The National tribune., 1886-06-10
RECENT LITERATURE.
VERMONT IN THE CIVIL WAR. Vol. +. B,
q. q. Benedict Published by the Free Pres
Association, Burlington VT

VERMONT IN THE CIVIL WAR. Vol. I. BY
G.. O.. Benedict Published by the Free Press
Association, Burlington. Vt.
No more valuable contribution to the liter
ature of the war has yet been made than this
work, the excellence Of which is beyond all
praise. It's historical value lies not more in the
facts thus permanently recorded than in the
exceeding care and accuracy with which the
author has performed his task. Himself a
gallant soldier Col. Benedict actively partici-
pated in many of the thrilling scenes be so
well describes. He was appointed to compile
this history in pursuance OF a resolution of the
Vermont Legislature. The wisdom of the
choice is abundantly shown by the result. No
State has a more honorable record in the war
than Vermont. With a total enrolment Of
81 900 men liable to military duty, nearly
81, 900 enlisted as volunteers greater pro-
portion than in any other State. Vermont lost
greater per cent. killed and wounded in battle
than any other State. The first volume con-
tains history Of the first six regiments, each
separately, and then of the first brigade. His
plan has been 10 give a record ofcach military
ganiZatiOn furnished by the State, treating each
infantry regiment as unit. The second volume
will, therefore, embrace all the infantry regi-
ments subsequent to the 9Th, and the cavalry
and the several companies Of artillery and
sharpshooters. Every engagement, large and
small, IN which the regiments participated, is
described sufficiently to show the part taken
by them. The name Of every man killed or
wounded in each action is stated the number
who died from sickness; the number captured !;
the number discharged for different causes !;
the Number of recruits from time 70 time; per
ceutage Of losses as compared with that Of the
other States; indeed every detail Of fact of this
kind IS given. The story is calmly told
throughout, in plain language and clear style.
The author seems unconscious that he was re-
citing facts that would thrill mankind through
out the ages TO come. Yet il must be so, be-
cause nothing in history surpasses this record
Of brave deeds and patient service. The mis-
fortunes and defeats of the Army Of the Poto-
mac seemed rather to increase than diminish
the glory Of the Vermont troops because their
fighting was always effective and successful.
In ali of its battles defeats as well as victories
for four years, SONS portion at least Of the first
Vermont brigade participated. Many times it
fought against tremendous odds. 1t stormed
fortiieations; it charged batteries; it fought
every kind of battle, offensive and defensive;
yet from the first to last ID never failed to equal
the best and TO win brilliant success whenever
that was possible and to receive the highest
Communications Of its commanders and assO-
ciates. This IS what the unvarnished story Of
Mr. Benedict brings out with q ciearness and
power and inherent evidence Of truth that set
ties all debate; and when we receive from the
same able aud faithful pen the history of the
other regiments and companies, which is known
to be up to the same level with that of the
first brigade, the position of Vermont in the
civil war Will be forever established. Nothing
concerning the war has yet appeared that will
compare with this work in interest to Ver-
monters everywhere. Such history is the
best monument 10 the brave men whose deeds
furnished the material for it.
ToMMYTS FIRST SPEAKER. Chicago: w. III.
Harrison, jr. Illuminated boards 80 cents.
4 Il =. L ss-a u "a
contains 250 short pieces, suitable for small
children, and. as it is edited by Tommy HIM
SELF" the fitness Of the selections cannot be
questioned It is an excellent collection, and
we cordially recommend it TO families and
schools.