Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1861-08-08
THE I'd VERMONT REGIMENT IN
BATTLE.
CAMP FAIRBANKS, Bush Hll, ,
Near Clouds Mills Va, July 27th. (

Near Clouds Mills Va, July 9th.
EDITOR, RUTLAND HERALD II had
hoped when / left Vermont 10 have given
you ere this g the details of battle fought
and victory won" but we who left here a
little more than week ago, confident as
when we left our native State, have returned
disappointed, worn out, but not disheartened.
for we yet believe the right will triumph.
Although you have heard OF the general incl
dents of the battle on The 2Ist inst, think
1t may be Interesting for our friends in Yer
mont TO know how their boys behaved. Tues
day the l6Ih, at noon We left here with or
ders to cut of if possible the retreat OF the
rebels stationed at Fairfax Court House, as
they would be attacked IN front by the bri-
gade under Col. Wilcox Marching as fast
as possible we encamped Wednesday night
near Fairfax Station and found that the
enemy had fled leaving Col. Wilcox in pos
session with eleven prisoners.
Thursday night we marched TO within half
a mile OF Centreyille, where we again en-
camped- Here we were visited by some
Vermonters, two of whom are your fellow
townsmsn, j. b. Page, and K. Chafiee. They
stopped with US one i,ight and kindly took all
OF onr letters 10 mail free of expense
Saturday We were ordered TO be in readi-
ness TO march on the next morning al 2 o.
clock. Promptly at the time, without the
usual beat of the drum, the brigade was in
marching order but we were obliged to
wait until the rest of the division had passed
Us, and we did not get through Centreville
until after sunrise. We proceeded to Bull
Run, and there awaited further orders.
The booming of ca4no told us that the
conflict had begun, d Ind 1t was IN anxious
r suspense we waited for our turn TO come
The Notifications of the enemy beginning at
Bull Run, extend ba4k TO Manassas juno
ton, five miles. They consist mostly Of
masked batteries, well manned, as We found
10 our cost.
Until half past elevdn our troops were eyi-
IDENTIFY IN the ascendeht. The enemy had
fallen back ard some prisoners lad been ia
ken-but at this time Gen. Johnston. whom
Gen. Patterson was tb intercept. came up
with thirty thousand tesh troops and from
that moment the ia 5as lost 20 u. As these
troops arrived. cOuFI -r Vas dispatched TO
US 10 hasten, winch pre- dit by a circultous
route OF ten miles, thT ouah WOODS and fields.
most OF the time al double quick. The heat
was intense. and II Is fsilma ed that over one
thousand fell down bg the way, unable TO 90
further.
We were two hour| in coming TO the bat
tie field, and We neared il the incessant
roar OF the cannon, mingled with the rafting
OF the musketry, and the many wounded We
met being conveyed TO the houses used as
hospitals, told Us thatit was a fearful strug-
gle. Many whom WE met told Us we must
hasten II we wished to bear part, for the
enemy were running. 1hey were-f0rdrd
US. We we're obliged to cross an open field
on a ridge, in going to the place signed US
the head OF our brigade reached this field,
a battery stationed oh hill opposite opened
It's hre, and by the Il he this Regiment reach
ed 1t, the balls flew thick and fast, killing
one OF the color guard-but though the field
was long one, our arks we're not broken.
Beyond this field and soath of 1t were two
hills, or ridges with ndTrolc hollow be-
tween. One of them was covered on the ton
with de se wood, al I'D in this were the enc
my situated, supported on the right and left
by heavy batteries. On the opposite hill,
which was bare, save a few stunted bushes,
was our position, and never was a fairer
mark presented. First came the Maine 4th.
which, after few volleys, retreated. Then
came the Vermont ID, which formed in good
line under most CALLING fire, patiently
waited for the order, and when il came eve
ry piece told, causing the enemy to fall back.
Again they came, waving their flag defiant
ly, and pouring in volley after vollev-but
as we lay upon the ground their balls passed
over, while ours did good execution, drop
ping their flag twice, and again making
them taR back. But what could one regi-
ment do against SO many, for ace tcere unaid-
ed. Reluctantly ne the command TO re-
treat, and 1t was as reluctantly obeyed, the
men firing two volleys after II was Given. in
revenge for the fall of CAPTAIN Todd. of Co,
c, IT being supposed he was dead. When
,he 0raer TO retreat came, Capt. Hope, who
had been continually encouraging bis men,
during that fatiguing march. as well as on
the field, Immediately stepped IN front of his
company and commanded them to deploy as
sHlrInlshers. With " hvlng sword and cheer
ing words, In the face lof a most terrific fire
from the enemy, directed to this company, he
LED them down the hIll in advance of all
Others, keeping the q nemy in their position.
ana thus successfully covering the retreat of
our Regiment. He Was seconded in his ef-
forts by Lieut. Howe. who showed himself a
brave and efficient officer. Both of the Off
GERS, regardless of heir own safety. stood in
PLAIN view until they had seen all their men
IN position to fire with but little danger of
being hit and the GOODNESS and Intrepidi;y