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Adjutant and Inspector General Reports
1863 Report
Appendix BHeadQuarters, 6th Regiment, Vermont Volunteers
Camp in the Field, May 5, 1863.Peter T. Washburn, Adjutant and Inspector General:
I have the honor to submit the following report. On Sunday, the 3d inst., at one o'clock in the afternoon, I was ordered to support, with my regiment, the 33d New York, in an assault that was about to be made on the heights of Fredericksburg. I did so, and the 6th regiment was the second one that gained the crest from the east side, passing by two other regiments in the charge.
On the next day, I was ordered to support a Battery, my regiment forming part of the second line of battle. After some severe fighting, the line in front was broken. The line of the enemy came forward upon the double quick, two regiments advancing directly against my own, which was lying down, protected in some measure by a slight swell in the ground. My fire was held until the enemy was within twenty feet of the muzzles of our guns, when at the word of command, the regiment rose and poured their fire upon the foe, and immediately charged, driving the enemy back over the ground he had won.
My regiment captured nearly three hundred prisoners, among whom were two Colonels, a Major, several Captains and Lieutenants.
We held our advanced position until ordered back by the Brigade Commander.
The intrepidity and gallantry of both officers and men, in both the above named actions, is deserving of the highest praise.
I have the honor to be, General, Your most obedient servant, ELISHA L. BARNEY, Col. commanding 6th Vt. Vols.