiefly occupied in guard and picket duty. In the latter part of May it was stationed by detachments at various points on the railroad on guard duty. At Catlett's station, on May 30, Mosby's raiders attacked a supply train and inflicted considerable damage. On June 11 it returned to Union mills and resumed picket duty along Bull run. Lee's great invasion into Pennsylvania was now under way, and on June 23 the brigade, commanded by General Stannard, was assigned to the 1st corps of the Army of the Potomac. Two days later it received orders to join the corps and started on its long forced march to Gettysburg. It reached Emmitsburg, Maryland, on the 30th and after a hurried march the following day reached the battle-field at the close of the first day's fight, going into position on the left on Cemetery hill. The regiment was engaged on the afternoon of the 2nd, Co. B, under Captain Arms being detached to reinforce the skirmish line in the morning and rendering efficient service. While moving in the afternoon to the left along Cemetery ridge to reinforce the shattered Union lines, it was exposed to a heavy artillery fire, and finally halted in support of a battery. That night it was detailed for picket duty across the field of the afternoon and during the fierce fighting of the 3d day, it held the same advanced position on the skirmish line. During the famous charge of Longstreet's three divisions the 16th was heavily engaged, twice changing front under a severe artillery and musketry fire and charging the enemy's flank. It captured prisoners several times in excess of its own numbers, together with 3 stands of colors, and after the battle followed in pursuit of Lee's retreating army until Lee crossed the Potomac into Virginia, when it was ordered home, its term of enlistment having expired. It arrived in New York during the draft riots and remained there until order was restored. It was finally mustered out at Brattleboro, August 10, 1863. The total enrolment of the 16th was 968, of whom 24 were killed in action or mortally wounded; 48 died of disease and 1 died in prison—total deaths, 73. Eighty men were wounded, 4 were captured and 2 deserted.

Seventeenth Infantry.—Colonel, Francis V. Randall; Lieut.-Colonels, Charles Cummings, Lyman E. Knapp; Majors, William B. Reynolds, Henry A. Eaton, Lyman E. Knapp, James S. Peck. The 17th was recruited under an order issued by Governor Holbrook on August 3, 1863. The original intention was to enlist a regiment of veterans. The five nine months' regiments had just been mustered out and it was expected that a large number of these men would promptly reenlist in the new regiment . For business and other reasons this did not prove to be the case and the work of filling the regiment proceeded very slowly. At first the bounties offered were confined to men who had seen service, and when this restriction was removed in September only $100 was offered for recruits for the new regiment, while $300 was offered for recruits for existing organizations. On December 31 the government offered the same bounty to recruits for new regiments as was offered to those for the old, and men were then obtained more rapidly. Enlistments began on August 21, 1863, and continued to September 23, 1864. The first company was not filled until January 5, 1864, and from that date until the following September the regiment was slowly mustered into service for a three years' term, mostly in small squads. Colonel Randall, an experienced officer, who had served as captain in the 2nd and as colonel of the 13th Vt., was commissioned colonel February 10, 1864, but could not be mustered until the full regiment was raised. He joined the 17th at the front on October 27, but was never given the opportunity to lead the regiment into battle. The 17th rendezvoused at Burlington and when only partially organized, left the state, April 18, 1864, as a battalion of seven companies commanded by Lieut. Colonel Cummings, who had served in that capacity with the 16th Vt. Major Reynolds was also an experienced officer, having served as captain in the 6th Vt. Thus imperfectly organized the 17th had had little opportunity for drill and discipline. It arrived at Alexandria on April 22, where it was assigned to the 2nd brigade (Colonel Griffin), 2nd division (General Potter), 9th corps (General Burnside), and was at once hurried into the bloody campaign which began at the Wilderness. During its brief term of service it fought in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna river, Totopotomoy, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, Petersburg on June 17 and in the mine explosion of July 30, Weldon railroad, Poplar Spring Church, the first battle on Hatcher's run, and the fall