Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-05-02
Our Army Correspondence.
FROM THE SIXTH REGIMENT.
CAN'T WINFIELD ScoTr,
Army OF THE PEN1Nsr1A.

ARMY OF THE PENINSULA. I
Mr.. EDITOR Early on the morning Of the
l 9Th, Ayres and Motifs batteries opened on
the rebel works rapid FIRE. which was
promptly responded to by the enemy, their
/ first shell killing three Of Motifs men and
wounding three others. This, however, was
their best shot; most of the others, going
high of the mark, went bowling along through
tie woods behind. In less than an hour the
rebel guns we're silenced, but, as il after
wards proved, only for the time. Interven-
ing between our batteries and the rebel forts
was stretch Of land some 500 yards in
width, nearly level for about two-thirds OF
the distance, and then gradually descending
into marshy pond. About $50 yards from
the opposite shore is the rebel fort. surround
ed on three sides by thick pine woods. and
fanked on the right and left by long rifle
pits. The only means of reaching the forth
tcation is by passing over narrow dam ex-
tending across the pond to the left Of the
fort or by crossing over Doggy creek or
bayou some 8 rods wide and covered by the
rifle pits spoken Of above. | am thus partic-
ular in speaking of the works, to show their
great natural strength, aud because, later in
the day, they were the objects Of valiant
thouSn unsuccessful charge.
! In the meantime the Sd Vermont had been
deployed in the woods, on the enemy's right,
and the 9TH. under Col. Stoughton, on their
left, as sAirmshers. The frequent crack Of
their rifles, told that there "was game in the
bush At IL o'clock the cannonading was
again resumed from the fort, and was kept up
on both sides, with occasional cessation, for
about three hours, the enemys flag staff be-
| ing shot off and their guns again silenoed.
Our guns were now run up some 200 Yards
nearer the fort, and we're supported by the
9th Vermont, Col. Lord Three companies
Of the Sd Vermont, Col. Hyde, were now or
dered across the creek for the purpose of re-
connoitering. They succeeded in crossing,
the water being, some OF the way, up to their
arm-pits. No sooner were the frat files
across than terrific FIRE was opened upon
them from the rihe-pits OF the enemy, con-
cealed by thick bushes and pines. Still they
pressed on firing whenever they could see
the CLEAN of a rebel gun barrel But il was
of no use. In q few minutes 80 brave boys
fell dead, and So we're wounded, when the
remainder were withdrawn. An order was
now sent to Col. Lord to bring the 9th Yer
mont quickly to the support of the Sd. The
regiment started on the double-quick, and
crossing the field directly in rear Of the IN
ion guns, soon reached the edge OF the creek
An order was now sent to Col. Stoughton 10
take four companies Of his regiment and
charge on the fort by way Of the dam, while
Col Lord, with his right wing, was ordered
TO charge across the creek aud Cooperate
against the intrenched enemy. The 4th
started with yell, led on by the Colonel
The 9th at the same time started, led BY
their Colonel, through the woods to the wat
er's edge. The boys rushed calamity for
ward, with cartridge boxes upon their heads
to keep them dry, and subject to CALLING
IRE. Across, they charged forward, but were
met by terrific FIRE from rife-pts concealed
by the thick woods. Only occasionally could
roar, shower Of balls, and brave men fall
ing on every side. Here fell Capt Reynolds,
brayel leading on his men
But gallantry was here Of no avail. In a
short space Of time IL fell dead and SO. near
ly one-third of the whole wing, were wound
ed, when the order was given to fall back
Every wounded man wa, brought off. In the
action the colorb bearer was shot down, but
he still held up the colors until they were
caught by another man, Sergeant Holton Co
|, and borne from the field. perforated BY IL
balls. Many of the wounded refused TO be
borne away until they could FIRE upon the
hidden foe Corporal Cox Co. A, pressing
too far in advance, was seized by two rebels
who sprang from their concealment, and was
hurried away. One of his coptors, asked him
how many damned Yankees there were back
there Enough to accomplish what we have
begun was the reply. At the same instant
both the rebels were shot dead and the gal
liant Corporal got safely back to his company.
Col Sioughton found it impossible to take
bis command across the narrow dam and de-
sisted The 9th were exposed to the FIRE of
at least five times their own number. In this
fight 1t will be seen that only the Vermont
Brigade were engaged, although the two 9th
er Brigades of Smiths division, Gems. Han
cocks and Davdson's were close at hand