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Adjutant and Inspector General Reports
1863 Report
Appendix BHeadQuarters, 1st Vermont Brigade
Camp near the Rappahannock,
June 8, 1863.Peter T. Washburn, Adjutant and Inspector General:
Sir,-- On the 6th inst., I sent you, from the thrice tried battle-field of Fredericksburg, an imperfect account of the gallant conduct of the Vermont troops, in crossing the river and carrying the rifle pits upon the other side.
It was an exciting and brilliant affair, and no account can do ample justice to the brave officers and men engaged. Impetuous enthusiasm, when displayed in the face of the enemy, beggars description.
The two companies first in the works, were the Rutland company, Capt. B. R. Jenne, 5th, and the Swanton company, Capt. Friend H. Barney, 5th. The first man in the rifle-pits was private Henry Moren, Co. "G." AFter clearing the rifle-pits, and sending the prisoners down the bank, these two companies advanced as skirmishers, and drove those who sought safety in flight across the plain, into the woods. Other companies and regiments hurried over with all possible despatch, but there were not boats enough to take them over as fast as desired. The returning boats brought back the prisoners. Is was an amusing scene, -- our men crowding the boats, and with cheers, rowing for the other side of the river, and at the same time boats returning with rebel prisoners.
On Saturday the 6th inst., the 6th Vermont was skirmishing nearly all day. THey occupied a position from the river on the left, by the Bernard House, round across the Bowling Green road to Deep Creek. The 6th lost in the skirmish of that day, 4 killed and 13 wounded. Among the wounded was Lieut. Raistrick. A list of the killed and wounded of the sixth is herewith forwarded. There were no casualties in the 2d, 3d and 4th regiments.
The loss of the5th and 6th regiments, was 4 killed and 20 wounded. The loss of the 26th New Jersey regiment was 2 killed and 17 wounded, making a total loss of 43 in the Brigade.
The Brigade was the only force upon the South side of the river for nearly twenty-four hours. On the afternoon of the 6th, another Brigade came over to our support, and on the morning of the 7th, we were relieved from the skirmish line, but continued to hold the front line of battle until the evening of the 7th, when we were relieved by another division, and marched back to the North side of the river, having held the front in the face of the enemy about fifty hours. During a portion of the time, the enemy developed a very large force in our front. Officers and men behaved as becomes Vermonters during the entire time.
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your ob't servant, L. A. GRANT, Col. Com'd'g Brigade.