The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1861-08-08
The Second Vermont at Bull Run.

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From an interesting letter in the Burlington
Times, doubtless written by Major Joyce, we
make the following extracts relative to the
part the Vermont Regiment took in the battle
at Bull Run;
On, on we went upon the run, and our poor
boys were dropping out by dozens, yet no halt
or slack. Now we have arrived at ROAD
which leads up along the skirt OF piece Oh
woods. We enter IL and go on upon the run
Now, Oh God what sights meet our eyes -
Here are the hospitals for friends and locs, all
thrown in together here are the urgeons IN
the woods saving off legs and arms from the
poor fellows who have been wounded-soine
they have on the ground and some on board !;
they shrek, they groan, they swear, in their
delirnm Of agony here comes the carts bring
ing in the wounded the blood running from
the cart like water from your street sprinkler.
1t is awful, it is terrible, but yet our brave
boys press on. Now comes messenger saying
to us, Go on, boys they need your help. Then
another saying. 60 ahead, boys, The Rebels are
flying. We heed them not, but with steady
step move on
The order was given to 50 Forward the Sec
ond, i" and you may depend it was done nobly.
Oh, who would not have given world at that
moment to have bcena Vermoater. No; man
but what felt that they carried the honor OF
Vermont upon their bayonets. On they went
the orders come" Captains, in the rear of your
companies boys, keep COOL take good
aim and mark your man." Nota pale face ap-
peared in line; lips were compressed and hearts
were rs firm as the granite in their native hills.
The air was full, even to darkness, with iron
and lead, yet | felt II pride in being with
the noble Second on that day and although |
was not born upon Vermonts soil, yet I was
proud of her and her gallant sons, and gloried
in the State of my adoption. When we arri-
we'd on the brow Of the hill we were in plain
the hill about half way, and halted in line of
battle.
Between us and the enemy was deep ravine,
and on the other side, on the hill pitching to-
wards US were the rebels, behind Virginia rail
fence. The order now came to open fire on the
whole line Our boys drew up their guns, took
deliberate aim at that fence, and then it would
have done your soul good to see the devils jump.
At the second volley they all cut and run into
piece Of woods on their lett flank. Soon they
made their appearance at the edge of the woods,
and ut them we went again like bull dogs.
t 1t would perhaps be invidious to call names
but | must be permitted to mention Captains
Dillingham;, Eaon, Hope and randall, and
Lieutenants Henry, Gregg, Campbell, John
son, Howe, Tracy, Hugh and Tyler, as men
who were under my eye during the whole battle.
With Capt. Dillingham; | have always been ac-
qnainted, and have felt a sort of pride in his
success. have watched him, and saw him IN
the midst of the carnage on that bloody day
He was as cool and self possessed as when on
Company parade. | could hear him give his
orders to his men | mott ed his face as he pas
scd back and FORTH speaking words of encour.
agement to his brave boys, and by his example
inspiring them with courage and fortitude. In
IL moment | saw him fall Oh, God sprang
towards him and caught him in my arms, lifted
him up, and, to my great joy, discovered that a
Minnie ball had only just grazed his temple and
stunned him foi the moment. | set him on his
feet and left him IN charge of his men, and star
ted for my post on the left of the line, and
scarcely had gone ten PAGES when, with voice
that could be heard beyond the enemy's lines,
heard him say: " Thy have not killed me get
give ito them, boys!
1 Capts. Smith, Fullam, Walbridge, Todd, and
Others, behaved in a manner worthy of Yer
mont, while Capt. Randall greatly distinguished
himself by his cool courage and self.posscssion
he was determined not to leave the field ard
did not until compelled to do so 10y The Com
mander. One word about our color bearer -
He is e feet - inches hiyh-he carried his
banner upon the field and stoed by it during tho
whole battle, like Goliath OF old. Not lmt
trembled or muscle moved. While six of the
cnemy's bullets pierced the sacred flag, not one
touched the noble bearer. lie is truly u brave
man and deserves to be remembered.
Our Quarter masters Department is managed
on q scale not to be surpassed by any Regiment
in the service. Mr.. Pitkin is untiring in his
efforts to make us all comfortable, and he Is
nobly sustained by the Quarter master Sergeant
Cain, and the Messrs. Stone.