of Petersburg. Its first experience of the stern realities of war was in the battle of the Wilderness, where it gave evidence of the same fine qualities of courage and fighting ability which had already rendered the 1st Vt. brigade famous throughout the army, and gained an honorable name for the nine months' regiments of the 2nd Vt. brigade at Gettysburg. The command behaved with the steadiness and courage of veterans. Its loss in this battle was 80 killed, wounded and missing out of 313 engaged. It again lost heavily at Spottsylvania, where it added to its reputation for courage and coolness, its loss here being 72 killed, wounded and missing out of about 250 engaged. From that time on the regiment was almost constantly marching and fighting. Writing from Cold Harbor on June 8, Lieut.-Colonel Cummings said in his official report: "During the last 15 days we have been under fire every day but 3, and 2 of these days we were on the march." It was already sadly reduced in numbers by battle and sickness and was glad to welcome on June 8 Co. H, Captain Corey, with 57 men, which gave it a total of 235 muskets. In the assault on the works of Petersburg, June 17, the regiment captured the colors, adjutant and about 70 men of the 17th Tenn. and 2 pieces of artillery. It went into action with 135 men and lost 6 killed and 20 wounded, 7 fatally. In the disastrous action of the mine explosion, July 30, it was commanded by Major Reynolds. It mustered for the assault only 8 commissioned officers and 120 men, and when the bloody affair was over, only 1 officer and less than half the men returned. Its casualties were 10 killed, 46 wounded, 18 missing. Among the killed was the gallant Major Reynolds. Lieut. Needham, the only officer who escaped, was badly wounded and died a week later. Adjt. Peck, though sick, assumed command, but was soon succeeded by Captain Knapp, absent on detached service, and shortly after, Captain Eaton, also on detached duty, was relieved and promoted to major. Lieut.-Colonel Cummings went home on sick leave, and Major Eaton continued in command. In August Co. I, with 87 men, joined the regiment, which was further augmented by returning convalescents and mustered 233 present for duty on September 1. Another heavy loss was sustained by the regiment in the action at Poplar Spring Church, when 8 were killed, 40 wounded, 2 mortally, and 27 captured. Among the killed were Lieut.-Colonel Cummings and Major Eaton, both gallant officers, and for a while after this disastrous action the command mustered only 84 men, with Captain Knapp in command. On October 27, Co. K, Captain Yale, with 95 men and Colonel Randall joined the regiment. It sustained no loss in the action at Hatcher's run, October 27. During the period from November, 1864, to February 11, 1865, the 9th corps was transferred to the extreme right of the army, and Griffin's brigade held the left of the corps line, which extended from the Appomattox to the left as far as the Jerusalem plank road. Colonel Randall was placed in charge of Fort Davis on the brigade line, in command of his own regiment, the 31st Maine, 56th Mass., and two batteries. On February 11, 1865, the 17th was moved a mile to the left on the advance line and held this position until the final assault on Petersburg, April 2. Early in March Colonel Randall went home on 30 days' leave, and did not rejoin the regiment until after Lee's surrender. Lieut.-Colonel Knapp commanded the regiment in the final assault, during which it displayed its customary gallantry, losing 10 killed and 35 wounded, 5 mortally. It joined in the pursuit of Lee, and on the day of the final surrender was at Burkesville, where it was joined the next day by Colonel Randall. It remained there on duty until the 20th, when it returned to Alexandria via City Point . It participated in the grand review at Washington, May 23, and was mustered out and started home on July 14. It arrived at Burlington on the 18th and the men were finally paid and discharged on the 24th. The 17th was one of the nine Vermont regiments in Fox's "three hundred fighting regiments" which sustained a loss of 119 to 174 men each. It lost 14 officers killed or mortally wounded, exceeding that of any other Vermont regiment; had 6 commissioned officers brevetted for gallant and meritorious services in the field; was credited with 232 recruits. but of this number 120 enlisted as substitutes or were drafted and stand on the records as "deserted, never joined company." The original members numbered 869, recruits, 232, transferred from other regiments, 5, total enrolment, 1,106; killed in action or died of wounds, 133, by accident, 3, in prison 33—total 226; losses other than by death 386, viz: wounded, 314; captured, 72.

