Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1864-05-27
The War News.
THE GREAT EXPLOIT OF THE SECOND
VERMONT.

| AuC COtICepVhuOhs VI 'uO NCW IOAh
Herald thus describes it:
In THE FIELD, NEAR SPoTTsYLvA-
MA, CouRT HOUSE, May II.
The line of earthworks captured by
Gen. Russell and Col. Upton, in their
gallant charge on the afternoon of Tues
day, the 10th inst, would have been held
had the support which they expected
come up in time. The rebels had three
severa! lines Of rife pits, built parallel
with each otheE and constructed in such
manner that each line could rake
the other advantageously, if it were
I taken by US. The first which was taken
had a solid embankment OF earth at least
six feet in height, the top Of which was
protected with heavy logs, like the roof
of house, which protected their men
completely from our shells. The top of
the work was mounted with heavy logs,
hewn flat and pierced at intervals with
loopholes, like blockhoUse or stockade.
Our officers agree that it was without
exception the strongest work of the kind
we have yet encountered.
CHARGE OF THE VERMONT BRIGADE.
Too much cannot be tsaid in praise of
the gallant charge of the Vermont brig
ade, commanded by Col. Grant. After
the line Of rebel works described above
was carried, and their expected support
did not come up, the division of Gen.
Russell, not being able TO remain, owing
to the calling fire poured into their SER
red ranks by the second line of the enc
my's rife pits, and being in imminent
danger of being cut off from the main
line, on account of their advanced posi-
ton, had to fall back, and along with
them their prisoners, nearly two thou
sand in number. Twelve pieces of can
non were il the works. These had to
be left, as they could not be removed, and
they had not with them the necessary
implements for spiking them. The Ver-
mont brigade utterly refused to fall back
upon the main line, even after the posi-
ton had been occupied two hours, and
they had given up all hopes of being re-
inforced. Col Upton rode down to them
and told them how dangerous it was to
attempt TO hold the works they we're in,
since their last round of cartridge had
been discharged at the enemy and they
were rapidly being hanked. But the
blood of the Green Mountain boys was
up, and they absolutely refused to bulge
a single hair from the field they had
wreeted from the enemy, and from the
spot where their comrades had ial!eu.-
Col. Upton, assisted by some of their
own officers, by promising them another
charge when they had supplied them
selves with ammunition, at last induced
them sullenly to retire. 1t is a proud
thing for you, Vermont, that the patriotic
fire which burned in your sires' bosoms
in l776 should burn in that of your sons
in 1864 with so bright fame.
Another correspondent speaks of it
thus -
The line did not have to move far be-
fore it come upon the enemy-their old
enemy which they had met on the bill at
Gettysburg.
1t was past z o'clock. There was a
few minutes of terrible fighting, in fierce
ness and intensity surprising even that
on Friday afternoon at Gettysburg.-I
When the uproar was widest there was
a cheer-a shout, sharper and louder
than the din of arms. 1t was not the
savage cry of the enemy, but a buoyant,
thrilling shout, Away they went into
the storm over the intervening space,
with bayonets firmly set, Vermont lead
ing the charge, plunging into Dale's brig
ade of Rhodes division and leading it
captive from the field. Ewell poured in
his men to cover bis works, but the I'd
Vermont was in possession and were de-
termined not to give them up. Far in
advance of all the line, lay that regiment,
pouring its FIRE upon the enemy. They
were so far ahead that Gen Wright feared |
to have them remain through the night.
He was about 10 withdraw them. we
don't want to 90 back. Give us rations
and ammunition and We will hold it six
months, said the soldiers.
Gen. Wright rode to Gen. Grant
What shall l do?' be asked.
pile in the men and hold it, was the !
reply. Gen. Wright went back, but
meanwhile by some means they had been
ordered to return.
That charged 1t will be forever mems
orable. Even now I seem to hear that
shout, ringing like trumpet blast above
The tbunders OF the eaunonade, aud the |