1st Vermont Cavalry
BiographyThe following is information that I have regarding my great grandfather, Charles E. Youtt who served in the 1st Vermont Cavalry.
The following is a transcript of the handwritten account left by Charles E. Youtt, Private First Vermont Cavalry.
"This book presented to me as one of the survivors of the 1st Vermont Cavalry, Co. K, January, 1915. My first enlistment was in May, 1861 in Co. I, 1st Vermont Volunteers (Lincoln's first call for 75,000 men) for three months. Next I enlisted in Co. F 5th Vermont Regiment Volunteers for three years (Lincoln's second call for 600,000 volunteers). From this regiment I was discharged at Alexandria, Virginia for disability. My third enlistment was in Co. K, 1st Vermont Cavalry. Was with Dahlgren's command on Kilpatrick's raid to Richmond. I was wounded in the left thigh and hip in a charge through the Rebel lines at the Green Plantation, Virginia. Weakened by loss of much blood was taken prisoner, taken to Richmond, Virginia. Only stayed there four long weeks. The only food I had while in the old tobacco house (Libby Prison) in Richmond was a half pint rice soup (maggots, rice and all), wine (a dainty morsel), combined with a piece of corn bread (cob and all ground together). This we had twice a day and was glad to get it. 100 boys in the same room got the same ration. We never threw any of it away. This is a true story but not all told. Written when I was 73 years old." Charles E. Youtt
The following is a transcript of a letter written by Charles Youtt (while he was recovering from his gunshot wound in USA General Hospital) requesting leave. This letter was a part of his veteran's records acquired from the National Archives.
To:
Surgeon ___ Gross, U.S. Vols.
In Charge U.S.A. General Hospital
Sir,
U.S.A. General Hospital
Near Annapolis, Md.
August 24, 1864.
I have the honor to apply for a furlough for thirty (30) days to enable me to visit my Father and Mother, now residing in Middlebury, Addison County, Vermont. I enlisted in the service in the year 1861 and in the Fifth Vermont Infantry in the year 1862. I received my discharge being unfit for duty for reason of having chronic diarrhea and an infection of my lung. I resided in Vermont from January 28, 1863 to January 7, 1864. Then I enlisted in the First Vermont Cavalry. I have been in the Service with the First Vermont Cavalry since January 7, 1864. I was taken Prisoner on the second of March, 1864 on the Green Plantation, was wounded, and was taken to Richmond, was paroled on the sixteenth of April, 1864, and exchanged May 1, 1864 and have been here two months. Hoping this application will meet your approval.
Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant
Pvt. C. E. Youtt
Co. K 1st Vt. Cavalry
From family papers and his veteran's records from the National Archives, I was able to outline the following about Charles E. Youtt.
Born 11/28/42.
Parents: Peter and Caroline Youtt.
Enlisted (with his brother Aaron) as Private, Co. I, 1st Vermont Infantry 5/2/61.
At time of enlistment occupation listed was farmer.
Enlisted (with his brother Aaron) as Private, Co. F, 5th Vermont Infantry 8/27/61.
Promoted to Corporal.
Discharged for disability 1/28/63.
Enlisted (with his brother Aaron) as Private, Co. K, 1st Vermont Cavalry 12/22/63.
With detachment of 1st Vermont Cavalry which left Stevens burg, Virginia under Dahlgren's command 2/28/64.
Shot in left thigh and hip at Green Farm, Virginia 3/1/64.
Captured 3/2/64.
Prisoner at Libby Prison for four weeks.
Paroled 4/16/64.
Jarvis U.S. Army Hospital, Baltimore, 6 weeks.
Granted leave 8/24/64.
Discharged 6/14/65.
Lived remainder of his life in Middlebury.
Partially disabled for remainder of life. Various disability pensions granted.
Active member Middlebury Methodist Church.
Charter Member Port Russell Post 89 GAR.
Died 4/18/21 at home of his grandson, William Turner, 40 College Street, Middlebury.
Otis Abby, Co. E, 14th Vt. Infantry and Charles Youtt (right) circa 1910.
I am sure that he would be pleased to have this information available in your records and on your website. Photographs are also attached.
Regards,
Stan Youtt