Company F, First U. S. Sharpshooters.—Lieut.-Colonel, William Y. W. Ripley; Captains, Edmund Weston, Jr., Charles W. Seaton, E. Witsey Hindes, Charles D. Merriman. Co. F, 1st U. S. sharpshooters was organized at West Randolph, September 13, 1861. The following day it left the state for the regimental rendezvous at Weehawken, N. J., and a few days later went with the regiment to Washington, where it was mustered into the U. S. service for three years. It had left Vermont with 3 officers and 113 men, but when mustered, its number was reduced to the service requirement of 100 men. Lieut.-Colonel Ripley commanded the regiment until disabled by wounds. The regiment was encamped near Washington until March 22, 1862, when it was assigned to General Porter's division and participated in the Peninsular campaign, Co. F losing 11 killed and wounded. It was then attached to Morell's division of the 5th corps and was active at Bull Run, losing several men. At Blackford's ford, West Virginia, Co. F captured 2 guns and several prisoners. At Gettysburg the sharpshooters were actively engaged at various points on the line, serving with the 3d corps. Co. F led the advance of the 3d corps at Kelly's ford November 7, 1863, when 406 of the enemy were surprised and captured. It was again heavily engaged at Locust Grove, during the Mine Run campaign. In the spring of 1864, the sharpshooters were attached to the 2nd brigade, 3d division, 2nd corps, and had an active part in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and those around Petersburg. After the battle of Cold Harbor Co. F had only 15 men left of the 43 who crossed the Rapidan on May 4. Its term expired September 12, 1864, when it had but 25 men of the original members. Nineteen of these were honorably discharged and 6 reenlisted. On December 23, 1864, the small remnant of veterans and recruits was transferred to Co. E, 2nd U. S. sharpshooters. Co. F participated in 37 important battles and skirmishes, besides numerous minor engagements. Its total enrolment was 190, of whom 30 were killed or died of wounds, 13 died of disease, 2 died in prison, 7 were captured, 6 deserted and 50 were wounded.

Company E, Second U. S. Sharpshooters.—Colonel, Homer R. Stoughton; Captains, Homer R. Stoughton, Francis D. Sweetser, Seymour F. Norton. The 2nd company of Vermont sharpshooters, designated as Co. E, 2nd U. S. sharpshooters, was recruited by Homer R . Stoughton, of West Randolph, Vt. The conditions for enlistment required that each recruit must, in a public trial, shooting from the shoulder without telescopic sights, put 10 successive bullets into a 10-inch ring, 300 yards distant. The uniform of the sharpshooters was distinctive, being of green cloth to match the green of nature, with leather leggings and knapsacks tanned with the hair on. Co. E was mustered into the U. S. service November 9, 1861, with 91 officers and men, and left the state on November 21 for Washington, where it joined the 2nd U. S. sharpshooters. It remained in camp of instruction until March 18, 1862, when its regiment was assigned to the 1st brigade, 1st division, 1st corps, under General McDowell. It fired its first shot at Falmouth April 17, 1862, and had its first man killed at the second battle of Bull run, August 30. From its first important engagement at Rappahannock Station in August, 1862, to that of Hatcher's run in February, 1865, it was present in no less than 27 important engagements and skirmishes, besides a number of minor engagements. During the year 1862, out of 145 officers and men on its rolls, 2 were killed in action, 5 died of disease, 43 were discharged for wounds or disability, 6 deserted, 3 were transferred, and 1 was promoted out of the company, leaving 84 officers and men. In 1863, despite the hard service at Chancellorsville, Gettysburg. and during the Mine Run campaign, its losses were not great. One died of disease, 2 were wounded, 6 captured, 15 discharged for wounds or disability and 4 transferred, leaving 64 officers and men. In the severe campaign of 1864, which began at the Wilderness, the company was engaged in 11 pitched battles. On December 23, 1864, it was joined by 32 men from Co. F, and on February 25, 1865, the 2nd regiment of sharpshooters was so badly reduced in numbers, the original members, except veterans and recruits, having been mustered out of service on November 9, 1864, it was transferred to the 4th Vt. infantry as Co. G. The total enrolment of the company, including 116 recruits, was 207, of whom 22 were killed in action or mortally wounded, 14 died by disease and accident, 3 died in prison, 7 deserted, 8 were captured and 57 were wounded.

