The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1895-04-11

looked upon with favor in the early
days Of the war. General Scott believed
that artillery would play the more i'm
portant part Secretary Cameron, how
ever, had heard of Vermont's famous
Morgan horses and was familiar with
the military record of the Green Noun
tain boys, who have always been among
the first on every field. He believed that
combination of these two elements
would make a cavalry regiment not to
be excelled and determined that the ex-
pertinent should be tried. The state
legislature made no provision for the
enlistment Of mounted men, and the
regiment was. raised under the direct
authority of the war department. In 40
days it was ready for the field, the first
full cavalry from New England. It's
brilliant charge at Gettysburg was one
of tho most desperate of the whole war,
we'll deserving to be immortalized like
that OF the Light brigade at Balaklava.
Tho First Vermont, with other regi-
ments of Farnsworth's brigade, early on
the morning Of July 8, took position on
the wooded hills southwest Of Big
Round Top in front Of the enemy 8 main
line. The portion of this line nearest to
the First Vermont was held by the First
Texas infantry, while Bachman's and
Reilly's batteries were stationed on the
east side Of the pike and supported by
the Seventh and Ninth Georgia infan-
try. The ground between the lines and
in rear Of the Confederate position was
rough and broken in the extreme. The
natural obstacles in the shape Of rocks
and powders were supplemented by
fences Of rails and stone, and when Gen.
eral Farnsworth received orders to ad-
vance his brigade on that ground he
gave the opinion that it was desperate
thing to take mounted men into such
place. General Fitzpatrick replied that
the orders were imperative, and that if
Farnsworth did not care to lead his men
in the charge he would do it himself.
Farnsworth replied that he was not
afraid to 60 as far as any man, and that
he could lead his men where any one
could. He selected as the assaulting col
umn the second battalion of the First
Vermont, under Major William Wells,
and the First West Virginia, under Colo.
mel Richmond. Placing himself by Ma
jor Wells side at the head of column,
he led it forward through piece of
woods to an open field a little to the left
Of the First Texas, where it received a
heavy fire from the enemy's skirmish
line as it forced a way through. Cross
ing the first field and leaping stone
wall, the bold riders struck second
line of infantry, which they broke
through. and refined up within close
range Of the guns Of Bachman s battery.
These opened with terrible effect. At
this point Colonel Richmond turned
back with his regiment, but Farnsworth,
with Major Wells and his Vermonters,
rode straight on toward "Devil's Den. {"
Meanwhile Fitzpatrick, who saw that
Farnsworth s path was beset on all sides,
ordered the remainder of the regiment
to his support. Taking Captain Parsons
Third battalion and Captain Growers
squadron of the First battalion, Colonel
Preston moved at a gallop down the
narrow farm road until he found it
blocked with a barricade Of fallen trees.
Turning into an open field on the right
of the road, Colonel Preston formed col.
umn and charged down upon the Con-
federate skirmish line, strongly posted
behind stone wall and concealed by a
hedge Of wild bushes Over the wall,
pellmell, went Preston and his follow
ers, riding plump upon Confederate
regiment that had been hurried to the
spot where Farnsworth charged through
for the purpose Of cutting off his re-
treat. Saber in hand the Vermonters
cut their way forward, taking many
prisoners, who, as matter of form,
were ordered to the rear.
Shortly after this the two columns
united, and the little band Of less than
400 men pressed on to what seemed GER
tain humiliation. Farnsworth's horse
was shot under him, but he was again
remounted. Nearing the Sluyder House,
the Fourth Alabama, which had been
moved down from the base Of Round
Top, opened fire on them from the woods
along Plum Run. Quickly turning to
the left and rear, Farnsworth charged
straight for Bachman's battery. AS he
rose above the crest Of an intervening
ridge the Ninth Georgia and the two
batteries opened on him at short range.
Unable to contend with so formidable a
force, he turned toward the south and
made for the place where the enemy's
liaa had been broken in his first onset.
This had now been closed, and turning
again toward the cast he dashed upon
the line Of the Fifteenth Alabama and
ordered the men in front Of him to sur
render. The reply was volley, and the
gallant Farnsworth fell riddled with
bullets. Captains Parsons and Cushman
were severely wounded, and many sad
dies were emptied.
Formations had now come badly
broken up by the rapid ride over rocks
and fences, and the several companies
r.,...-,