July 4, 1863. A most welcome message

Freedom and Unity

"Camp near Gettysburg - July

"My ever dear Lettie:

"This is probably the most welcome message that you ever received from me. I have time to write but few words. This is the first opportunity I have had. I have been engaged nearly all the time for the past few days in one of the worst battles this continent ever knew. We are all well except Floyd,* who went to the hospital this morn. None of us were hurt in battle but Floyd is all tired out, but think he will be all right when he gets rested. 2 out of my company were killed and 7 wounded. A spent-ball struck me, knocking me down but I got right up again madder than ever.

 E. P. Davis of Felchville was killed. 

Ed Davis of Felchville (Co. H) was shot through the head, dead ~ Joseph Spafford

O such scenes such scenes. I cannot write now but will if ever I get time. I am sitting on the battlefield now and there is a man here who says he will try and get this to some P.O. He is waiting, I must close. We have suffered for want of food on the long march and the fight. I haven't had a mite of clothing on me night or day except my Blouse & Pants for 3 days and nights and slept right in the mud without a tent or a sign of anything. We lived on excitement for two days certain for I didn't eat more than two or three hard tacks all the time. We won a great victory and are now following the enemy. I counted 115 dead Rebels today on a piece of ground 4 rods square. The troops have all left, except the W. Brigade. We are burying the Rebs now and shall leave as soon as we get done. Our Reg't won the admiration of all for its gallantry, having captured 3 stand of colors and lots of prisoners.

"I will write again as soon as I possibly get time. From your loving husband, Elmer" ~ E.D. Keyes, Captain Company H, Sixteenth Vt.

The above envelope was obtained by my Father, Capt. E. D. Keyes from a wounded Confederate soldier on the Battlefield of Gettysburg on the night  of July 2nd, 1863, after the second day’s battle.

My Father wrote a letter home to my Mother while on the Battlefield of Gettysburg and enclosed it in this envelope.  This was the first news she had from him after the battle.

I have the letter he wrote and sent in this envelope. My father told me that he was on picket duty the night after the second day’s battle and that the cries of the many wounded soldiers were heart-rending.

The motto on the envelope is as follows:

“Gather round your Country’s flag,

Men of the South, the hour has come;

None may falter, none may lag,

March to the sound of the fife and drum,”

Under this my Father wrote as follows;

   

“Yes, it has come with just vengeance upon the traitorous horde who would destroy their Country”

                       Mrs. Elmer D. Keyes,

Reading, Vt.

Taken from a rebel at the Battle of Gettysburg.

~ Arthur H. Keyes, Sr.

* Floyd Hawkins, Elmer's  brother in law:

July 3, Friday

This morning at 4 o’clock the pickets commenced firing at each other, just to the left of where I was, and soon the artillery commenced it was heavy, shelled us till afternoon before they showed themselves much. I lay about 1/4 mile from the batteries. About 3 o’clock I saw them forming to advance, in a few minutes the musketry began and such firing seems so was never heard before, and was kept up till dark. The 16th made two charges and captured three stands of colors. After dark we were taken back to the rear.

Saturday, July 4

Today has been very quiet. The rebels ain’t been seen today, they think they are retreating. The battlefield is completely covered with dead  and begins to smell bad. I am all used up. I hurt my hip yesterday..

Sunday, July 5.

It rained all night. The regiment was ordered to move this afternoon so I had to come to the hospital about 5 miles from the battlefield.

Monday, July 6 .

There is between 4 & 5 thousand wounded here. . .

. . .

Friday, July 10

[] has cleaned out the wounded, but about 20. Some were so bad they couldn’t be moved. I shall stay a few days . . . I am living pretty high here the inhabitants fetch me everything one could wish for most . Thousands are coming here to see the battle ground. I have seen all I want of it.

~  Diary of Floyd Hawkins, Sergeant, Company H, Sixteenth Vt

July, Wednesday 1.

started at 10 oclock & marched to Gettysburg & camped for the night. is rainy with showers David goes on guard. heavy firing

 

Thursday 2

We march out under a hill & were under heavy fire all this afternoon. The 1[3]^th charged on battery & took 8 pieces.

                                                                  

July, Friday 3, 1863

is very hot day was under heavy firing all day. We charged on the rebs and took two flags David is wounded in the leg.

 

Saturday 4

is cloudy wet and muddy. we moved over the hill & camped in an orchard by a barn. is a very rainy night.

