Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1864-07-08
REPORTS FROM VERMONT TROOPS.
SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT.
HEADQuARrERs, l7th w. Vols.
In the Field near Petersburg. Va
PETER r. WAsuBURN,

In the Field near Petersburg Va.
PETER r. WAsuBuRN,
Adit a. lnsp General.
/ Sir The 9th army corps lef their en-
trenohments near Coal harbor at dark on the
night of the 18th, and with but four hours
sleep arrived near James river in the night of
the l4tb We here halted until o'clock p.
m. Of the following day, when we moved
towards the James river, crossing at m.
! AT noon Of the 10th we reached the present
battle ground, after a march Of % miles, dur
ing which our ranks wero rapidly depleted
| from hard marching on very short retions.--
I At p. m. the I'd brigade, ID division was
drawn up in line Of battle in support Of a
portion Of the I'd corps, then about to make
a charge. This charge proving unsuccessful,
we were moved around on the right flank to
hold ground wrested from the enemy by Bir-
ney's division of the same corps. In the
night it was determined to assault the enc
my's position in the center, where a battery,
supported by strong rife pits, was protected
by house aud out buildings. and supported
by six gun redoubt little way towards
our left, and at point where the enemy's
line turned to nearly right angle. This as
sault was oonfded to the I'd division 9th ar
my corps and Franks formerly OVENS
brigade Of the % corps. When the time
came for the assault, however, the 2d division
alone had the work to do. Accordingly three
regiments of the Let brigade, supported by
the other three, we're assigned 20 the easterly
side Of the angle, and the same disposition
Of the 2d brigade was made on the northerly
side The regiments selected to lead in the
battle we're the 7th W., Och n II and 32d
Me. the l7th on the right with instructions
to take the battery. A. 8 o'clock a m. the
line was put in motion, the 7th leading off.
Marching up steep bill over Franks brigade
and the earthworks protecting their skitmish-
ers, | reformed my line and gave the order to
charge. The men (only numbering 3j guns
rushed impetuously forward. driving the en-
emy's skirmishers aud carrying a strong line
Of earthworks fully manned. In less time
than / can write this we had captured two
cannon, caisson, six horses, 10 prisoners
and the colors and Adjutant of the 18th
Tennessee The other two guns fell 10 the
9th y, their position having been changed
during the night.
Our casualties in this engagement were 2
killed and 1 4 wounded Among the killed,
| regret To- record, was lst 1t. Guy II. Guyer,
one Of the most gallant and faithful officers
in the regiment. lie fell early in the charge,
shot through the left breast
The gallantry Of my officers and men in
this charge would be vorthy especial men-
tion, were it not that on that occasion there
was no deviation from their usual conduct be-
fore the enemy.
| cannot refrain from noticing the coin
cideuce. that on the anniversary Of the 18th
Of June the 7th VI captured The colors Of
the 7ih Tenn, - Col. Fuitou's brigade,
Bashr1d Johnson's division, Buokners (for-
merly Of Hardee's) corps, 49, together with
guns and prisoners numbo-ing more than half
their own men. To US the l7th Of June will
hereafter have a double significance.
| understand that the lst brig ,de captured
two guns, the others having been removed J
and qaiIe a number OF prisoners.
I This charge by the 9Th was warmly COM
p,imented by our brigade and division COM
manders and the entire assault has elected
general order of which the following is
copy
HrADauAurERs NlSru AMY conrs
Juue rs. 1854.
General Orders No o.
The Commanding General takes great pride in assur-
ing this command Of The high appreciation in which
their services after che fatigue of the recent movement
are held 90 the Headquarters of the Army and quotes
with pleasure The expressions usedb by the commanding
General of the ARM OF the Potomac ln speaking N the
brilliant assault 90 ihe morning OF the llih DE writes
IL affords great satisfaction cong atulate you and
your ga ant 1ps on the suce's'il! assault on c NOR
ming % tIe II p. Knowing noe wearlrd condition of
your from ihe night march Of over twenty-five
miles aud he cuutuu movement through the uishi Of
e. ss io4' A@' P'''o' ''d success is highly '''a'''
The commanding General can only ada that in this As
in The previous and eedily events ~ this unexaup
bed campl1uthc Orb corps has through every trial uva-
Haby proved true TO its history and 10 is promise
~ 4'i''''-N '' a, a. nrDNerpp