Company H, Second U. S. Sharpshooters.—Captains, Gilbert Hart, Albert Buxton, William Newell, William H. Churchill, Walter W. Smith. This company, the third and last company raised in Vermont for this arm of the service, was recruited during the months of November and December, 1861, rendezvoused at Brattleboro and was mustered into the U. S. service for three years, December 31, 1861. The same day it left the state for Washington, and on its arrival there became Co. H, of the 2nd U. S. sharpshooters. An epidemic of measles made it necessary to leave behind a large number of men who rejoined the command at Washington the following February. On March 19, 1862, it took the field, the regiment having been assigned to Augur's brigade (1st), King's division (1st), 1st corps, commanded by General McDowell. Most of the summer was spent at Falmouth, Virginia, though the command shared in the various movements of McDowell's corps towards Richmond and afterwards towards Front Royal in the effort to cut off the retreat of Stonewall Jackson up the Shenandoah Valley. It also shared in the campaign of Pope, being engaged at Rappahannock Station, Sulphur springs, Groveton and the second Bull Run. In September, as part of Hooker's corps of the Army of the Potomac, it was active at Turner's gap and Antietam, losing a number of men, and Co. H was again active at Fredericksburg, but met with only slight loss. On June 16, 1862, it was armed with the Sharp breechloading rifle instead of the unpopular Colt's rifle. At Chancellorsville, the company lost 3 wounded, and during the remainder of 1863, was engaged at Gettysburg, Wapping heights, Auburn, Kelly's ford, Brandy Station, Orange Grove, and Mine Run, besides numerous minor skirmishes. The winter of 1863-64 was spent at Brandy Station, where on December 21, nearly all the members reenlisted and received the usual veteran furlough. In February, 1864, when the veterans returned, the ranks had been swelled by recruits and the company again numbered 100 men. On the opening of the bloody campaign of 1864, the 2nd sharpshooters were assigned to the 1st brigade, 3d division, 2nd corps, under General Hancock. Co. H lost at the Wilderness 8 killed, 16 wounded and 2 missing, among the mortally wounded being the gallant Captain Buxton. It was active in the engagements at the Po river, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Totopotomoy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Deep Bottom, the capture of Fort Hell on the Jerusalem plank road, Boydton plank road, and the Weldon railroad. During the winter of 1864-65, the company's ranks were swelled by 17 recruits from Co. F, 1st U. S. sharpshooters, whose organization was discontinued. Their last skirmish as sharpshooters was at Hatcher's run, February 5-7, 1865, and on the 25th the sharpshooters were disbanded, Co. H retaining its letter, became a part of the 4th Vt. infantry and with this organization was engaged at Fort Fisher, in the final assault on Petersburg, and in the pursuit of Lee to Appomattox. The total enrolment of the company was 191, of whom 18 were killed or mortally wounded, 19 died of disease, 3 in prison, 6 men deserted, 7 were captured and 44 were wounded.

First Battery Light Artillery.—Captains, George W. Duncan, George T. Hebard. Vermont furnished three batteries of light artillery during the war. The 1st owed its origin chiefly to the exertions of George T. Hebard, of Chelsea, who enlisted about 100 men at Montpelier near the close of the year 1861, and at the same time about 50 more were enlisted at South Shaftsbury by George W. Duncan. The battery was designed to form part of the New England division for service with General Butler. The men rendezvoused at Camp Holbrook, Brattleboro, January 21, 1862,-where they were attached to the 8th Vt. infantry and mustered into the U. S. service for three years on February 18, 1862. It left the state with the 8th on March 6 and embarked at New York for Ship island, Miss., on the 10th. On its arrival at Ship island, April 5, it was detached from the regiment and assigned to General Phelps' brigade as an independent command. Early in May two sections proceeded to Camp Parapet on the Mississippi river, where they were joined by the 3d section in June. Here it was equipped with 6 brass field pieces, caissons, battery wagons and forge, but had as yet no horses. After a time it was assigned to man some heavy barbette guns commanding the river. When the troops in the Department of the Gulf were reorganized by General Banks in December, 1861, the battery was assigned to the 1st division (General T. W. Sherman) and was stationed at Metaire ridge race course, between New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain. On January 21, 1863, Captain Duncan resigned, and Lieut. Hebard assumed command of the battery, which attained a fine reputation for discipline and efficiency under his skillful instruction. In May