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13th Vermont Infantry
History
Biographical and Historical of Co. G
Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers
Civil War 1861-1865Dedicated in loving remembrance of Jude Newcity, killed in the great
battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 3rd, 1863. This youthful hero
of 18 was among the bravest of the brave. Because
of what he and his comrades did on this Battle-
field the life of the Union was saved.This Company was made up of volunteers from the towns of Bakersfield, Enosburg, Montgomery, Richford, Berkshire and a few from some of the other adjoining towns. The place of rendezvous and organization was Bakersfield and the date, September 11th, 1862; and therefore at first called the Bakersfield Company, but subsequently known by the letter G, and by this letter given its place in the line at time of regimental organization. It was known and called during its term of service as Company G. It was indeed quite fortunate in the selection of commissioned and non-commissioned officers because of a large number of able young men from which to choose. There were many in the ranks of Company G equally as well qualified for officers as those who were originally elected and appointed. Nearly all who volunteered into this company were of the best and most reliable class of citizens from the several towns that furnished recruits for the Bakersfield Company. Subsequent history of company G during its service demonstrated on all occasions its stalwart men, brave and alert, and was at the end of its service recognized as having won as much credit during the battle of Gettysburg as any company in the 13th Regiment. this statement is made from quit intimate acquaintance with the rank and file and knowledge of the distinguished part contributed in the struggle for victory, especially in the 2nd and 3rd days. Captain Merritt Williams was mortally wounded early on the 2nd day and then the command fell to 1st Lieutenant Albert Clarke, and his quick comprehension and grasp of the situation and his deliberate manner and inspiring conduct encouraged every man of his company to do his very best. Colonel Randall, while his regiment was down in the valley of Plum Run gathering in the prisoners of General Picketts defeated heroes, very properly turned to Lieutenant Albert Clarke and said "Captain take your company and conduct these prisoners to the rear and return as soon as possible." Colonel Randall knew upon whom to call for this dangerous and important duty. I would not make invidious comparison or distinction for quite likely any would have executed this important order with promptness, sill and satisfaction. To Company G must be given the credit of being the first and foremost in the building of the breast-work out of a rail fence to the front of our then position in the forenoon of the last day of the battle in anticipation of a charge of the enemy against our then position. This forethought and conception originated with Company G. Lieutenant Clarke saw the opportunity and called for his daring Sergeant who was then acting as a Lieutenant and requested that he seek volunteers to go out on the open field and erect the breast-work, and it was quickly executed with Sergeant George H. Scott in command. This move proved to be of great importance in the desperate charge made by General Pickett in the last hours of the battle.
There are many lengthy sketches of individuals of this company and I fear some will prove a tiresome task to read. The soldiers written of are entitled to all that has been said of them in this company history, and yet I realize some of the articles might have been much abridged. The author has been embarrassed in the preparation because of not having for the last few years a more intimate touch with the survivors of this company, and because his letters have not been answered by the comrades when written to. Hence if some appear to be slighted such must understand the reasons are lack of better and more accurate information. The author regrets his inability to do justice to the dead and living of Company G, and with reluctance agreed to accept the task, but have done his best to meet expectations. I was warned against long sketches but I find it impossible to mention each with a line or two of references. To express briefly and accurately a few words concerning each one, and tell of duty done in the service and in civil life, and avoid criticism could not be expected. I would have said more of some and less of others and not so much of all. The comrades of Company G will excuse omissions, errors and accept thanks for information furnished and preparation of individual sketches. William Oakley Brigham, Lieutenant Albert Clarke and others have furnished interesting articles that appear in this company history, and to those your attention is called. The object of the regimental historian is I trust attained as far as Company G is concerned for one and all have been mentioned.
(Rev. George H. Scott)
Source: Sturtevant, Ralph Orson. "Pictorial History: Thirteenth Vermont Volunteers, War of 1861-1865." Privately published, 1910.