The history of Washington county, in the Vermont historical gazetteer:, Part 4

Author: Hemenway, Abby Maria, 1828-1890, [from old catalog] ed
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Montpelier, Vt., Vermont watchman and state journal press
Number of Pages: 1066

USA > Vermont > Washington County > The history of Washington county, in the Vermont historical gazetteer: > Part 4

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

This County furnished for the war 44 captains, 5 adjutants, 7 quarter-masters, 10 majors, 7 lieut. colonels, 4 colonels and 2 generals.

Grand list of the towns in the County ; town-bounties paid and number of men raised by each town :

TOWNS.

Men.

Grand List.

Bounty.

Barre

161|$7,375.17

36,500.64

Berlin.

144

4.674.26

31,399-54

Cabot.

174

4,177.52

6,376.22

Calais

4,500.85

26,095.23

Duxbury

152

2,145.68

9,940.00

E. Montpelier.

5,292.36

12,808.83

Fayston .

I21

1,221.32

16,840.25

Marshfield.

150

2,636.56

13,952.20

Middlesex.

338

3,229 20

20,882.42

Montpelier

146

11,972.79

24,585.65

Moretown

351

2,954.80

19,830.00

Northfield

8,002.20

32,664.84

Plainfield .

II3

2,250.34

15,598.52 200.00

Roxbury

104

2,227.10

Waitsfield .

IIO

3,267.84

10,671.17

Warren.

236

2,560.20

13,438.88

Waterbury

7,729.22

23,766.26

Woodbury.

1,965.59

22.50

Worcester

1,637.01

5,245.95

Total.

2965 79,519.95 320,826.00

Col. Randall's statement of the

BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG :

Brigade, and were attached to the First or Reynolds' corps at the battle of Gettys- burg. This brigade arrived on the field at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon of the first day, and took position in the rear of Cemetery Ilill, in the rear of the main line of battle, where they remained through the night, and through the fore part of the next day. At about noon of the second day the fighting in our front and to our left was quite animated, Generals Sickles and Hancock being at our left. At about 2 o'clock in the afternoon I was ordered to advance my regiment to the front, and somewhat to the left, and took a position some thirty rods in advance of the rest of our brigade, where I held my regiment in column by divisions at rest until about 4 or 5 o'clock in the afternoon. At this time the battle was raging at our left, in front of Hancock's corps, with much vio- lence, and many stragglers were passing to the rear. The balance of Stannard's brig- ade were lying in their original position. At about this time an officer came riding from the front directly towards where my regiment lay, very fast. As he approach- ed the spot he halted, and asked me what regiment that was. I told him it was the 13th Vermont, of Stannard's brigade. He asked where Stannard and the rest of the brigade were. I pointed out the brigade, some 30 rods in my rear, and also the spot where Stannard and his staff were, a little way in the rear of the brigade. He then said to me will your regiment fight ? I told him they were comparatively new troops, but that I thought I could rely on them. He then said, " I am Gen. Double- day, and now command the first corps." He also told me he had just come from Gen. Hancock, that that officer was hard pressed, and he was afraid unless he had help very quick he would lose his artillery, or some of it. He ordered me to take my regiment, or what I had of it, pro- ceed in the direction from which he came, and report to Gen. Hancock, and act as he directed, but before I started he said, " Colonel, introduce me to your regiment."

" The 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th Vermont Regiments constituted Stannard's | I turned with him to the regiment, and said,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

' Boys, this is General Doubleday, our corps commander." He then said, substantially, as follows : "Men of Vermont ! the troops from your State have' thus far in this war earned an enviable reputation. I under- stand that you are comparatively inexperi- enced in battle, but you are about to be led in by your Colonel. Much will be ex- pected of you, and I hope you will nobly uphold the honor of your State. To-day