it moved to Port Hudson, where it was active throughout the siege as well as in the unsuccessful assaults in May and June. Many attempts were made by the enemy to drive it from its position at "Battery No. 4," but the gunners disabled or dismounted every gun within range. Upon the surrender of Port Hudson it was stationed at various places along the Mississippi river, but principally at Baton Rouge. It shared in the Sabine Pass expedition, and during the winter and spring of 1864 was stationed at Brashear City, Louisiana, on garrison duty and also served by detachments on the steamers of the quartermaster's department. It was active in all the engagements and skirmishes of the Red River campaign except the battle of Mansfield. At the battle of Pleasant Hill it was charged by infantry and such was its danger of capture that General Banks ordered the guns to be spiked and the men to retreat. Instead of obeying Captain Hebard gave the order "Spike your guns with canister and — quick, too." The order was promptly obeyed, several volleys of canister at short range broke the enemy's lines and ended the action. The actions at Yellow bayou, Bayou de Glaize, and the crossing of the Atchalafaya river closed the active service of the battery. During the remainder of its service it was successively stationed at Morganza bend and Baton Rouge. At the latter place its equipment was turned over to the 13th Wis. battery, and on July 22 the original members returned home and were mustered out at Brattleboro, August 10, 1864. The recruits were transferred on the same day to the 2nd Vt. battery. The total enrolment of the battery was 217, of whom 3 were killed or mortally wounded, 43 died of disease and accident, 3 deserted and 7 were wounded.

Second Battery Light Artillery.—Captains, Lensie R. Sayles, Pythagoras E. Holcomb, John W. Chase. The 2nd battery, like the 1st, was intended to form part of General B. F. Butler's expeditionary force for service in the Department of the Gulf. A recruiting office was established at Leicester, afterwards removed to Brandon, in charge of Lensie R. Sayles, and 89 men were mustered into the U. S. service for three years December 16, 1861, 20 more on the 24th, when the battery rendezvoused at Camp Chase, Lowell, Mass., where 14 more men were enlisted, the battery then numbering 128 officers and men. It was armed with four 6-pounder Sawyer rifled guns and two 20-pounder Parrotts. While at Lowell, Captain Sayles resigned and Captain P. E. Holcomb of the 17th U. S. infantry was appointed in his place. On February 6, 1862, the battery embarked at Boston on the "Idaho," and on March 12 reached Ship island, Miss., where it was attached to General Phelps' brigade. It landed at New Orleans on May 2, the first Union battery in the city. On the last day of May it was ordered to Camp Parapet, 7 miles up the river from New Orleans, and remained here for 5 months, when it returned to New Orleans, where it was fully mounted for the first time. On December 29 it started on the fruitless expedition to Galveston, Tex., and on January 25, 1862, moved up the river to Donaldsonville, on February 24 to Baton Rouge, where it was attached to General Augur's division. It shared in an expedition to the vicinity of Port Hudson in March and again on May 18; was engaged for the first time at Plains Store, near Port Hudson, May 21; was active during the assaults on Port Hudson of May 27 and June 14 and was constantly under fire after July 4. On the surrender of Port Hudson it was the first battery inside the works. Early in August, the 2nd section under Lieut. Dyer moved on an expedition to Jackson, Louisiana, under the command of Major Hanham of the 12th, corps d'Afrique. The expedition as attacked by Forrest's cavalry on the 3d, and Dyer and 15 men were captured through the inefficiency of the major in command. Dyer was wounded in the leg and was paroled.. The other prisoners were taken to Andersonville, where 5 died. On July 28 the battery shared in a fruitless expedition to Clinton, Louisiana, after which it continued to serve on garrison duty at Port Hudson until July 7, 1865. It then moved to Baton Rouge, and on the 9th proceeded home via Cairo, 1ll. It arrived at Burlington July 20 and was here mustered out on the 31st. The original members, except veterans and recruits to the number of 20, were mustered out September 20, 1864. The battery with recruits then numbered 136 officers and men. Additional recruits afterwards swelled its number to 260 officers and men, which was in excess of the regulation number, and on March 1, 1865, the surplus men to the number of 118 were organized under orders from the department commander as the 1st company Vermont heavy artillery, for service in the works at Port Hudson. The total enrolment of the 2nd battery was 456 officers and men, of whom 1 died of wounds, 47 of disease, or in prison, 19 deserted, 7 were wounded, and 16 were captured.

