Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1864-10-14

VERMONT IRooFs N ACTIoN A letter in
the Rutland Herald gives the following ac-
count of the part taken by the 18th Vermont
in the battle of sept. Both, near the South
side r. r.
At Poplar Grove Church the regiment was in
line Of battle nearly an hour but there being no
signs Of the enemy we advanced about two miles
further, when, on marching up through a pine
wood, we we're greeted With a few yolleys from
the enemy. We halted in the woods about III
teen minutes. and had orders to lie down, as the
shells from the enemy's batteries were bursting
all around Us, accompanied by an incessant
shower Of bullets We next had orders 10 ad-
vance and went on the double-quick TO the edge
Of the woods 10 the rail fence, and before We
had time 10 form discovered that the enemy we're
driving back our skirmishers, and a solid column
were almost upon Us. Col Cummings gave the
order to rise and IRE. but seeing that we we're
firing into our own men, countermanded il, and
gave the order TO ix bsyonets, but before could
be executed, our regiment WAS cut in twain by
the overpowering force Of the enemy, and We
saw that we were being fsnked. Capt. Conway,
Adit Peck snd Lieut.. Norton, with about seven
teen men, brought off the colors safely, Capt
Conway shooting three Of their color guards be
fore retreating. Color Sergeant George ".
Bacon (of Co. H. deserves especial praise for his
bravery in standing by the coors to the last, al
though he had been quite unwell for some time
previous to the tight
letter from the battlefield Of Chapin's
BLUFF, Oct Sd, says;
The Ninth regiment Of Vermont Volunteers
being part Of the "a brigade, % division 10th
army corps, formed in line at their camp on the
south Of the james river, at one O'Clock on the
morning Of the 18th Of September, and marched
across the pontoon bridge At 4" Broadway Land
ing TO the strong line Of Entertainments At
"Chapins Bluff seven miles from the rebel
capital. The last three miles Of the march were
strewn with muskets, blankets and the usual de-
bris Of the battlefield the large number If
dead and wounded also showed that the First
division had had a lively skirmish on their al
vance. We pressed on until the formidable bat
Elements Of Fort Morris doomed up before u,
and its seven guns sent shower Of iron hah
upon our massed columns ; still We advanced
and under sharp musketry FIRE the order 20
charge was passed along the line, and thou-h
the entire division was exhausted by a rapid
march Of ten miles, their cheer went up with
ring, and the entire line At Chapin's Bluff was
carried with its sixteen guns and over 500
prisoners were flying as rapidly towards our
rear as We had advanced towards the front
The charge of the Ninth Vermont Is highly
spoken Of as one Of the most gallant affairs OF
the war, and a telling evidence of the discipline
and efficiency Of the regiment.
1t will be seen from tie followin, order
that Brig. Genl. Pitcher has been relieved,
as Asst. Provost Marshal General of Vermont,
and is succeeded in the Office by MAJOR WH. !
AUsTISE. We understand that Gen Pitcher !
is assigned to duty at the West. Major |
Austine j. thoroughly qualified BY his large
experience as the courteous and capable Mil |
itary commander and Mastering and Disburs |
ing officer of the L. S for Vermont. to as
sumo the duties of hi, new position, and will |
undoubtedly make an able and popular Asst.
p. NJ. General.
I. S MusrEsIsG & DIsBURsIye OrT1os,
Brsttleboro, Vt,
Oct 9th. 1864.
l. Pursuant to instructions from the Provost
Marshal General, the undersigned thi, day AZ
sumes the duties Of A A. Pro. Mar. GenI and
Supt. Of Vol. Recruiting Service for the State OF
Vermont, relieving Brig. Gen1 Pitcher.
.. Lieut.. G. W Debevoi.., Vet. Res. Corp,.
will continue to act rs Inspector Of Pro Mar.
General, Bureau for this State.
tSgnedl
". AUSTINE, Maj L. 5. A.
Must'g and Disb'g Officer.
aid NIFTY Condr.
IOficisll
GEOKGE W. DKBsvOBs,
Lieut. Vet. Res. Corps,
lct'g. Ins. Pro. Mar
Geols Burss..