is the great day that determines whether Jeff. Davis or Abraham Lincoln controls this government. You will now follow your Colonel." I then led them in the di- rection indicated by him, at a double quick, and before reaching the crest or high land in our front, I left the regiment in charge of Major J. J, Boynton and Adjutant James S. Peck, and rode myself forward to find Gen. Hancock, and see in advance where my regiment could aid him most. As I came on top of the high ground or crest between the cemetery and Little Round Top, I met Gen. Hancock, who was vigorously rallying and encouraging his shattered ranks, many of whom were still fighting valiantly, to hold on and contest the ground inch by inch. I accosted him and told him my regiment was close at hand, and that Gen. Doubleday ordered me up to his assistance. He appeared much gratified, and said to me that the rebels had just taken a battery from him. He pointed out to me the direction in which they had gone with it, and asked me if I could retake it ? I replied to him that I thought I could. He said, "goin, then." By this time my regiment was coming up ; I took charge of them, and put them in position to deploy from column into line of battle parallel to his main line, and in front of his somewhat disorganized troops. Gen. Hancock sat near me on his horse, and watched the movement nar- rowly. I gave the order to deploy, and rode in front of my companies to watch the movement and see that each company came promptly on to the line. This was under a sharp fire from the enemy, and my men were falling on all sides by this time. As I saw my last company come on the line,

I inclined towards the center of the regi- ment and gave the order to forward. Just as 1 did this my horse was shot dead un- der me, and fell, catching me by my right foot under him. The regiment for a mo- ment supposed 1 was killed, but the horse was rolled off from me by the men as they came up, who soon saw that I was not hurt, and they followed me as I went on foot.ª At this moment a body of rebel troops, probably a brigade, was deploying from the bushy ground to our left directly in front of us. This I did not see until my horse fell, when I got a view of them un- der the smoke and dust, as it was lifted. About that time we got a volley from them. I saw the situation was a critical one for us, and that promptness was our chance ; and I gave the order to charge upon them, thinking to surprise and overpower them before they reloaded. My men responded to the call most admirably. Before the rebels had time to reload or put themselves in an attitude of defence we were upon them. They threw down their arms and laid low, and we passed over them without much opposition. Here we witnessed one of many acts of treachery which the rebels exhibited at times. As we passed over them as they lay like yarded sheep, a rebel officer rose on his elbow and discharged his pistol at Major Boynton, the charge just brushing the Major's ear-locks. This piece of perfidy was instantly avenged by half a dozen of our men pinning the rebel to the earth with their bayonets. We passed on, and in about 30 rods overtook the detachment of rebel troops in charge of the captured guns, four in number, of the U. S. Regular Artillery. Captain Lonergan, of Co. A. of my regiment, (Burlington) and myself about simulta- neously, I think, came up with the guns

overtaken. The rebels appeared very much surprised to see us, but after a flourish or two of sabres and a little em- phatic language they surrendered all the guns to us, and we passed them to the rear. All this time I think Gen. Hancock was watching our movements, and when my horse fell he was so near to me that

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when I got up and left the horse I heard him direct one of his men to keep guard over my saddle and straps on my horse. When afterward I came back the guard, saddle, and straps, were gone, but I after- wards found my saddle. Our men from whom the guns had been taken followed them up, took their guns, and returned with them to our lines. My regiment was now within about 50 rods, as I should judge, of the Emmetsburgh road, and 1 determined to push forward and gain that road, unless I met with formidable resist- ance, as I did not. I reached the road, my right resting at a small farm house, which I suppose is called the Peter Rogers house. Here we halted, and I directed Adjutant Peck to go back and apprise Gen. Hancock of our position, and get his or- ders. About this time Capt. Lonergan came to where I was, much excited, and informed me that the house above men- tioned was full of rebels. I immediately went with him to the house, and sure enough it was. I ordered them to throw out their arms and surrender, which they all did ; there were eighty-three of them, including officers. While this was going on, the rebel sharp-shooters and skirmish- ers were keeping up a sharp fire at my men, which they were returning, and at about this time they ran out two twelve pound brass field pieces at our left on the line of the road, and commenced to fire upon us. At this I directed the attention of two of my companies to them. They soon cleared the pieces of horses and men, and then charged upon them, capturing both of the guns, which we brought off. Adjutant Peck having returned with word from Gen. Hancock to keep my flanks well protected, and return when I had done what I thought I could. Seeing no more game in the bush, we retired to the Union lines, amid much cheering from the troops who had witnessed to some extent our op- erations. I have seen some account of this affair in which it is said that in this movement the 14th regiment led the ad- vance, followed by the 16th, and that af- terwards the 13th regiment came up. Now the truth is the 13th were in a position to

be first, having been in advance of the other regiments, and did lead. They were no doubt well in the fight before even Gen. Stannard knew of the movement, as I took my order for this advance from Gen. Dou- bleday, who had then not seen Gen. Stan- nard.