Third Battery Light Artillery.—Captain, Romeo H. Start. The 3d battery, one of the last two organizations sent by the state to the war, was recruited by its commanding officer, Captain Romeo H. Start, during the closing months of 1863. It rendezvoused at Burlington, was mustered into the United States service for three years, January 1, 1864, left for Washington January 15, where it was attached to the 22d corps and went into winter quarters at Camp Barry, the artillery camp of instruction. On February 20, 1864, it was fully equipped as a mounted battery of light artillery, and on April 2 was assigned to the 9th corps. It was employed in railroad guard duty until May 4, when it was ordered to join the corps, overtaking it on the 6th in the Wilderness. It served as part of the guard for the base of supplies and for the provision and ammunition trains of the Army of the Potomac until the army reached Petersburg, where it remained upon the lines until October 25, 1864, when it moved to City Point and garrisoned Fort McKean until January 15, 1865. It then moved to the Weldon railroad and in February participated in the movement of the 6th corps to Hatcher's run. On February 9, it occupied Fort Fisher, where it remained until the final assault on Petersburg, during which it was actively engaged. While upon the lines before Petersburg, prior to its removal to City Point, it served in Forts Morton, Michael, Battery 27, Battery 16, and Fort Phillips; participated in the movement of the 2nd corps on Reams' station on the Weldon railroad, and was repeatedly engaged in severe artillery duels with the enemy. Though often under heavy fire, it fortunately escaped with small loss. It had its full share of hardships and exposure and faithfully discharged every duty. At the final assault on Petersburg, April 2, 1865, it had the honor of firing the signal gun, which inaugurated the general movement upon the enemy's works south of the city, and after the fall this battery, with the reserve artillery brigade of the 6th corps, took charge of the captured artillery. Later it moved to City Point and on May 3 to Alexandria, where it turned over its guns to the ordnance department on the 5th and started for home. It was mustered out on June 15, at Burlington. The total enrolment of the 3d battery was 256 officers and men, of whom 21 died by disease and accident; 8 were honorably discharged, 1 was promoted, 1 transferred to veteran reserve corps, 5 deserted, and 3 were wounded.

First Company Heavy Artillery.—Captain, Henry W. Fales of Lowell, Mass. This organization was formed on March 1, 1865, from surplus recruits of the 2nd Vt. battery, light artillery, then stationed at Port Hudson, Louisiana, and remained on duty there during the remainder of its service. It was mustered out at Burlington, July 28, 1865. It numbered 188 officers and men, of whom 7 were discharged for disability, 4 died of disease, 1 deserted, and 1 committed suicide.

First Cavalry.—Colonels, Lemuel B. Piatt, Jonas P. Holliday, Charles H. Tompkins, Edward B. Sawyer, Addison W. Preston, William Wells, Josiah Hall; Lieut.-Colonels, George B. Kellogg, Addison W. Preston, John W. Bennett, Josiah Hall, William G. Cummings; Majors, William D. Collins, John D. Bartlett, Edward B. Sawyer, Josiah Hall, William Wells, John W. Bennett, Henry M. Paige, Andrew J. Grover, William G. Cummings, Robert Scofield, Jr., Charles A. Adams, John H. Hazelton. The 1st cavalry, recruited in different parts of the state, was mustered into the U. S. service for three years, November 19, 1861, at Burlington. After a few weeks in camp it left for Washington, December 14, and was not in active service in the field until the spring of 1862, when, with the forces of General Banks, it was engaged at Middletown, Winchester, and in the campaign which terminated in the second battle of Bull run August 30, 1862. The loss in the summer campaigns was heavy but the command was reinforced in the autumn by the addition of two new companies and many recruits. The regiment was stationed in the vicinity of Washington on various details during the winter of 1862-63 and frequent skirmishes with Mosby's guerrillas prevented any monotony. On June 28, 1863, it was assigned to the cavalry corps, Army of the Potomac, with which it served from that time. In the battle of Gettysburg it won laurels; was active in the pursuit which followed, harassing the enemy from point to point, and finally halted for the winter at Stevensburg, Virginia. It shared in the raid upon Richmond under General Kilpatrick and when the spring campaign opened in 1864 was attached to the 2nd brigade, 3d division, cavalry corps. In the battle of the Wilderness the 1st lost many brave officers and men. It was active in the battles which followed at Yellow tavern and Meadow bridge, during