Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-05-29

across the plain further to the left and
carried that portion of the heights with
out difficulty.
The 9th Vermont, which was the Sec
ond regiment in the enemy's works on
Mayree's hill, the 9th Maine being the
first, was retained in that portion of the
field and sent to the front as skirmish-
ers.
The heights having been carried the
Vermont brigade was Immediately moved
forward on the plank road, to join the
main army, the object being to form a
junction with Hooker. The opposing
forces were already engaged and the
Vermont Brigade was ordered to take
position on the left to prevent any flank
movement in that direction. Five regi-
ments 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 4th it was found
that the rebels had re-occupied the heights
of Fredericksburg, which made it neces-
sary for our forces to change front to the
rear and facing the city. In the dispo-
si.ion of troops for the new line of battle
the Vermont Brigade was placed in the
second line, there being another brigade
at some distance in front, most of whom,
however, were skirmishers. Somewhat
in front and on 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 26th New Jersey, were
placed next in the order named, and on
the extreme left was the 4th.
The rebels commenced the attack at
about s o'clock p. m, directly in front Of
the Vermont Brigade, but kept constantly
bearing towards the river, with the in
tention of severing our communication
and hemming us in. The battle ragged
furiously until dark, the enemy making
repeated assaults upon our line, which
they in vain endeavored to break. Our
forces kept constantly pressing towards
the river, and to counterfeit the move
ments of the rebels in the same direction
were obliged to keep constantly changing
front, forming new lines, advancing and
retreating by turns, all Of which evolu-
tons were executed under a terrible fire
with the GOODNESS of veterans, and almost
with the precision of holiday parade
Darkness coming on the enemy ceased
his attempts to turn our left, when the
brigade formed a new line with its left
resting on the river. 8" In this position
says Col. Grant, the brigade held the
front while the balance of the corps fell
back to Banks Ford, where bridges had
been constructed across the river. The
brigade then slowly retired, its skirmi5h-
ers following in the rear. Upon arriving
near the Ford the brigade formed a new
line of battle and sent skirmishers far to
the front (Which had now become our
rear.) The skirmish line being attacked,
he I'd, Sd, and 9th regiments were sent
,ut to support the skrmish line. The
balance Of the corps crossed the river,
hen these three regiments and the Skin
nish line followed"
Thus ended what is called the battle of
Banks Ford, and this is brief account
If the important part taken by the Yer
mont Brigade 10 that action.
The loss of the brigade on the Sd inst.
vas l 8 killed and 100 wounded, total l22.
IN the following day the loss in killed
vas II, wounded 1l8, missing A, total
70. Making loss during the two days
f thirty killed, 227 wounded and A mis-
ing; total 30l. Some of those reported
Missing have already come into camp.