Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-01-12

which will bs found Of especial interest by
Vermont veterans:
| was first sergeant Of company H. sec
ond regiment, Vermont volunteers. The
regiment reudezvcused In Burlington the
first part Of June, 1861 being the first three
year troops sent from Vermont. Tho mem
bsrs OF it came largely from rural comniu-
nitles--thero are but few other than rural
In our State--and they were as hardy set
of boys rs ever assembled in a camp.
In those days "rnstlins' the uni
versnl sport at every village and neighbor-
hood gathering, and the regiment contained
hundreds OF athletes shat would have been
eagerly sought for by football enthusiasts,
had that game been "on' in those days.
They could outmarch, outruu, outjump and
''cutrassie' all competitors. They were
full of good humor, slew to wrath, but
they had enlisted for purpose, clearly do
fined IN their minds and no danger or de-
privation moved them from it. They were
naturally, mentally es well ms physically
strong.
We were mustered into the United States
service June 20, by Leut-Col. Raines, Uni
ted States army, who shortly after resigned,
went into the confederate army and was
killed.
We left Burlington June Il, and arrived
in Washington the 26th. Wont INTO Nir-
ginia tue 10th Of July and camped at Bush
Hill few miles from Alexandria. There
we were bri5aded with the Third Fourth
and Fifth Maine, ana placed under the COM
mand of Brigadeg- General 0. o. Howard,
who afterwurd distinguished himself in Va
rious commands, and is now the ranking
ma ior- general in the United States army
next to Gen. Schoteld, Henry Whiting was
cur colonel, George j. Stannard-afterwnrd
brevet ma general, y. 5. A., who dis
tinEuished himself at Gettysburg while in
command OF the Second Vermont brigade
was our Lieutenant colonel. c. II. Joyce,
nftcrward NJ. c. from Vermont was our
major w. w. Ienry-afterward briga-
der general aud tho gallant commander Of
the Tenth Nermont, which distinguished it
sef at the battle Of Monocacy-was lieu
tenant.
And l now recall such persons as Coils.
Tracey, Walbriige, Stone, Tyler Johnson
and Major Dillingham;, and many others,
heroes every one, who distinguished them
selves on many a bloody battlefield.
The captain Of our company was an old
military officer Of fine physique, and we
thought We had prize; but we soon found
that he did not know enough to lead the
company TO mess, and he never learned.
At Centre Wills the boys made it lively for
the honey, and the bees made it lively for
the boys. The pifarers often got badly
bturg, but the simple partakers OF the sweet
luxury feasted with delight and safety.
While we were lying at Centreville u por-
ton OF the Union forces had a brisk little
skirmish with the robs at Black burns Ford.
| witnessed some of tho affair, and then
first saw an armed rebel and saw the first
shottad gun fired. | began to think there
was work ahead for us. The evening OF the
Goth brought US knowledge that a battle
might be expected on the morrow. Gen.
Howard had tine brigade paraded and de-
liverod US patriotic address.
Before daybreak July 81, we were astir,
and after breakfast were put in marching
order. Soon long lines Of infantry, some
batteries Of artillery and some cavalry fled
past US to taks the positions assigned them
by orders. Ii was beautiful sight to see
the long line OF soldiers with their bright
bayonated guns gistsniag in the sunlight as
they marched over the hill and into the de-
preston beyond the hamlet OF Centrovile.
What contrast between the confident,
brave army at that hour and the di5mayed,
defeated and disorgaaized force that fed
lack over tho same route few hours later.
Tie army was accompanied by a horde
CT civilians, among whom were mauy
inembe OF Congress who had joined the
army to SOC US ''do up'' the rebels and end
the war. Some Of these gentlemen accom-
panied us to Richmond. | remember that
Congressman Ely OF Rochester, y. y, dis
trict was in Libby whom l was in the adj
joining building. Their capture created
some merrnent to others besides them
selves, and many jokes were cracked at
their expense.
We were fully equipped. We had dress
~ -.
sacks almost bursting 40 rounds of car
tridges, clnteens etc, and smooth bore
sprincAald muekets We had Thorn all on,
too We soon fell into the line Of march
aud passed along toward tie right flank Of
our army, and were halted about three
miles from Sudley church near black
smith shop.
Here we remained several hours, great 9
interested in the battle, which we could
plainly hear, but could not sec. When
some louder discharge than usual was heard
Lieut.. G. OF my company would exclaim
much TO our satisfaction, "Anothor rebel
battery taken" He really thought So
He went down to Virginia to whip the
rebels and he had no idea but what it was
being done as arranged.
Our captain having filed up to his usual
limit-when we were ordered to advance at
the uOuDle QUICK a. y. H. -Salu: - IL he
id if l came down here to make race
horss OF myself. Lieut. G., you may take
charge of tho company" He went to the
roar aud ! never saw him aftorward. Just
imagine men double quicking under a burn
ing July sun in irginla-accoutred as we
were.
70 thought we must not part with our
Euapsack5, but 1t soon became apparent that
We should drop in our tracks If we were
not relieved, and tlen we began to throw
them Off, and soon the line of march was
covered with them. But, oh, wasn't it hot.
Soon our thirst became almost uubsarable.
At Sudley Spring some Of us filled our can
teens with w8ter and sIaked our thirst, but
we were needed at tho front and
we were hurried forward Everyone seem
ed anxious to do his duty and but few
struggled, unless absolutely unable to 90 on
On account of exhaustion.
As we passed the Sudley church we saw
the first evidence OF the battle. Ambu-
lauces were bringing the wounded to tn,
church, whore a hospital had been estab
lished. We saw tho wounded being takeI