I do not wish to detract one jot from what any other regiment may have done at this or any other battle, but must not al- low my regiment to be misrepresented, either through ignorance or design."

F. V. RANDALL.

The brilliant achievements of our nine months' men, the 13th regiment under Colonel Randall at the battle of Gettys- burgh, from the magnitude and impor- tance of the battle, and the circumstance that such bravery was displayed by men for the first time under fire, deserves some- thing of detailed account. Our statement of the part taken in the 2d day's fight is in Col. Randall's own language. The 3d day's part, we collect from published ac- counts given at the time, from both rebel and union officers and correspondents on the field.

In the third and last day's struggle for the victory in this greatest of modern bat- tles, our Regiment of thirteen months' men, never before under fire, did more than honor to the County and State-they proved to the world that the thinking bay- onet is immeasurably superior to that of any other ; that an educated citizen soldiery, fired by patriotism and a sense of duty, would stand fire of an enemy equal with vet- eran corps, provided they were well offi- cered, and for such disapproved the need of standing armies.

After the previous day's service, illustri- ous in the annals of war, as a dash made by inexperienced troops, they joined the 2d Vt. Brigade and slept upon their arms. Friday, the third day of this great battle, a simultaneous cannonade was opened upon our right and left at daybreak-Long- street commanding the batteries firing upon the left where was our Brigade, from an advantageous ridge he had gained in the afternoon of the previous day. Ewell commanded the right, which seems to

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

have been really the point selected for the chief attack in the morning upon our lines. The cannonade lasted only for a short time, when on the right one of the most obstinate and terrible infantry duels took place known in the history of fire-arms. Says an eye-witness, "for six hours-from 5 till 11 o'clock-the musketry rolled on those hill-sides in one incessant crash. For six hours, from other portions of our lines, we watched the white smoke-clouds curling up through the tree-tops and won- dered what the issue would be. At 11, Geary had driven the enemy back over the breastwork into the valley below." In the left centre, before Longstreet's batteries, was the 2d Vermont Brigade, General Stannard in command, in which was our 13th Regiment engaged in their first bat- tle-for although they had made such a brilliant dash the day before, it could hard- ly be considered of the nature of a pitched battle, and had not proved that they would stand a withering fire or a charge. They were in General Doubleday's Division. Col. Randall tells me that Gen. Double- day very skeptically inquired " Colonel, will your men stand fire?" " I think they will," Col. Randall replied. We will in- troduce the language of another who was present on the field, to speak for our 13th Regiment. " The troops of Gen. Double- day's Division were disposed in three par- allel lines of battle. There were two rea- sons for this show of strength : first, the comparatively level and open nature of he ground at that point invited assault ; sec- ond, our Division and Corps Generals dis- trusted the ability of the nine months troops to withstand a charge. It was owned they did well the night before, when their prompt presence apparently saved the day in that part of the field, but it was known-and it was about all that was known about them in the Army of the Potomac-that they were nine months men, their term of service just expiring, and that they had had no previous experience under fire. They were expected to break at the first earnest onset of the enemy, and a double line of battle was placed behind them,-quite a needless precaution it was

found." Col. Randall's Regiment of nine months men was advanced a little forward and to the left of the main line of the 2d Corps, where they threw up a few rails for protection, and lay low, the brow of the hill also affording a slight protection from the shells. A few men were wounded here in the short morning cannonade, which was followed by a long lull in the storm of battle at this point, meanwhile the vortex of the storm clung to the right, where it raged till 11 o'clock, as we have seen. A little picket skirmishing was all there was in the vicinity of our 13th until the grand assault was heralded by the al- most simultaneous burst of 150 guns from the enemy in front. This gave a little op- portunity to strengthen the breastwork of rails, wnich was done some two or three feet with rails scattered upon the ground, which was considerable protection to the men when flat upon the ground, and proved much needed before night.

