Life In Camp
The Army again in motion. -- Pursuit of the Enemy. -- At Emmitsburg. -- South Mountain. -- A cheerless Night. -- Formed in Line of Battle. -- Again on the move. -- Another Halt. -- Orders to Fortify. -- On the move again. -- The Enemy strongly Fortified. -- No Fighting. -- Escape of Lee. -- Williamsport. -- Campaign north of the Potomac ended. -- Pursuit of Lee continued. -- The Brigade relieved from Duty. -- Homeward bound. -- At Baltimore, Philadelphia, etc. -- At New York again. -- Our arrival Home.
July 6
The army is again in motion this morning. The 1st army Corps left the field about eight o'clock this morning, an it commenced to rain soon after. We marched some two miles before we had fairly passed off the late field of conflict. We marched on, leaving the ever-to-be-remembered battle ground in our rear, and arrived at Emmitsburg about three o'clock in the afternoon, and halted for the night.I fear that the efforts to bag Lee will prove a failure, for he is already a day and a half the start of us, and unless we have a sufficient force at Williamsport the rebel army will effect an escape.
This brigade is now commanded by Col. Randall of the 13th, the ranking Colonel in the brigade, Gen. Stannard having been wounded, and the 12th left for home on the Fourth.
July 7
Hurrah for another race to-day. Took breakfast at three o'clock and marched at four this morning, taking the same route we took on our march to Gettysburg, and in passing through Emmitsburg it was more of a stampede than otherwise, for artillery, baggage wagons and infantry were mingled in one confused mass, all being on the move at the same time. The infantry column was ordered to halt and the artillery sent ahead. By noon we had marched some fifteen miles, when we halted for rest.We have marched this afternoon in the direction of Middletown, the 14th regiment being detailed to guard an ammunition train. On arriving at South Mountain, about seven o'clock in the afternoon, it began to rain quite hard. The march was continued until about nine o'clock, and when ascending the mountain it became so dark and rainy -- the men and beasts being completely exhausted, having marched about thirty-five miles during the day -- we were obliged to halt for the night.
July 8
The regiment present a "drowned rat" appearance this morning. Do no know as I shall be able to march to-day, for me feet are completely skinned. We have passed a very cheerless night in being exposed to the drenching rain, without shelter; and after the fatiguing march of yesterday our exhausted natures required sleep and rest; but I must admit that under such circumstances, the rain pouring down a continual steam all night, not much rest could be enjoyed.By daylight we were again on the march, the mud being about six inches deep, which made the marching very hard. Reached Middletown at one o'clock in the afternoon, where we were allowed three hours rest, after which we were gain ordered forward .Arrived at Crampton's Gap at eight o'clock in the evening, where the enemy's read guard had been overtaken during the day, and a skirmish taken place, in which the Vermont cavalry were engaged. We were here formed in line of battle, and an engagement is expected to-morrow. We have marched some twenty miles today, and unless the supply-train containing provisions overtakes us to-morrow our rations will be short.
July 9
No march to-day, and consequently no fighting, for I don't think Lee will risk another battle this side of the river. The supply train has arrived and three days' rations have been issued.What a grand thing it would be if Lee's army could be captured. Such a result would virtually end the war, but I fear no such brilliant achievement will be accomplished.
July 10
Marched again this morning, the 6th Corps taking the advance, and the 1st Corps forming a rear guard. Halted one mile beyond Boonsboro, while our advance was engaging the enemy about four miles in front. The march was soon resumed for about three miles further, when we were formed in line of battle.Six o'clock in the afternoon. There has been skirmishing in front all the afternoon, but no serious fighting. We are now busily engaged in fortifying, and an attack is soon expected.
