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6th Vermont Infantry
Kimball Collection
Letter to the Editor
Our Army Correspondent.
THIRTEENTH VERMONT REGIMENT.
FREDERICK, Md., July 9.
DEAR JOURNAL :-I wish to correct a published report which I find in the columns of the Baltimore American and Commercial Advertiser, under date of July 6th, viz:
"The 12th Vermont's time is out to-day. They fought well yesterday, and all regret they should have left before the work so gloriously began is finished."
The 12th and 15th Vermont Regiments were at Westminster, Md., guarding our stores at that place. All the supplies for the army of the Potomac, are brought to that place by rail, and there was an immense amount accumulated there, which required a force to protect. So it will be seen that the 12th or 15th was not in the fight at all. The 14th and 16th done well, but the 13th immortalized itself. Col. Randall was just the coolest and bravest man there. His horse was shot under him at the first and he rushed on, bare headed, with his sword drawn, putting a courage into every man of his regiment, which rebel bullets or steel could not shake. I resulted in the re-capture of a battery, (Bat. C. 5th U. S.,) and a section of rebel guns, and 83 prisoners. Again on Friday, as Longstreet's veteran troops charged upon the left of our centre to take our guns and brake our lines. We captured many prisoners. They told us, that they were picked men for the charge, and Col. Benedict, the rebel officer in command, said it was the first time he ever failed in carrying a position, and when some of our boys demanded his sword and side arms he asked for the Colonel-as he said, he wished to see the man who led that charge against him, and when Col. Randall was found, he formally delivered his arms and prisoners to him. (2 Colonels, l Lieut. Colonel, 1 Major, 5 Captains, 2 Lieutenants and 158 Privates.) The field pieces and prisoners taken have been credited to our regiment, and a receipt given.
The 13th having thus distinguished itself, was brought under the direct notice of Gen. Newton our corps commander, and he has requested our Colonel to give him an official report of the part taken by his regiment in the "Three days at Gettysburg."
There has been several promotions which have not been published; Orderly Sidney S. Morey, Co. K, to be 2nd Lieutenant Co. E; Drum Major Hiram Shattuck, to be 2nd Lieutenant Co. D; Corporal W. H. Ballou Co. I, to be Sergeant Major.
We expect every hour to receive reports of fighting near the battle-field of Antietam, as the two armies have found each other and are drawn up in line of battle. But you will get telegrams an age ere you receive this, containing better accounts than I am able to give.
Baltimore is pleasant and quiet, and looks like a Union city. Many of the streets are still barricaded in anticipation of a flying visit form Stuart's cavalry. The people are grateful to the soldiers, or seem so-and that repugnance which the aristocratic Southrons not many months since always evinced towards a "blue coat,' is removed, and a smile of welcome and of appreciation takes its place.
In haste, yours,
J. B. L.
BALTIMORE, July 10.
Our regiment marched with the 1st corps to Middletown, Md., when they received orders to march in route home their time having expired. They took the cars at Monocacy Junctions, four miles from Frederick and arrived in this city yesterday. Company H, having been detached as guard at the hospitals at Gettysburg did not arrived until this evening.
We stay over night in this city, in order that the wounded may accompany us, and that the baggage belonging to the regiment may be collected, and the men all feel jubil at the thought of seeing their homes soon, and look forward with impatience to the expected welcomes from the dear ones there.