The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1863-05-29
From the Woodstock Standard
The Vermont Brigade in the Late
CAMPAIGN.

vicinity OF Fredericksburg, the 1acts In
regard to which we CLEAN from the several
reports of Col. Grant. 1t is noticeable fact
that rot one of the reporters of the city
press, among the many following the army
of the Potomac, gave our men more than a
passing notice, and did we not know it to be
otherwise We should infer from this that the
part they took in the several engagements
was merely secondary and unimportant.
Reporters, however, in common with other
men, possess that strong animal instinct
which leads them to seek place of safety
during battle. and it happened in this case
that ii was the reverse of safety to follow
the fortunes of the Vermont troops. In the
advance they led the van, never hesitating,
never wavering, and on the retreat they
brought up the rear, giving evidence of
most thorough discipline, and of self-sacri-
fcing heroism seldom witnessed. Their
achievements stand out pre-eninently as
the most brilliant of the campaign. At the
point of the bayonet they carried the princi-
pal range Of heights in the rear of Freder-
cksburg; by almost superhuman exertions
and an indomitable bravery they prevented
the enemy from hanking US on the left and
cutting US of from the river, thereby literally
saving Sedgwick's whole army from capture
and then as if this were not sufficient tria! of
their courage and endurance, or rather be-
cause Sedgwick knew upon whom he could
rely in the great emergency, to them was
assigned the hazardous duty of holding the
rear in the face of strong and victorious foe
while the retreating army crossed the river,
being one of the most trying positions in
which a body OF men could possibly be placed
Whatever they were set to do they did in
such maGner as to win the unbounded
praise of their commanding officers, and
doubtless to the COM ,lete satisfaction of the
rebels. Their behavior in this short campaign
will form one OF the proudest chapters in the
history of our State.
On the evening of Saturday the I'd of May,
the Lrigade crossed the river below Freder-
cksburg. and after stiog few hours on its
arms moved forward before daylight on the
Bowling Green road, (its right resting on
creek which empties into the river,) into the
city, which had been previously occupied by
Newton's Division. The plan of attack upon
the heights in the rear of the city having
been formed, to the Vermont Brigade was
assigned the duty of capturing the higher
and principal range of hills, while Newton's
troops were simultaneously TO move upon
the lower range. The LAY of the land
over which the brigade was to move is very
-clearly given by Colonel Grant, as follows:
" The lower range, or Mayree's Hill, is on
the right of the creek and just in the rear of
Fredericksburg. The higher or principal
range of hills is to the left of the creek and
Immediately in front Of the position occupied
by this brigade. Between the Browling
Green road and the base of the principal hills
is an open plain near mile in ext ut:
through which passes a railroad. Nearly
PARALLEL with the railroad were rifle pits in
and behind the railroad were posted rebel
infantry. The entire plain was commanded
by the eEermy's guns the principal range OF
hills Two lines were formed, the first
consisting of the 33d New York, 7th Maine
and 2lst New Jersey. and the second con-
sistng of the 9th Vermont, 9th New jersey
and I'd Vermont. formed from right to left
in the order named. At about l. A. VI. the
column moved forward over the plain at
double quick. driving the rebels out of the
riie-pits ard from railroad. This accom-,
plished the first line CT the column, followed
by the 9th Vermont. bore off to the right
to assist Newton in capturing the lower
range of hills, leaving the I'd Vermont and
18th New jersey TO capture the higher range.
The two regiments moved forward in the
face of terrible fire and soon gained the
shelter of a steep bark, where they halted to
rest, in the meantime the reg iments changing
positions il consequence of the unsteady be- !
haviol of the 9th. Moving on again they
soon gained "a deep ditch or rifle pit, where !
they again slted and called upon the SD
New York, which was down the creek near
Mayree's hill, to come to their assistance. /
As soon as the 33t. arrived within supporting
distance the "a Vermont charged up the
hill il E:ost gallant style. driving the rebels
from their y ,sition and capturing the works
on the right of the principal heights. The
rebels rallied and the engagement continued
for short time, but the SD New York and
eth Maine having arrived to the assistance
Of the ID, they soon retired.
The I'D, 18th and 9th Vermont moved !
across the plain furthe. to Tie left and
carried that portion of the heights without
difficulty.
The 9th Vermont, which was the second |
regiment in the enemys works On Mayree's |
hill, the 9th Maine being the first, was re-
ta;nea ir that portion of the field and sent to |
the front as skirmisners
The heights having been carried the Yer
mont Brigade was Immediately moved for
ward On the plank roa1 to join the main
arms. tie object being to form junction /
with Hooker. The opposing forces were
already engaged and the Vermont Brigade /
vac ordered to take position on tine left to
prevent any flank movement in that direction. ,
Five regiments were formed in line, the I'd !
being held in reserve, and in this position /
they rested during The night. /
On the morning of the 18th it was found /
that the rebels had reoccupied the heights of
Fredericksburg, which made it necessary for
our forces to change front to the rear and !
facing the city. In the disposition of troops
for .he new li!e Of battle the Vermont Bri- /
gade was placed in tie second lire, there /
being another brigade at some distance in
front, inos; CT whom. however, were Skin |
mishers. Somewhat iii front aid OF the .
extreme right was stationed the 9TH regiment
and the right of the main line was assigned ,
to the Sd. The 9th, I'd and Goth New !
Jersey, ~e.e !: 4ced next in the order .
named, and on the extreme ielt va the
4th.
The rebels commenced the attack at about
. O'Clock P. NJ, directly in front of the Yer
mont Brigade, but kept constantly bearing
towards the river, with the intention of
seyeriug our communication and hemming us
in. The battle ragged furiousy until dark,
the enemy making repeated assautsIupon our
line, which they in vain endeavored to break.
Our forces kept constantly pressing towards