July 11
No attack has been made by the enemy yet, although there is till some skirmishing in front. The army still acting on the defense, and busily engaged in fortifying, seemingly with no purpose to fight. Hope Meade will not suffer the rebel army to escape, for his army is abundantly able to pursue and crush Lee's disordered columns.July 12
All quiet this morning. The enemy has fallen back during the night and another advance is ordered to-day. Arrived at Funkstown at one o'clock in the afternoon, which place was occupied by the rebels two hours before -- the enemy being so badly pressed that he was obliged to leave part of his wounded. Crossed Antietam Creek and found the enemy strongly fortified near Hagerstown, where we were again formed in line of battle.Six o'clock in the afternoon. No attack has yet been made. Prisoners which have been brought in state that Lee's whole army is strongly fortified about one mile in front of our lines, but hardly think this a fact, it being my opinion that it is nothing more than the rear guard of the enemy that is checking our progress while the main army is till retreating.
July 13
A council of war has been held, and two generals out of seven are in favor of an attack on the enemy's lines.Nine o'clock in the forenoon. No fighting yet, and apparently no disposition on our part. How I wish Meade could be induced to attack the enemy, and not weakly and ignorantly throw away the certainty of capturing or annihilating the entire rebel army. There certainly must be effective and ardent troops enough, if properly managed, to destroy Lee's flying and demoralized army.
Six o'clock in the afternoon. No general engagement yet; nothing but firing on the skirmish line, which is still kept up by the enemy.
July 14
Gen. Kilpatrick occupies Hagerstown this morning, and the enemy's entire lines are evacuated.The army was ordered to advance at ten o'clock in the morning, and was soon on the move. The enemy had a series of rifle pits and breastworks thrown up, behind which his rear guard being posted presented the front of a formidable enemy. It is now ascertained with certainty that the enemy has fairly escaped, and while his rear guard of only four or five thousand men was checking the advance of an effective army of forty or fifty thousand, Lee was allowed time to construct pontoon bridges, on which his army was to cross the river, and thus escape destruction.
Arrived at Williamsport about four o'clock in the afternoon, and with great chagrin learned that the rebel army had escaped through a "hole in the bag, " with the exception of a part of the rear guard which was captured.
If Lee has been attacked on the 12th, with the swollen waters of the Potomac in his rear, without any means of crossing his army, a defeat would have been the result and a surrender of his whole force. But the fact that he did not intend to risk another battle north of the Potomac, was distrusted, when in reality he was applying all possible means to effect his escape.
Fighting has not bee a part of Meade's programme for the past few days. Lee has retreated at his own pleasure, and is now safely across the river, and thus ends the campaign on the north side of the Potomac, the result of which will indefinitely postpone the end of the Rebellion.
July 15
The pursuit of Lee is to be continued to-day. Marched at eight o'clock in the morning, in the direction of Harper's Ferry, so as to still be upon the enemy's flank. Roads are very muddy in consequence of recent rains, and it is oppressively hot. Have passed hundreds that were sun-struck to-day, and there is more straggling than on any previous march we have had.Passed Antietam battle ground at two o'clock in the afternoon, and saw the burial ground wherein repose peacefully the remains of those honored heroes who fell on that bloody field.
Six o'clock in the afternoon. Am completely tired out and exhausted to-night, having marched some twenty-five miles during the day, and was obliged to fall out of the ranks and straggle. Have reached a wheat field, where I have appropriated several bundles of straw for a bed, and intend to remain through the night.
The following order was issued to-day:
GENERAL ORDER NO. 10
Headquarters 3d Brig., 2d Div., 1st Corps
Army of the Potomac, July 15
The Brigadier General commanding, in view of the gallantry and efficiency of the 13th, 14th and 16th Vermont Regiments, displayed at the battle of Gettysburg, directs that the flags of each of the regiments be inscribed "Gettysburg;" that the people of the State may be reminded at the sight of these flags of the men who bore and honored them in the hour of national danger and triumph , and that every soldier may justly be proud of his devotion to country, and credit done to the State.
Nor does the General commanding fail to appreciate the services rendered by the 12th and 15th Vermont Regiments, who at the same time served their country by the faithful discharge of important duties.
But while the entire command may well be proud of its laurels, they will not forget to remember the fallen dead. Let their names be embalmed in the hearts of their comrades! Let their memory be green as the sod that covers them! Let their virtues and example be a watchword in coming time! Let the tear of sympathy alleviate the sorrow of relatives and friends!