The silence for two hours had been al- most oppressive along the whole left, al- though the din of arms roared terribly enough away to the right. At ten min- utes before 10 o'clock the signal gun was fired, the top of the low ridge in front al- most instantly opened with a storm of shell, round shot and spherical case-even grape thickening the angry tempest. All this against that breastwork of rails, the cannonade ceased on the rebel side soon after 3 o'clock, the last two hours being rapid firing from this battery of 150 guns, concentrated from every angle upon our left centre, when followed the grand charge. It was not thought possible by the rebel generals that there could be any Union line left to resist a charge after such a can- nonade. Now commenced to move in close compact lines, in the finest of order, 17,000 of the picked troops of the Confed- eracy. On they came at common time, closing up as fast as our cannon opened a gap with that fearful hurtle of iron hail. The assaulting force had a front of about 1,000 yards moving in double column, with supports in the rear extending beyond either flank in front. The advance was across a broad stretch of open meadow,

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something over a mile in length, and vary- ing from a half mile to nearly a mile in width between the confronting ridges, where thus far the battle had raged.

The long gray confederate lines, pre- ceded by their skirmishers, have reached the low ground, half the distance between the confronting armies, when the Vermont regiments which are in advance of the main line are ordered up into line to re- ceive the enemy. The enemy's right at first seemed aiming directly upon our 13th and 14th regiments, and they were prepar- ing to give them a volley, to be followed by a charge, when an unexpected movement of the enemy offered the opportunity of a bril- liant display of military tactics and prowess, which our Colonels and commanding offi- cers did not fail to take advantage of. As the 13th and 14th rose to deliver their fire, the rebel force in front changed direction by its flank, and marched to the north across their front some 60 rods, when again fronting it, came in upon the line of the 2d Corps to the right of these regiments. Upon the commencement of this move- ment, the two regiments opened fire upon them by battalion, and continued it by file at about 60 rods with great effect.

At the time the rebel charging lines fronted and advanced, after this side move- ment, they swung partly to the rear and right, where they seemed to become massed, presenting from the position of the Vermont Brigade a column massed by regiments. Thus in position they, with a wild yell, heard above the din of our play- ing batteries, came in on the charge. The shock of the charge was truly terrible, and it was resisted with a terrible obstinacy. They reach our lines, and the rebel Gen. Armistead is shot down with a hand on one of our guns. They even pierce the line in the terrible struggle, but the op- portunity for a flanking movement is dis- covered by the commanding officers of the Vermont Brigade, a movement already participated in to a certain extent by Col. Randall, of the 13th, and the 13th and 16th were ordered out upon the enemies' flank, Col. Randall already well under way.

They marched some 60 rods parallel to the main line, then changing front, their line swung out at nearly right angles upon the right of the rebel column, still res- olutely struggling to force our lines. As we have said, the 13th led, which marched by the right flank, and approached very close upon the enemies' flank, when they changed front forward on the first com- pany, under a scattering fire from the en- emies' flank. There was but an instant of time before a rapid fire ran down the line of the regiment, at scarcely more than half pistol range. The effect was instantaneous and destructive beyond calculation. The rebel lines withered away as stubble be- fore the flame. To help complete the havoc and scoop up the prisoners, the 16th were soon seen taking up a position upon the 13th's left. Some 15 rounds were fired by Col. Randall's regiment at this short range, raking the enemy through and through by this fire upon his flank. The 16th also gave him about half as many rounds, every bullet probably taking effect, and many passing through two or three rebel bodies. The rebels broke and fled in all directions, the larger portion of their centre and right dropping their arms and rushing into our lines, surrendering them- selves as prisoners. Such was the result of that great charge made by the flower of Southern chivalry (and braver men never went to death), and such the brilliant rec- ord made by a regiment of men never under fire before-men who nine months before were in their shops, behind their counters, and in their farmers' suits, en- gaged in the pursuits of peace. And Wash- ington County has the honor of sending the commanding officer of this regiment as well as two companies in it, whose singu- lar rare fortune it was to have such an op- portunity to distinguish themselves, and whose singularly good fortune it was to so brilliantly fill a record so illustrious by im- proving its opportunity. The loss of the 13th was 8 killed, 89 wounded, and 26 missing. Men need not "doubt if the warp of gold " be yet in the stock descended from the compatriots of Ethan Allen.