 

Sunday 5.

is cloudy all day. we moved in the morning over beyond the rifle pits and staid all day. the men were burying the dead

~ Diary of William Martin Ballou. private, Company F, Sixteenth Vt

Camp on the Battlefield / 

July 4th 63 / 

Near Gettysburg Pennsylvania 

My Dear Sister I will write a few lines + let you know that I am alive + well. We have fought the hardest battle of the war. The 13th, 4th,16th have been in the engagement for two days our loss is heavy. Henry White and Bart White have lost a leg each Merley Walker was hit in the head with a piece of shell also William Rogers in the arm[.] Wm. Geryell killed[.] A. S. Thompson wounded in the leg with ball this is as far as I know. I came off the field the first day with the Headquarters team. There is no fighting this morning as yet I think Lee is on the retreat he has got all he wants. Our regiment captured three stands of colors from the rebs + a good many prisoners[.] our boys fought bravely we have lost a good many out of our three Reg'mt. Oren Rice is wounded badly[.] I must close now and help take care of the wounded you never saw such sights in your life men without legs and arms. I have not had a letter from you for two weeks[.] Gen Stannard is wounded in leg but did not leave the field Goodbye... From Hiram" 

letter of Hiram Spafford (1841-1912), a corpsman or Doctor's assistant 

After the battle, the regiment followed in pursuit of Lee's retreating army until Lee crossed the Potomac into Virginia, when it was ordered home, its term of enlistment having expired. The regiment arrived in New York during the draft riots and remained there until order was restored. It was finally mustered out at Brattleboro, Aug. 10, 1863. The total enrolment of the 16th was 968, of whom 735 began the 7-day march to Gettysburg and 661 arrived in the field. 24 were killed in action or mortally wounded; 48 died of disease and 1 died in prison - total deaths, 73. Eighty men were wounded, 4 were captured and 2 deserted.

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....

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!

~Brig. Gen. Geo. J. Stannard,  General Order No. 10,  July 15,1863.

"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 on 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." ~ John C. Williams, Corporal, Co. B, 14th Regiment, Life in Camp 167 (1864).

Friday, July 3, 1863. “What troops are those ... muskets glittering in the sunlight and battle flags fluttering in the breeze?"

James Wilson
Co. B, 13th Vt
killed July 3, 1863
Age 20

"July 3, Friday, This morning at 4 o’clock the pickets commenced firing at each other, just to the left of where I was, and soon the artillery commenced it was heavy, shelled us till afternoon before they showed themselves much. I lay about 1/4 mile from the batteries. About 3 o’clock I saw them forming to advance, in a few minutes the musketry began and such firing seems so was never heard before, and was kept up till dark.  The 16th made two charges and captured three stands of colors. After dark we were taken back to the rear." ~ from the Journal of Sgt. Floyd Hawkins (Co. H 16th Regt.)

"Friday, July 3, 1863: Skirmishing began a quarter before 4 o'clock . . Artillery opened first at 4 AM then ceased somewhat until 2 PM when 100 pieces opened on us. Continued 2 hours when the enemy advanced. Captured 3 colors-lost one afterward. Brought in 2nd Florida and 8th Va. We have won a great victory."  ~ From the Diary of Wheelock G. Veazey, Colonel, 16th Vermont Regiment.(VHS), in David Cross, Wheelock Veazey, (Rutland Historical Soc., 1995)

"Dexter Parker received a very painful wound from a piece of shell which cut through one of his hands and he was in such agony that Corporal O. G. Miles and James H. Wilson started to help him to the rear, one on each side. They had only gone a short distance when a shell struck in a pile of stones and burst. All three fell to the ground and it was found that a small piece of shell had pierced Wilson's heart, killing him instantly." ~ Ralph Orson Sturtevant, Pictorial History of the 13th Regiment Vermont Volunteers 470(1910)

"Stannard's Vermonters":[he 2nd Vermont Brigade at Pickett’s Charge ]by Michael J. Middleton;

“Glory to God! Glory to God! See the Vermonters go at it!” General Abner Doubleday on witnessing the Vermonters that day at Gettysburg."

"When we were about six hundred yards from the stone wall a Sergt. Dalton of my Co. asked me, “What troops are those on our right, are they our men or Yankees?” …There off on our right was the grandest sight I have ever seen -- ...A body of Yankees coming at double quick “right shoulder shift.” Their line perpendicular to our own,

uniforms looking black in the distance, muskets glittering in the sunlight and battle flags fluttering in the breeze created by their quickened motion.

