Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1865-04-07

pidly in line Of battle toward the hill The second
line followed the movement Of the first. Perceiv-
ing that his intention to get possession OF the
hill aud the batteries upon IT, which would have
cut our lines and greatly endangered our army.
l ordered my two Regiments by the right flank
quickly up TO the bill side which he had already
commenced ascending. Here some very sharp
fighting took place. The enemy had got posses
son OF the fence at the foot OF the bill, and Of the
sAshng the hill side, caused by Telling trees to
clear the range for our guns. The fighting was
now at quarter pistol range, and the fence aud
fallen trees gave the enemy considerable protec-
tion. /, therefore, ordered my men forward,
and they sprang through and over the sashug
and up TO the fence tue enemy generally drop
ping their arms, aud surrendering themselves. =
Very few of the force that advanced to the attack
got back to their own lines again. great many
prisoners taken, whom sent TO the Provost
Marshal without guard or escort, as had no men
TO spare"
| think these extracts show that Il is to Gen.
Stannard and Col. Cstes the country Is mainly
Indebted for the repulse Of the enemy's charge
aud the hnAl victory Of the Sd of July
About the time the rebels attained our line,
heavy renforcements Of artillery and infantry
reported to me- | posted them at various points
along the crest and in reserve, but they were not
required as before they reached their destination,
the enemy had fallen back The troops in the I'd
and 3d lines also deserve special commendation,
As they we're equally exposed to the enemys mis-
siles. Although the artillery FIRE very severe,
Ibid not a desert his post.
After the retreat of the enemy, we remained
where we were, and biyouaced upon the field. -
The Vermont Regiment on picket was reliev-
ed next morning, through the Kindness Of MAJOR
General Birney, by division of the Sd Corps.
On the lth, my troops still remained In the
same position on the field OF battle.
On the 9th. they retired a few hundred yards.
to obtain more pleasant encampment.
On the 9TH, they remained in the same place.
On the 9TH, left very early under orders for
Washington.
Among the circumstances worthy Of mention.
which occurred on the Sd day, was tae death of
the rebel General Barksdae. He was brought
into my lines by my Acting Assistant Inspector
General. Lieut. Col Livingston, 10th N. Y. Vols.
His dying speech, aud last messages for bis
family together with the valuables about his per-
son, were intrusted by ham 10 Lieut.. Col. Living
ston
Brig Gen Rowley and Col. Dana, l43d Penn.
Vols, Brigade Commanders, rendered me vaua'
BILE assistance
! have already mentioned my staff, in my repor,
Of the operations OF the Corps OH the lst They
did their whole duty without exception. Several
had their horses shot, and one, Lieut.. Cowdry,
| (Commissioper Of Muster,) was wounded.
| was myself struck BY piece of shell towards
the close Of the day but not seriously injured.
/ DR.. Ramsay, Chief Surgeon OF the Division. is
entitled to my thanks for valuable services. Capt.
Hall, A. Q. NJ, Captain Adair, q. s.. Lieut..
Shaw. Ordnance Officer, and Lieut.. Snowden, Of
the Ambulance Corps, were all Jealous and eff
eient in the discharge Of their duties.
! have the honor To be,
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant.
A. DOUBLEDAY,
Maj Gen. HOls.