The Richmond Sentinel says of the

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

flanking attack, " As Kemper's Brigade moved up it swung around to the left, and was exposed to the front and flanking fire of the Federals, which was very fatal." Another account in the same paper says : "A flanking party of the enemy, marching in column by regiments, was thrown out from the enemy's left on our extreme right, and by an enfilading fire forced the retirement of our troops." The Richmond Enquirer gives a similar account, to which we may add the testimony of the correspondent of the London Times, who details the move- ments of the flanking column and speaks of Gen. Longstreet's order sent by Major Latrobe relating thereto, which was never received, as Latrobe's horse was shot un- der him, all making the issue of the battle turn on this point. It was one of the most memorable battles in history, equalling the carnage of Waterloo and surpassing all others of this generation until we come to the great battles in the campaign of the Franco-Prussian war. The aggregate cas- ualties of the armies fell not much short of 8,000 killed and 35,500 wounded. 5000 rebel dead were buried on or near the field. 7,600 wounded were left in our hands, and 13,621 prisoners were taken. It is not a little singular that our own County seems by the good fortunes of the hour, and the bravery and talent shown by its men, none of them ever under fire be- fore, except their Colonel, to have supplied the pivotal points on two days of this great battle's issue.

Paul Dillingham, of Waterbury, filled the office of Chief Magistracy of the State for more than half the period of the war. He served both the County and State with signal ability. Earnest in suppressing the rebellion, he was prompt to act in filling the several quotas called for by the Gov- ernment. Zealous in the Union cause, by word and act, he encouraged his fellow citizens to withhold no sacrifice, while he also gave two sons to the country's service, one of whom remains with its dead.

NATURAL HISTORY.

The County abounds in water-privileges and numerous cold springs, which add

greatly to the value of its lands for dairy- ing purposes, as well as its excellent quality of grass. The Winooski, the largest riv- er in the State, rises in the towns of Wal- den and Peacham, in Caledonia Co., its two head branches uniting in Marshfield, from whence it flows through the whole width of this County and thence through Chit- tenden Co. into Lake Champlain. It drains an area of about 1,000 square miles. Af- ter the junction of the two head branches in Marshfield, we have for its tributaries : Kingsbury's Branch, coming in on the west side of Plainfield Village, Stevens' Branch, coming in 2 miles above Mont- pelier village, from Barre, the Worcester Branch, uniting at Montpelier village, Dog River I mile below, Mad River I mile be- low Middlesex village, and Waterbury River, 2 miles below Waterbury village. There are many brooks beside, in the County, of considerable size and several ponds of varying sizes. Of ponds, the town of Woodbury alone has no less than 9, and the water-power of the County is greatly increased by its ponds which are natural reservoirs.

The geological formation of the County is for the most part talcose slate ; mica, hornblend and limestone are found in con- siderable quantities ; argillaceous slate in the southern towns, felspar and quartz, with mica, in the eastern ; steatite and iron ore in the town of Warren. Stalactite and asbestos have also been found in smaller quantities in different localities, as well as gold.

Camel's Hump, which lies upon the western border of the County, is only a few feet below the Chin, the highest peak in the Green Mountain range, a bold land- mark seen in nearly all parts of the County. Bald Mountain, rising from the spur to the east of Mad River, is also a noticeable peak nearly in the corner of the town lines of Waitsfield and Northfield. A spur or range broken off from the Hog-Backs in Middlesex, at what is called the "Nar- rows." The Winooski seems to have channeled a gateway of a few feet in width down some 80 or 90 feet in the rock, leav- ing abrupt and precipitous sides crowned

VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

with overhanging pines. Before this cut there must have been a lake of some miles in length, extending up the river and some of its tributaries above. The Marshfield Falls are also noticeable, where the main branch of the Winooski is said to fall 500 feet in 30 rods.

Benjamin's Falls, near the outlet of Berlin Pond, which are exceedingly pic- turesque and beautiful, have become a place of frequent resort.

The talc, slate, mica and limestone, mixed and pulverized, are the best and among the most durable of soils. The in- tervale on Dog, Mad and Winooski Rivers is very fine, though in much of the length of these streams the valleys are narrow. Scarcely inferior to the meadow lands along the rivers are many of the hill farms. Pasturage is even better here, and the hay of better quality, if falling off a little in quantity. The soil is excellent also for corn and oats in the valleys, and besides well adapted to wheat-growing on the up- lands. Asa dairy County it has few equals.

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The history of Washington county, in the Vermont historical gazetteer:, Part 4

Author: Hemenway, Abby Maria, 1828-1890, [from old catalog] ed Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Montpelier, Vt., Vermont watchman and state journal press Number of Pages: 1066

Author: Hemenway, Abby Maria, 1828-1890, [from old catalog] ed
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Montpelier, Vt., Vermont watchman and state journal press
Number of Pages: 1066