"...[T]he shock of this attack on our right...struck us at least 100 yards from the stone wall. I saw their men … deliberately fire into our whole line. In a few minutes all was confusion...” ~Captain Henry Owen, 18th Virginia, in Richard M. Rollins, Pickett's charge: eyewitness accounts at the Battle of Gettysburg 188-89

"[A] bout 4:30 p.m. a large column of infantry was seen to steadily advance from between the batteries and right glad were we to see them. They came out in front, protected by their shells which being a little above them came over their heads and deployed handsomely in line. On they came directly towards my picket line but the grape and canister from our batteries and the shots fire from my picket now acting as skirmishers warned them of the hazard of that route. They then turned and marched by their left flank. At that moment our bugle sounded our picket came in, we formed a line with the 13th and 14th rushed on. We were asked if we could charge. Our terrific yell from our men was the response and there we were after the “greybacks” In fifteen minutes the results could be counted thus - 300 rebels dead and wounded on the field and over a thousand prisoners were taken and 2 stands of colors. Of these the 16th took full 400 prisoners and in a second separate charge made only by the themselves they took these two stand of colors the 2nd Florida and 8th VA, and over a hundred more prisoners. . . I believe that the 16th Vermont is the only regiment from our state that has taken two stand of colors in one hours fight. But - there is another side to the picture. In the charge we had only 425 men, yet during the day we lost in the regiment 16 killed over 80 wounded and about 20 missing, some of whom are undoubtedly dead." ~ Lt. Col. Charles Cummings, Sixteenth Regiment, Letters July 6, 1863. VHS.

"....The movements I have briefly described were executed in the open field, under a very heavy fire of shell, grape, and musketry, and they were performed with the promptness and precision of battalion drill. They ended the contest in the center and substantially closed the battle. Officers and men behaved like veterans, although it was for most of them their first battle, and I am content to leave it to the witnesses of the fight whether or not they have sustained the credit of the service and the honor of our Green Mountain State . . .  There were 350 killed, wounded, and missing from my three regiments engaged; of the missing, only 1 is known to have been taken prisoner." ~ Report of Brig. Gen. George J. Stannard, July 4, 1863.

From the Second Vermont Brigade monument:

July 1. Arrived at dusk and took position on right of Third Corps.

July 2. Joined the Corps and went into position at the left and rear of the Cemetery. Just before dusk a detachment advanced to the Emmitsburg Road and captured about 80 prisoners and recovered 4 abandoned Union guns.

July 3. In position on left of Second Division Second Corps at the time of Longstreet's assault. The 13th and 16th advanced against Major Gen. Pickett's Division changed front forward and attacked its right throwing it into confusion and capturing many prisoners. The 16th and part of 14th then went to the left and attacked the advancing Brigades of Brig. Gen. Wilcox and Perry (Col. Lang) and captured three flags and many prisoners.

Casualties Killed 1 Officer 44 Men, Wounded 12 Officers 262 men, Captured or Missing 32 Men; Total 351.

From the monument to the 16th Vermont at Gettysburg:

Participated near this point in action of July 2nd. Picketed this line that night – held same as skirmishers until attacked by Pickett’s Division, July 3rd. Rallied here and assaulted his flank to the right 400 yards – then changing front charged left flank of Wilcox’s and Perry’s brigades. At this point – captured many hundred prisoners and two stands of colors.

The Sixteentb Veermont lost 16 men killed, 102 wounded and 1 man captured. 

Killed

• Privates Ira Emer, Chester T. Larned, and Charles Morse of Company A
• Sergeant Walter W. Ranney of Company B
• Corporal Moses P. Baldwin and Privares Joseph Ashley, Joel R. Spaulding and Sylvanus A. Winship of Company C
• Privates John Dyer and Joseph M. Martin of Company D
• Private William M. Tyrrell of Company E
• Privates Edmund P. Davis and Charles P. Stevens of Company H
• Privates James F. Cook and Willard M. Pierce of Company I

Mortally Wounded

• Private Philip Howard of Company A
• Private George A. Jacobs of Company B
• Private Zenal C. Lamb of Company C
• Private Henry C Spring of Company D
• Private Henry C. White of Company E
• Private Dana P. Chandler of Company F

Colonel Wheelock Veazey was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle. The citation reads: “Rapidly assembled his regiment and charged the enemy’s flank; charged front under heavy fire, and charged and destroyed a Confederate brigade, all this with new troops in their first battle.”

Civil War in the Northeast 

See also Members of the 16th Vt killed or died from wounds at Gettysburg

https://tinyurl.com/18630703

Thursday, July 2, 1863. Darkness came on and the battle ceased with the Sixteenth in the front line.

