Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1870-10-05

uplV Dpuleu men were takeni and much atten-
ton was paid to selecting such as appeared
well as to character aud intelligence; for at
that time it was pretty generally believed
that the expedition would be only pleasant
excursion a mistake however that we got
brayey over in course Of a few months.
Men Of this sort who fully understood the
object Of the war, and the issues involved,
could not fail to make successful soldiers.
General Marion, Of Revolutionary fame,
himself one Of the most accomplished and sue
cessiul partizan officers Of his day, bcmoaued
the ignorance Of the masses Of the SOUTH and
Of his dear Carolina, because they were not
so reliable soldiers, and he said they UNDER
stood SO litdc Of the issues at stake that they
became apt tools Of the British, whose gold
and projections they would accept
Intelligence and education has in all ages
been deemed desirable quality in the soldier,
and no men Of experience can doubt that in
the war that we have just passed through,
these attributes manifested themselves 10 his
fighting qualities.
think l am justified in saying, that no
soldiers in the field cxtorted more commonda.
ton than the rank and Gle Of the Vermont
regiments, and that much Of the good fighting
done by them must be attributed to their
superior intelligence, and their better UNDER
standing Of the purpose, aims and objects Of
the war.
Many instances Of the superior galantry
Of the Second Regiment might be given but
l win only mention one.
In the spring of 1868, when General
Hooker fought the enemy at characteristics,
the heights overlooking Fredericksburgh from
the east were occupied by the rebels aud the
natural strength Of the position had been enor-
mously strengthened, and sombcr lines of rife
pits and redoubts frowned down upon US 1t
becameimportant for us to carry those heights,
Of which Maries was the most prominent A
regiment (the 26th New Jersey was detailed
to storm the heights aud carry the position
They were formed in line and ordered to ad-
vance Instantly a volcano Of fire belched
from rebel cannon and musketry, and the slope
was swept by tornado Of iron and Lead
The Vermont Brigade support the movement
and are watching it with painful anxiety.
The New Jersey regiment presses on for
while with much spirit, but terrible gaps
are constantly made in their ranks, which for
time they fill and press on, but finally they
break and come surging back on the reserves.
Quick, prompt and decisive action is now
necessary. Troops that can be relied on un-
der any and all circumstances can only avail
now. Men who comprehend and appreciate
the situation are the only ones that can be
trusted now to repair this disaster Have
we got them We have. What ones ?
TIE VERMONT BRIGADE.
Forward the Vermont Brigade" shout.
the commanding officer, and 50 Forward the
Vermont Brigade is reiterated along the
line aud in an instant the Vermont Brigade
is in line in column BY regiments, the glori-
Gus Ola Second, commanded by that gallant
officer, Col. Joyce, leading the van, and on they
press. Again the persistent rebels are at
their guns again clouds of leaden and iron
hail sweep the slopes from the rebel position,
and every missile imaginable is hurled upon
their devoted ranks, but stoutly and deter.
minedly they stem the terrible tide. VIII
they carry the crest and the rebel works /.
now the painful question.
Fearful consequences hang trembling on
the result but anxiety was not kept long in
suspense. Their numbers are hewn down
but the gaps close as quickly as made, aud
shoulder to shoulder, with cheer upon cheer
mid the awful storm they rush needless
| ly over the dead aud dying, until so near the
mouths of the rebel guns that they are envel
opel in smoke, and for moment are hid
from view, but quickly the vigorous Yanke,
shout, 50 distinguishable from the rebel yell
told that those Vermont boys had gained the
summit; the Old Second was on the para
pets, and the other regiments crowding theii
trenches, and at the point Of the bayonet, and
with cubbed muskets, the rebels (who Tough
like fonds incarnato on that day were driver
from their pieces, and many who were no
killed or wounded were captured, and thei
guns were quickly turned on their flying col
umns. The contest is over, and Marie
heights are won, and long will the reeollec
tion of that day, and the scenes Of carnage an'
destruction witnessed, haunt .ho memory o
those who beheld them.
Instances of individual bravery that eclips,
many of the recorded deeds Of vaor tina
have been thought worthy in ancient time o
being chronicled in story and song were per
formed on that day. One, | will be pardoned
| hope, for mentioning. Sergeant Bennett
who belonged to the company in the secopC
regiment which had the honor to command
and as brave a soldier as ever handled fire
lock, man of powerful muscle cool courage
and few words, was one of the first, if not the
very first man, to mount the rebel parapot OF
Maries height. As he sprang over the breast
work, rebel officer met him, sabre in hand
and aimed a fearful blow at him, which h
dexterously parried with his musket. a
this officer with several other rebels presse'
him to close quarters he dubbed his muskei
and in a twinkling, with the expression, "Il
clean you out of here, lcyeled them all t
the earth. But by this time this sharply con
tested and unequal contest had attracted
half dozen rebels, who were fastening to assis
those already opposing the heroic sergeant
I and as they saw their companions 80 roughl.
handled, they drew their muskets and fire
-, b;,, s;,r hulleta antaring his hodv nj ono