Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1864-10-28
FROM THE TENTH REGIMENT.
Battle of Winchsster--Major Dillingham;
Tsey,r,



Dear journal In our short but glorious
Valley campaign there has been much Of inter.
ost beside decisive victories; instances Of the
material and moral sublime, and Of the sub.
lime in science Indeed, all campaigns pres.
ent these in varying degrees, but in this they
were presented IN the highest degree. And
then there were the phenomena common to
battles, the mangling Of bodies, death, bodily
aud mental anguish, fear, heroic courage,
despair, exultation, rage and pity even mirth,
and that beautiful faith which looks up from
the plain or swamp or hedge where ifo is
fast bleeding away, and behold looking upon
the fearful tragedy the calm face Of Deity.
The battle OF Winchester was fought part
ly on rolling ground consisting Of grassy
fields, corn and wheat fields, gardens, yards
aud forests, and partly on broad open plain
which extends TO the north and east of the
town. The rebels had earthworks, but they
we're slight, and we had none at all 80 the
fight could not resemble the great battles Of
the Wilderness campaign. Our division
formed line Of battle on the right Of the Ber-
ryville pike, about ten o'clock ia the morn
ing, lay down and waited for the 18th corps
TO come up and form on their right. At a.
bout noon, the line being formed, our bate
ries, which had kept up an intermittent FIRE all
the morning opened rapidly, aud the line ad-
vanced. This artillery firing is grand thing.
You hear continuous roar caused by the
combined discharge and humping or hammer
ing OF the gun IL is never 40 loud as thun-
der. but it is loud enough TO frghten citizens,
and pale the cheeks Of undiscpliued recruits,
although our veterans Il not In direct range
will enjoy pleasant sleep, and our horses
Craze quietly under the bill. But it was
prelude, and the chieftain's lips pressed
as it grew rapid.
| said the line advanced, and with ii ad-
vanced Maj D,lliugham. There was a ter
rible screech'ng OF shells and solid shot they
rlttled among the trees aud burst over the
advancing line One struck the major, and
he fell. His comrades bore him from the
field, and the men heard his cries Of pain,
and for q moment the line wayered, so terrible
was the shock Of sorrow which they felt
little later. while the fl ght was still roaring
up over the bill, be died, and this was the
end Of beautiful, harmonious life. Young,
handsome, brilliant, brave amid trials, cheer
fui amid discouragements, upright, and with
that kindness Of heart which ever character
lied the true gentleman, blended with firm
respected by all Of bis command, and loved
By all Of his comp 'nions.
A fairer ,nd a loyser gentleman
The spteiou. sord cannot again Afford"
We shall long mourn him in our lonely
camp. But the boys avenged his death At
night, when the work was done. all along
their course, in the ravines, on the low hills,
10 the front yard OF the farm house, 10 the
"a s.IN o.
Winchester plain, the gray form Of s,ain en-
emies told how well they had dealt their
blows. II his spirit followed the line and
who shall say 1t did not;-how proudly il
must have swelled, when on the red glow Of
the setting sun, victory came down, a. from
heaven, and perched upon our banners.
The story OF the battle is well known how
the second division Of the l9,h corps was
repuised on the htst charge in consequence Of
which the whole right OF the line had to
swing back the rally, the addition Of Crooks
command the right, the formation Of the
new line. and the next advance which was
successful.
stood on bill half mile in the rear aud
saw our line advance at four o'clock. Bat
teries we're belohing forth ia i1s face. and shot
we're falling like hailstones, but IL went
sweeping onward, never breaking, never halt
ing,moving almost as steadily as on dill, I'M
I'll my eyes were blinded by the slant rays Of
che declining sun, and the line became OBJ
scured 10 the pow der-smoke.
Storms are sublime. and so are great free,
but fancy a long blue line Of soldiers sdyanc-
Ing in the impetuous charge Of b. tie, sweep
log all before them, yelling like sayages az
they rush onward, the sun cleaning on every
gun barrel, and smoke and fire leaping from
every muaze
by Heaven itisa splendid sight e see
For one Eho hath friend no brother there "
Gen. Sheridan was riding rapidly along
the line shouting 70 the men, Crook is on
their aauk. and the cavalry in their rear ;
give them hell " One could almost afford to
die for the cheers which be received
The line is only a mile from the town, and
the rebels are flying in confusion across the
open plain but they still keep up something
Of A FIRE, and our batteries and line are scat
tering death among them. Look over to the
night Look There % Custer and his cav
airy he has taken his flag in his hand, his
roundabout is unbttuoned and HE crimson
shirt and scarf, and his sleeves sparkling
with bullion, render him conspicuous, -all
the setter for his men TO see him in the front,
and on rush the squadron madly after him.
They dash over the Aging rebels, slashing
down all resistance until beyond the hue
then they turn round aud drive them back
like so many frightened sheep. The rout was
complete, and in few moments the PLAN,
the town, and the heights beyond were clear
of rebels, except their dead, wounded and
captured.
Could Custsr at that time have gone on
like Butcher Of Waterloo, with corps OF
fresh cavalry, and orders to take no prison
ers, Early's army would have been snnihila''
ed thas night.
The army that slept on the field that night
consisted Of the happiest men alive. They
were begrimed with blood, and powder, and
dust, and we're faint and hungry, but many
danced with exultant joy, and many Others
bowed in silent, heartfelt, devout thanksgiv'
ing.
In this engagement Lieut.. Abbott o
Barre, and Lieut.. Hill Of Rutland, both gal
liant aud accomplished young officers, were
severely wounded. Our loss in enlisted met
was 10 killed, Al wounded, and | missing
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