16th
Vermont
Infantry,
Colonel W. G. Veazey
commanding

First Army Corps
July 1-2-3-1863

Participated near this point in action of July 2nd
Picketed this line that night - held same as skirmishers until

attacked by Pickett's Division July 3rd.

"Camp near Gettysburg Pa

Thursday July 2^nd 1863

 

Dear Wife

                        I will try and write you a few lines this morning not knowing whether it will ever reach you We have been on the march now for a week and got here last night. There was fighting here yesterday and as the rebels are near here there will probably be fighting untill they retreat or are conquered. Our Regt is now drawn up in line of battle and skirmishing is going on in front of us.

. . . You must excuse this as there is so much noise and excitement that it is almost impossible for me to write. It is a grand sight to see so large an army as we have here and more are coming every minute. We are well prepared to meet the rascals and I hope that none of them will escape. I have done faithfully my duty so far and I shall not back out now, and / I hope it will never be said of me that I did not do my duty. With much love and trusting in god for the best I am your loving Husband" ~ Letter from Corp. Francis Long, 16th, Rgmt., Company E

On the morning of the second day the regiment was moved to the rear of Cemetery Hill, and remained there in column, closed in mass (except Company B, Captain Armes, which was moved forward to the skirmish line at 4.30 p. m.), until about 5 p. m., when it was moved to the left about 100 rods, and forward to the crest of the hill, and there deployed in support of the batteries engaged. In this movement the regiment was under a severe fire, and several men were killed and wounded. Later still it was moved farther to the left and forward, and when the battle closed it occupied the front line of battle. Soon after dark I was detailed as general field officer of the day, and the whole regiment was detailed for picket duty. ~ Report of Col. Wheelock G. Veazey, Sixteenth Vermont Infantry. Headquarters Sixteenth Vermont Volunteers, Camp at Berlin, Md., July 17, 1863.

                                                                                              

"Before light we were called up and order marchers we sent out to find the 15th. They soon commenced firing and the Rebels picket. We layed there till about noon, when we were ordered to go and support a Battery around on the right. We went around and waited until about 4 o’clock before the Battery commenced, the shells began to come so near we were moved up under the brow of a small hill close to our own Battery. The artillery had been at work about a hour when Colonel Veazy told that the rebels were advancing to take the Battery. About that time they began to shell us in the rear, they came thick and close to us        the rear.

The men began to drop from other Regiments a shall burst over our Regt. a piece hit me in the breast. I was laying on my back, but had a Rebels blanket, folded up and laying across my breast, so it didn’t hurt me much.

We layed there about a hour when we went to the left to support another Battery. We marched out under heavy fire, a good many of the boys fell. We stayed at the battery about ten minutes when we were ordered still further to the left. The Rebels were advancing with a heavy force. We got up and started, The boys kept a dropping, and so it went till dark.

Then the 16th were sent to the front on Picket about 8 o’clock,  they commenced carrying off dead on both sides, the rebels were clear down to where I was, it was a awful sight to see them and hear them take on. They got off when they could through the night, but it was a small portion of what there was on the ground. " ~  Journal of Floyd Hawkins, 16th Rgmt.,  Sgt, Company H.

Thursday, July 2, 1863: Battle began at 5 PM & continued until dark. We were not engaged but lay under severe artillery fire supporting batteries - lost about 10 men. Occupied the front line when the battle closed. Whole Reg. put on picket. Am Div. field officer of Day."   From the Diary of Wheelock G. Veazey, Colonel, 16th Vermont Regiment.(VHS), in David Cross, Wheelock Veazey, (Rutland Historical Society, 1995)

"During the forenoon, company B, Captain Arms was send forward to re-enforce the skirmish line, and there rendered splendid service. This company was taken into position by Captain Foster of company C, who was then on General Stannard's staff, and was wounded in discharging this duty.

"The main battles of July 2 were fought on the right and left flanks of the Union line. Near the close of the battle on the left the Sixteenth, with the rest of the brigade, was moved about one-half mile to the left along Cemetery Ridge to re-enforce our badly shattered lines. In this movement it was under terrific artillery fire, one shell hitting two men and killing them instantly. The regiment was finally halted in support of a battery and just in season to receive and repel a heavy charge of infantry. Darkness soon came on and the battle ceased with the Sixteenth in the front line." ~Russell and Emery, 16th Vermont Infantry Regimental History

"The Sixteenth moved left in front, down the Taneytown road a short distance, and then into the field and along the crest till it reached the position of the Second Corps' batteries, receiving as it moved a cannon-shot—the first that entered its ranks—which knocked down a file of men, killing two of them. The smoke enveloped that part of the ridge, but it could be seen that a battery near there was without support, and a line of the enemy was both seen and heard advancing upon the guns with loud shouting. The Sixteenth deployed in rear of the battery; the enemy, disconcerted by the appearance of this fresh line, fell back; and the Sixteenth supported the battery till dark, when the regiment was moved to the left and forward into the front line in that part of the field." ~ 2 George Grenville Benedict, Vermont in the Civil War 455-56(Burlington Vt 1888). 

