Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1891-05-14
GEN. F. G. BUTTERFIELD.
A Medal of Honor Awarded Former
Rockingham Boy.

May A, 1891, for meritorious conduct OF
the battlefield, May 4, 1868, during tn,
battle of Banks Ford, Va.
f. G. Butterfield was born in Rocking
ham, May IL, 1913, and is brother OF
Charles w. Butterfield and son of the
late David Buttertield, who died in this
village almost one year ago. He was
educated in the public schools of this
town, the old academy at Saxton' River
and Middlebury college, from whence he
entered the army in October, 1861, as
End lieutenant, Co. A, Vt. Volunteers.
Was promoted to lst lieutenant, Co. G,
August Il, 1862, to captain, Co /. April
81 1864; to lieutenant-colonel October
II, 1864, mustered out as captain,
October IS, 1864, and resigned his com.
mission as lieutenant-colonel in Deem
Der, 1864, because of wounds received in
battle, August q, 1864.
! At the battle of Lees Mills, April 16,
1862, the right wing of the 9th Vermont
Infantry was ordered to cross Warwick
creek and attack the enemy's works,
which was done in the face of CALLING
fire. They were soon ordered to return,
and just as the line began to fall back,
Lieut.. Butterfield noticed that Capt
reynolds was acting queerly and stepped
TO ascertain the cause. The captain
said: " | am wounded.'' At this reply
Butterfield put his arm under Reynolds
shoulder and started back with him
through the water. After going few
steps Reynolds said: 6 am faint; let
me drop" and slipped down into the
water. Lieut.. Butterfeld, thinking he
had actually tainted, seized him by his
coat collar, raised him so his head was
above water, and alone, under severe
musketry fire, carried Capt. Reynolds
body across the stream and regained his
own line. Instead of having tainted,
the captain was found to be dead. Lieut..
Butteltield was then 10 years old.
June IS, 1862, at Golding's Farm on
the Chickahominy, the terrific fire from
the enemy forced the 9th Vermont from
their camp, leaving it standing. The
regiment fell back 1000 yards, or so, to
the line of belt of woods. One hun
dred men were then detailed to skirmi, h
back and bring off what muskets,
cartridge boxes, canteens and haversacks
remained in camp, and destroy the rest
OF the camp equipage. Lieut.. Butter
neld, the youngest officer in the regi-
ment, was directed to take command.
he succeeded in accomplishing his pur-
pose so effectually that the colonel COM
handing said his name should be sent to
zen. Mcclellan, with recommendation
Tor promotion, for meritorious conduct.
The battle of Savage Station, June 20,
1862, lasted till long after dark. After
all night, about II am, the
next day the 9th Vermont was opened
upon by tremendous fire from 30 pieces
OF artillery, throwing the command into
great confusion. Lieutenants Butterfield
and Bird were the first officers to rally
line in the edge of the woods, back of
the clearing, and planting the colors
mere, rallied large portion of the regi- |
nent. Lieut. Butterfield was again sent |
20 bring Oft the muskets left in the con-
.uslon OF the flight, and he did it in such
manner as to receive the commentator
If his superior officers.
Lieut.. Butterfield had been promoted
% first lieutenant before the battle of T
hary's Heights, May 3, 1868, and was
IN alde-de-camp on the staff of Gen. L.
Grant, commanding the second bri-
sade, second division, sixth army corps.
during that battle regiment was
brown into confusion and broke away
rom the line, seriously endangering it's
success. The commander of the regi-
nent was at fault. Several staff officers
we're sent with orders to reform the line.
At last Lieut.. Butterfield was sent, and
It once realizing the condition of affairs,
assumed the responsibility of moving the
eglment without the consent of the col
mel commanding. Having reformed the
Inc ne reported to Gen. Grant, who not
'nly commended him personally and in
general orders, but put the colonel under
'rrest and he was subsequently cashiered
" sentence OF general court marshal.
The next day, May 4, at Banks Ford,
ne 9th Vermont fought the enemy all
ne forenoon. AT dusk new line was
ormed by shortening the old ones and
'uttlng them In position nearer the river.
n the dusk the 9th Vermont was lost.
me enemy attacked the new line and
Lieut.. Butterfield was sent to look for
he missing regiment. He found them
a strong position several hundred
ards in advance of the original lines,
where they had already repulsed one
barge OF the enemy. and charginging in
eturn, their impetuosity had carried
hem far beyond the old line of battle.
Col. Barney disliked to retire until in
ormed that the heavy firing in the rear
vas the enemy attacking the new line.
lieut.. Butterfield then took command of
skirmish line to cover the retreat. The
egiment safely regained the line and
Zen. Grant then said that it was bv
lieut.. Butterfields' faithfulness and
ourage that the regiment was saved. /,
At the battle of the Wilderness, Nav
, 1864, Capt. Butterfield commanded !.
20. l, and took 80 muskets. He served
II through the Wilderness campaign
nd in the Shenandoah valley under Sher-
dan. August 81, he was severely wound
d in the knee but refused to leave his
ommand until finally compelled to do :
o. At the expiration of his three years
f service, though the youngest of the
riginal officers, he was made lieut.-col-
mel commanding. His wounds, how 7
yer, debarred him thereafter from active :
ervice. =,
Following are some of the official in .
easements Oh the occasion of the pre-
of the medal:
WAR DEPARTMENT.,
April q, 1891.
Respf ctfulIy referred to the Major General
/ have general knowledge of all the state
tents within contained of the record of Iieut
oil. Butterfeld, and personal knowledge of
Dnsiderable that is herein stated When first
eutenant of the 9Th VT Vols Col Ruttarfold