Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1865-05-09

his Headquarters, OF the Vermont Brigade were
established for the night
After you was wounded tho command OF the
brigade was turned over to Lieut. Col. Tracy Of
the "a VT, who led the assault on the enemys
works with gallsntry that was worthy OF the
troops under his command. Too much praise
cannot ba awarded TO this gallant officer Tor the
manner in which be handled the command in
that most trying Of all moments-the first shock
Of desperate battle. Lieut. Col Chas. Huns
don of the llth Vt is also deserving Of great
credit, not only for gIllanry 10 tho assault but
Tor marked energy in assisting to reform the
brigade after il had passed the enemy's works.
When 1t waa reformed here, the command
was turned over to Brevet Col Chas. Mundee,
Asst Adjt Gen'l Of the division, who led it in
person with most conspicuous gallantry through
out all the subsequent movements With per
feet confidence that the troops under his com
mand would follow Wherever be would lead tho
way, be pressed forward in front Of the line OF
battle with perfect disregard Of danger, and by
his example az we'll as by the skill with which
he handled his command, contributed in very
great degree to tbs achievements that day per
formed by the Vermont Brigade.
When the troops were moved into position for
the night the command was again turned over
10 Lieut.. Col. Tracy.
Captains Bonnott, Sessions and Baxter, and
Lieut.. Lewis. Of your staff, are entitled to the
highest consideration at your hands for the
manner in which they performed the arduous
duties Of staff officers during the day. The hor-
ses not coming up they were obliged to ba on
foot, but Notwithstanding all difficulties they
were everywhere present throughout the entire
day, cheering on the men, reforming the lines,
preserving the connections Of the regiments, and
helping on by precept AID example the opera.
tlons Of the day.
Sergt Thomas McColcy deserves particular
mention for the gallsntry with which the colors
OF the Vermont Brigade were sustained in front
Of the foremost line throughout tue entire en-
gagement trust that his services will meet
with suitable recognition.
The honor Of being the first to break the enc
my's line ls confidently claimed by this brigade.
Being the guiding brigade Of the charging col
umn, ts position WAS nearest the enemy's line
and most advantageous to reach the works be-
fore the troops on the night or lett. The com
man4ers Of the 5lh, 6 and llth regiments
each claim that the coors Of his cor Hsnd was
the fret planted on the works, but owing to the
darkness prevailing at the time the lines were
reached, and the distance between the points a,
which these oolors were placed on the work, it
is impossible to beside the delicate question.
There Is no question however that the honor be-
longs to the Vermont Brigade
The captures Of the command during tho day
copsis, Of two battle flags nineteen pieces Of ar
ullery, horses, mules. harnas es ami equipments,
great quantities of Quartermsster's and medical
stores, aud several hundred prisoners. Owing
to the enthusiasm of the troops and the rapdity
with which the brigade was msneuvered but
little attention was given to procure credit for
the captures TO which the command is entitled.
Ii is impossible for any one individual to do
credit 10 all the operations OF the command on
account Of the extended field over which they
were carried on. The troops could not be re-
strained from pushing out IN oil directions from
the lines in pursuit OF adyenturers, aud in this
they contributed verify to the success, Of the day
not only IN capturing prisoners and preventing
organization Of the enemy at any point, but also
10 destroying and capturing large quantities Of
means Of transportation and Of stores which
wore Of great value TO the enemy
Such as ore here narrated are but the general
features OF the part taken by the command in
the engagement for TIE possession OF Petersburg
and 1t IS BY no means claimed that it comprise.
all the achievements performed on thar day by
the Vermont Brigade.
am, sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
NJ. BARBER,
Byt. Ma aid Asst Adj Gen.