"An order came for me to take my Company down to the line of the skirmishers at the centre of our line, as a portion of them had been driven in. I started off with Capt. Foster of Co. C, of our Regiment, who was to bring intelligence to the General as to the condition of the line. I had proceeded but a short distance when the bullets began to whistle around me, but not a boy in my Company but that marched and obeyed my orders as well as they could at an ordinary drill.

"On arriving at the point where I was to support the skirmishers, I found that they were all killed or wounded but four, and they had returned leaving the rebels in possession of the line, who had five men to my one, and sharpshooters at that. They had concealed themselves so as to have a cross fire into the road where I had to lead my boys.They saw us coming and were all ready to pour into us; but seeing that matters were at a focus, I made a move and came into line in the gutter at the road side, and instantly gave an order to fall down on the ground, which was done just in time to save the lives of most of my Company, for as we fell to the ground they fired a terrible shower of balls just where we had stood, which passed harmless over our heads as we lay in the muddy ditch, with the exception of one that passed through the leg of Capt. Foster as we stood side by side.

"Afterwards I ordered the boys up and to go on. Every one went with a will, and the line was soon in our hands where we staid skirmishing between the two armies until the next forenoon. 

"During this time I had the following boys wounded. 3rd Ser'gt Jason Mann of Guilford shot in the head; will recover. Corporal D. B. Stedman of West Brattleboro, shot in the thigh; will recover. Private John M. Joy of Brattleboro badly wounded in the hips, and Surgeon thinks he will recover. ~ Captain Robert G Arms. Co. B, 16th Regt, letter of July 5, 1863

 "Soon after this Colonel Veazey was detailed to take the regiment with others and establish a picket line across the battlefield of that afternoon. The battle had been fought back and forth over this ground and it was literally covered with dead and wounded men, among whom the Sixteenth were deployed to watch the enemy while our army was resisting for a renewal of the awful conflict in the morning. No regiment ever had a more trying night on picket duty. It was not relieved in the morning, but the men held the same position as skirmishers throughout the forenoon and until the final assault." ~Russell and Emery, 16th Vermont Infantry Regimental History

"The next morning [July 2] our brigade consisting of the 13th, 14th, and 16th Regiment - the other two being at Westminster, MD - 20 miles southeast guarding the corps teams prepared for action. We were in position all the morning until about 4 o’clock when the rebels opened their batteries, ones having been playing since noon. Within five minutes thereafter a shell fell within (six feet near my) horse exploded without doing major damage. Soon the field officers dismounted and our brigade advanced to support our batteries. We were then in rear of the crest on which they were placed and there so protected that not a man was hit or hurt although their shells passed just above our heads and exploded from a few feet to one or two hundred yards beyond us. This music was not at all agreeable.

"Just before sundown we were advanced up another hill a little to the left and deployed in line amid the bursting of hundreds of shells. One came through the ranks about four feet to my right killing two men, one or two others were wounded. Up the hill we went and when on top the firing in that section had nearly ceased. We were near the center and not in the advance line there had been fighting on very ground where we were and two of our batteries had been taken and retaken. Our left had advanced and drove the rebels and they in turn had repulsed our advance with masked batteries and driven us back.

"Between the rebels and us was depressing basin through which ran a ravine well protected by brush and rocks. I was made officer of the picket and then went out and placed three companies as pickets there in two as support and the balance of the regiment left behind a clump of small trees as a reserve. I was on the line all night.

"After taking care that my line was right, I looked around and found this ravine full of dead and wounded soldiers about two rebs to one Union. Stretchers and ambulances were running all night but by morning nearly all had been removed. Between Union and rebel picket lines, parties of both were by a tacit understanding engaged in hunting up their dead and wounded comrades and friends without molestation." ~ Lt. Col. Charles Cummings, Sixteenth Regiment, Letters July 6, 1863. VHS.


"After nightfall of Thursday Colonel Veazey was detailed as division field-officer of the day, and taking the Sixteenth Vermont regiment and a detail from the brigade on the right, posted a picket line along the front, from the right of Codori's house on the Emmittsburg road through the low grown to the left, till it joined the picket line of the Fifth Corps. Three companies were deployed on the picket line, and the remainder of the regiment lay as picket reserve. “It was,” says Colonel Veazey,

 “the saddest night on picket that I ever passed. The line ran across the field that had been fought over the day before, and the dead and wounded of the two armies, lying side by side, thickly strewed the ground. The mingled imprecations and prayers of the wounded, and supplications for help, were heart-rending. The stretcher bearers of both armies were allowed to pass back and forth through the picket lines, but scores of wounded men died around us in the gloom, before any one could bring relief or receive their dying messages.” "

~ 2 George Grenville Benedict, Vermont in the Civil War 459 (Burlington Vt 1888). 

Wednesday, July 1, 1863. On the Emmitsburg Road.

"Wednesday July 1, 1863. Marched to battlefield near Gettysburg but did not arrive in season. Our forces driven back. Took position in the line of battle. Very severe march. 1st Corps fought enemy alone. Loss severe." From the Diary of Wheelock G. Veazey, Colonel, 16th Vermont Regiment.(VHS).

"I saw General Sickles and staff coming up the road. I went out and saluted him and inquired if he could tell me where the Second Vermont Brigade was. He said, "Yes, they are about three miles below here and will soon be along. . . . We marched on and the sound of battle grew louder as we advanced. When we arrived at Gettysburg it was nearly dark and the first day of the great battle was ended. General Reynolds killed and our forces driven; back. After a hurried scant supper of hardtack and coffee, we laid down our arms for the night"" ~ Lt. Frank Kenfield, 13 Vt , Co. E, caught up with reunited with his Regiment on July 1 on the Emmitsburg Road. He said:

In time of battle, as there is a dread about it that few, if any, can overcome. There is a great difference in mankind as to bravery, but the bravest are not over anxious to take a hand in a battle like Gettysburg.

"The first news that the great battle we were expecting had begun reached us about noon of Wednesday , July 1 , when a courier , spurring a tired horse , met General Stannard riding at the head of his brigade , eight or nine miles south of Gettysburg , with word from General Doubleday that a big fight was in progress at Gettysburg ; that General Reynolds had been killed and he had succeeded to the command of the First corps ; that the corps and cavalry were fighting a large part of the rebel army and having hard work to hold their ground , and that Stannard must hasten forward as fast as possible . He did so , but the heat was oppressive , the men were tired , and they moved all too wearily till crossing a crest four or five miles from the field , the heavy roar of cannon in front reached all ears . The sound put life into the men , and there was no lagging after that . As we neared Gettysburg we began to see groups of excited inhabitants , most of them women , gathered wherever there was an outlook toward the field . Their anxious faces were bent upon us with varied expressions , some seeming by their sad gaze to say , " Alas , that these too should be food for powder , " while the eyes of others , as they glanced down the long column of the brigade which had more men in it than some divisions , lighted with hope , and they waved us on as to certain victory . ،، The smoke of the battle was now mounting high over the field , and the sultry thunder " of artillery , rolling continuously and heavily , filled the air . About sundown , as the brigade reached the outskirts of the field , I was again sent forward to report its arrival to the division commander and was thus the first man of the brigade to reach the actual battle ground .

"The artillery firing had ceased , but carbines were cracking on the plain as I rode across it . Passing inside of a skirmish line of dismounted cavalry I took my way to a low hill , which seemed to be the centre of operations . Batteries were in position on the brow of the hill and troops forming along its top . They were what was left of the Eleventh corps , after its retreat through the village , rallying on a new line to meet an antic- ipated attack from the enemy , then apparently forming for an assault , at the foot of the hill . I rode up to a colonel who was directing the disposition of a line of battle . A white handker- chief was wound around his neck , through the folds of which blood was oozing from a wound in his throat . He directed me where he thought I could find a portion of the First corps , and I found Gen. Rowley , commanding the Third division of the corps , stretched on the ground by a little whit`e house . He was asleep , overcome by fatigue , or something , and his aids would not wake him . They told me to guide the brigade to that point ; and after a while , the tired men stretched them- selves upon their arms in a wheat field , and sank into the deep and reckless sleep of the weary soldier . There was rest for the men ; but not for our general . Gen. Stannard was appointed gen- eral field officer of the day , or of the night rather , in that part of the field , and had to see to the posting of the pickets of another corps besides our own . The duty called for a night in the sad- dle , upon the army lines ". ~ George C Benedict, letter of July 5, 1863 in Army Live in Virginia

Tuesday, June 30, 1863. "A collision must soon take place."

Emmitsburg
1863

"Tuesday June 30, 1863 ... to Emmitsburg. Very severe march. Men are footsore. Have marched 108 miles in 6 days."~From the Diary of Wheelock G. Veazey, Colonel, 16th Vermont Regiment.(VHS)

"Tuesday 30th. Started again & followed the pike thro' Emmetsburgh & a mile beyond & found that our 1st Corps teams were here but that the Corps had gone ahead. Parked our teams with the Corps train. Too tired to write more than minutes. 15 miles." ~ Diary of Horace Barlow (UVM), 137, Horace Barlow, Pvt., Co. C, 12th Regiment

"June 30. We commence marching at six; and halt at Lewistown in about two hours. ... We also halt awhile at Mechanicstown. Here we find that a brigade of cavalry passed us in the night. These, too, wear out as well as infantry. I saw six sleeping in a field, whilst it was raining, and no rubbers over them. Our regiment is in the rear, and arrives at Emmettsburg just at dark; we must pitch our tents and have our coffee. The march this afternoon has been exceedingly hard. Two soldiers are left in houses on the way."  ~ Lt. Edwin Palmer, 13th Regiment, The Second Brigade: or, Camp Life, By a Volunteer (1864)

"June 30, 1863. Camp at Emmittsburg. We have marched one hundred and ten miles since we started. This is a splendid country; I never saw anything to beat it. We expect to see fighting before long. My feet are so sore I hardly can step on them. Paid one dollar for a loaf of bread. One of our company fell out and we had to leave him; we do not know where he is." ~ Diary of Frederick L. Reed, Orderly Sergt., Co.. D, 14th Regt., (Memorial Exercises, Castleton VT 1885, p 57-59)

"June 30. The column was again put in motion this morning at seven o'clock. We halted for rest at noon near Mechanicstown. Marching again at one o'clock, we arrived at Emmitsburg at six, where we have gone into camp for the night. We are now only two miles from the Pennsylvania line, and one hundred and twenty miles from Wolf Run shoals, which distance we have marched in six days. The 1st, 3d and 11th Corps are now concentrated here. The enemy's cavalry is reported to be near Gettysburg, ten miles distant, and Lee is supposed to be advancing upon Harrisburg. A collision must soon take place." ~ John C. Williams, Corporal, Co. B, 14th Regiment, Life in Camp 137 (1864)

Monday, June 29, 1863. "Gen'l very cross. Says we have no discipline."

Gen'l Stannard
 marches us like "Old Harry"
June 29, 1863

"Strong exertions are required and must be made to prevent straggling." ~ General Order No. 70, June 29, 1863, by command of Major-General Reynolds

"Monday June 29, 1863 ... to Adamsville. My Regt was on rear guard--very hard road passed through Frederick. Gen'l very cross. Says we have no discipline." ~From the Diary of Wheelock G. Veazey, Colonel, 16th Vermont Regiment.(VHS)

"Monday 29th. Left Camp & marched up the valley still farther & encamped about 5 miles beyond Frederick on the Emmetsburgh pike. Reached F. just after noon, & before passing made a half of an hour or two. Marched about 17- miles & were as tired & footsore as one could possibly wish to be. Hoped that we should find our Gen Reynolds & so got a little rest, but were disappointed, as he was said to be a day's march ahead of us. So our tiresome journey must continue. Gen Stannard marches us like the "old Harry" & the pike has been very hard & rather rough." ~ Diary of Horace Barlow (UVM), 136-37, Horace Barlow, Pvt., Co. C, 12th Regiment

"General Stannard ... put us to the test of human endurance. In order that nothing should impede his progress he issued an order that none should leave the ranks, while on the march, to procure water. This order under the circumstances seemed cruel, because ofthe weather 90 degrees in the shade and marching from dawn to sunset at our utmost speed stopping only at mid-day for rest and to eat a sandwich of hard tack and boiled pork. We camped for the night, June 29th, about twelve miles north of Frederick City and three or four miles south of Lewiston in a little valley on the west bank of the Monocacy." ~ Ralph Orson Sturtevant, Pictorial History of the 13th Regiment Vermont Volunteers 207 (1910)

"June 29. ...To-day noon, after plodding through mud and rain as fast as we can, wind ourselves at Frederick city. Here the brigade leaves ninety soldiers, unable to go farther. Some buy pies and pay fifty cents apiece, and a dollar for smallish loaves of bread. From this place we march northerly, and pitch out tents just at dark in a rich valley covered with grass, waving wheat and corn. ... We have herd that Gen. Meade is in command of the army, not knowing whether to believe it." ~ Lt. Edwin Palmer, 13th Regiment, The Second Brigade: or, Camp Life, By a Volunteer (1864)



"June 29. The march was resumed at seven o'clock this morning, and it has rained all day. We arrived at Frederick city about noon, ...Halted about three hours at Frederick, when we were again ordered forward. Have gone into camp to-night near Creagerstown. I learn to-night that Hooker has been relieved from the command of the army, and Major Gen. Meade appointed in his place."~ John C. Williams, Corporal, Co. B, 14th Regiment, Life in Camp 136 (1864)


"June 29, 1863. Camp eight miles out of Frederick. Marched all day; Oh how tired I am to-night; one man from our company fell out; we do not know whether he is dead or not. I had a good swig of whiskkey to-day, it does me more good than anything. ~ Diary of Frederick L. Reed, Orderly Sergt., Co.. D, 14th Regt., (Memorial Exercises, Castleton VT 1885, p 57-59)

Sunday June 28, 1863. "... from near Edward Ferry toward Frederick Md."

"... from near Edward Ferry toward Frederick Md." 

~From the Diary of Wheelock G. Veazey, Colonel, 16th Vermont Regiment.(VHS)

Lt. Col Charles Cummings
16th Vt. Regt.

"Near Poolesville, MD - June 28th, 1863 

"My Dear Wife, Thursday afternoon we started from Union Mills and marched a mile north of Centerville and camped. It rained all night. 

The next day we started and went 12 miles to Herndon’s Station above Vienna and camped. I was Field Officer of the Day. 

"The next day we went to the Potomac crossed on pontoon bridges and arrived at Poolesville about sun down, marching about 17 miles and crossing at Edwards Ferry, 30 miles above Washington. 

"This Sunday morning we started at 8:30 for Frederick City. There are 40,000 or more troops around us all bound up into Maryland to meet Lee who is supposed by us underlings to be somewhere northwest of us. There is considerable prospect that we may encounter the rebs in a fight. 

"We go into the 1st Army corps. Maj. Reynolds commanding. The old brigade is close to us, and last night I saw many of the officers. My health is excellent. I am living on hardtack and raw pork and glad to get enough of that, but I do enjoy the march.

"I am writing this sitting on the ground, my horses saddled and my equipment by my side. Our march today will be about 20 miles.

"This seems like the reality of a soldier’s life, and I expect a fight will put on the finishing touches.

"I got your letter of the 21st Thursday, a few minutes before we started and after I had written you a line. When I shall get another of your good letters I do not know nor do I even guess when this will be mailed. It will be dropped into the first Post office that we come across, perhaps today.

"My dear wife if I get into a fight I shall endeavor to do my duty with discretion and faithfully, trusting the results to that kind Providence who rules has thus far shielded and presented us, and strewn our path with so much happiness.

"Kiss the dear children for their absent but not forgetful papa. - Love to all your loving husband - Charles. ~ Lt. Col. Charles Cummings, Sixteenth Regiment, Letters June 28, 1863. VHS.

"Sunday 28th Marched at 8 A.M. Crossed the Monocacy river at a Ford, in P.M. & Passed thro' a splendid country, most of the day. I have no time to waste in description. Encamped about a mile N. of Adamstown a station on the B & Ohio R.R. about 10 miles S of Frederick. Marched about 16 miles & were foot sore & tired everyway". ~ Diary of Horace Barlow (UVM), 136, Horace Barlow, Pvt., Co. C, 12th Regiment

"June 28. Marched again this morning at seven o'clock; crossed the Monocacy river near its mouth about noon, and halted for rest. At one o'clock the march was resumed. Passed Adamsville, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, about six o'clock in the evening, and have gone into camp for the night two miles beyond."~ John C. Williams, Corporal, Co. B, 14th Regiment, Life in Camp 136 (1864)

"June 28, 1863. Camp near Adamstown. Marched all day. Adamstown was a very nice little place. I see five or six nice looking ladies. the Rebs were in this town last night but have gone to-day. Paid fifty cents for a loaf of bread." ~ Diary of Frederick L. Reed, Orderly Sergt., Co.. D, 14th Regt., (Memorial Exercises, Castleton VT 1885, p 57-59)