Sheridan's raid on Richmond, and was also at Hanover Court House, Ashland, Haw's shop, Bottom's bridge, White Oak swamp, Riddle's shop and Malvern hill. The regiment was ordered to join the expedition for the destruction of the Weldon and South Side railroads, in which skirmishes and engagements resulted at Reams' station, Nottoway Court House, Roanoke Station and Stony creek. In August it was ordered to join Sheridan who was confronting General Early in the Shenandoah Valley and arrived at Winchester on August 17, in time to participate in the engagements at Winchester, Charlestown, Summit Point, Kearneysville, the Opequan, Newmarket, and Cedar creek. The original members who had not reenlisted, were mustered out on November 18. 1864. On February 27, 1865, Sheridan's cavalry commenced the return to Petersburg where it arrived after a journey of three weeks. In the cavalry fight at Five Forks the 1st Vt. had a share and continued in the advance of the column through several minor affairs until the corps reached Appomattox Court House, where General Lee surrendered. The regiment participated in the grand review of the armies at Washington and returned to Vermont early in June. The men whose term of service would expire prior to October 1 were mustered out at Burlington and the remainder were consolidated into a battalion of six companies which served in Vermont and northern New York until August 9, 1865, when they were mustered out. Colonel Fox mentions the 1st Vt . Cavalry as one of the "three hundred fighting regiments," and also lists it fifth in an enumeration of nine regiments who lost over 119 men. It was, however, second to none in the number of captures it made. At the battle of Cedar creek it won three of the eight medals awarded to the army for colors captured. The total strength of the regiment was 2,304 members, of whom 112 were killed or died of wounds, 114 died of disease, 159 in Confederate prisons and 7 by accident.

Companies M and F, Frontier Cavalry.—Co. M, Captains, Josiah Grout, Jr., Edwin M. Baldwin; Co. F, Captain, George B. French. The frontier cavalry owed its origin to the fear created by the St. Albans raid of October 19, 1864, when a few Southern refugees from Canada suddenly descended on the town of St. Albans, near the Canadian border, plundered the banks, wounded a number of unoffending citizens, seized a number of horses and hurriedly made their escape across the border. A provisional force of 2,215 militiamen was promptly placed in service by the state to guard the frontier, and this force was soon succeeded by veteran troops of the invalid corps and a cavalry organization composed of seven companies from New York, three from Massachusetts, and two from Vermont. The regiment was never united and the two Vermont companies served at Burlington and St. Albans. The two companies, consisting of 101 officers and men each, were raised under authority granted by the president to General Dix, commanding the Department of the East, and their enlistment was provided for under General Order No.6, dated December29, 1864. The companies were mustered into the service of the United States January 10, 1865, at Burlington, for one year, and remained quartered at Burlington in barracks until midwinter, when they moved to St. Albans, where they did guard and patrol duty until the latter part of June. The regiment was known as the 26th N. Y. cavalry and the governor of that state issued all commissions above the line.. The Vermont companies were denominated the 1st and 2nd companies of Frontier cavalry. Though not called upon to do any actual fighting, they faithfully and promptly performed every required duty, and were a well equipped and disciplined body of troops. They were mustered out at Burlington, June 27, 1865. The total enrolment of the two companies was 6 officers and 200 enlisted men. One officer was discharged and 1 enlisted man deserted, but no deaths occurred during the term of service.

Miscellaneous.—During the year 1863 the state of Vermont furnished a total of 68 recruits for the well known 54th Mass. (colored). Of this number 2 were killed in action, 4 died of disease, 12 were discharged for disability, 1 deserted, 1 was transferred to the regular army and 4 were wounded. The final statement shows that 87 men were enlisted into the veteran reserve corps, of whom 1 was killed by accident, 3 died of disease, 14 deserted, 6 were transferred to other organizations, and 63 were discharged. The whole number of unassigned recruits from Vermont was 325, of whom 1 was killed in action, 71 died of disease, 1 in prison, 1 by accident, 2 shot by sentence of general court-martial, 196 were honorably discharged, 8 dishonorably discharged, 4 transferred to the veteran reserve corps and navy, 20 unaccounted for, and 20 mustered out.