By order of Brig. Gen. Geo. J. Stannard
Geo. W. Hooker, A.A.A.G.July 16
Slept soundly during the night, and awoke about daylight, feeling greatly refreshed. Took breakfast - consisting of coffee and "hard tack" - as soon as possible and started to join my regiment, which I came up with before going a mile. Marched again at eight o'clock in the morning. Crossed South Mountain once more, through Thornton's Gap, and arrived at Petersville - two miles from Berlin and six from Harper's Ferry -- about four o'clock in the afternoon. Here the army halts for rest and until the pontoon bridges shall arrive, when we shall cross the river and again pursue Lee. The marching has been somewhat easier to-day than yesterday.July 17
Has rained severely all day. The pontoon bridges have arrived, and to-morrow the army is to march again.The 13th Regiment being relieved, started for home on the 10th. The command of the brigade then devolved upon Col. Nichols of the 14th, but he not being inclined to accept, it was conferred upon Col. Veazey of the 16th, who is now in command; and our term of service expiring so soon he is trying hard to-day to get the brigade relieved from further duty. Hope he will be successful.
July 18
Good news this morning. The brigade is relieved from further duty, and will start from Berlin for home as soon as transportation can be procured.Eight days' rations have been distributed to the army, and the march in pursuit of the enemy is to be resume to-day.
Our brigade marched to Berlin, where we were obliged to wait some four hours before cars could be procured for our transportation home. And thus ends the career of the 2d Vermont Brigade, as connected with the Army of the Potomac. Left Berlin aboard the cars about two o'clock in the afternoon, for Baltimore, at which place we arrived about ten o'clock in the evening, and where we shall stop for the night.
July 19
Left Baltimore at ten o'clock in the forenoon, arriving in Philadelphia about four o'clock in the afternoon, and was again hospitably entertained by the kind people of the city. The regiment was welcomed by cheers, given in honor of returned veterans. Took the cars for New York about dark, and left this friendly city with many regrets.July 20
Reached New York at eight o'clock in the morning, where but little improvement had been made in regard to the treatment of troops passing through the city. The same inhospitable and unfriendly feelings were manifested by the people as when we passed through to the seat of war, some nine months before. But nothing difference could be expected in a "city of riots" like this, or at this time peace and order are only preserved by Union soldiers stationed in different parts of the city, and cannon which are planted at every street corner.At four o'clock in the afternoon a very eloquent speech was made to the regiment by Col. Nichols, after which we were respectfully invited to stop in the city a week, to help quell another riot which was expected soon, in consequence of the draft which was about to be enforced. But the men of the 14th being greatly fatigued and exhausted by the late campaign, and having faithfully served out the term of service required by the government, was too anxious to get home to comply with the request. Transportation was procured, and we took the boat for New Haven at nine o'clock in the evening.
July 21
The regiment arrived at New Haven just at daylight, and was soon on the way to Brattleboro, gliding up the beautiful Connecticut valley. We reached Brattleboro about five o'clock in the afternoon, where the regiment was welcomely received, and notwithstanding the war-torn and battle-stained uniforms presented a rough appearance, kind friends greeted us.We are once more in our native State, whose green hills and pleasant valleys we left to fight in this war for right and freedom. But not all have returned. Those whose lives were consecrated on the bloody field of Gettysburg, who fell nobly fighting for their country, as well as others who died in camp and n the march, are absent but not forgotten.
All honors to the defenders of our country, and when the cause of this Rebellion -- slavery -- shall have been ended, and in its stead is heard the voice of FREEDOM, then shall we be a happy and prosperous people.
APPENDIX
The regiments which composed the 2d Vermont Brigade were mustered into service as follows:
12th Regiment, October 4, 1862.
13th Regiment, October 10, 1862.
14th Regiment, October 21, 1862.
15th Regiment, October 22, 1862.
16th Regiment, October 23, 1862.The regiments were mustered out as follows:
12th Regiment, July 14, 1863.
13th Regiment, July 21, 1863.
14th Regiment, July 30, 1863.
15th Regiment, August 5, 1863.
16th Regiment, August 10, 1863.The casualties at the battle of Gettysburg (taken from the Adjutant and Inspector General's Report) were as follows:
