GDG- July 2, 1863 - 14th Vt Infantry

[Jim Weaver]

"July 2. Gen. Doubleday is now in command of the 1st Corps, and has 
denominated this the "flying brigade", in consequence of the miraculous 
locomotion we have accomplished, and the forced march we have so nobly 
endured. After having marched for seven consecutive days, up to the hips 
in mud and water, with the rays of an almost vertical sun beading down 
upon our heads, and dropping down at the conclusion of each day's march 
on the water-soaked earth, with no covering to shelter us from the 
drenching rain, we are not well prepared for battle.
    We have been reinforced by the 3d and 12th Corps. Gen. Meade arrived 
during the night, and has posted his troops in line of battle. The 
enemy's troops are now massed on a ridge about a mile from the one we 
occupy, and directly in front.
    Noon. The firing from the artillery has be desultory all the morning 
but no reply from the enemy.
    Six o'clock. in the evening. A severe engagement was brought on this 
afternoon by a furious attack of the enemy upon the 2d and 3d Corps, 
who, but for the timely arrival of the 5th Corps, would have been 
annihilated.
    The 2d Vermont Brigade, with the exception of the 12th and 15th 
(these regiments having been detailed to guard the wagon train in the 
rear), has taken an important part in the engagement. Shortly after the 
battle was opened, the left wing of the 13th Regiment was ordered 
forward as support to a battery, and a company of the 16th was sent out 
as a support to the skirmishers in front. Capt. A. G. Foster, A. I. G. 
on Gen. Stannard's staff, was badly wounded.
    Again, about half past six in the afternoon, our line on the left 
center having become broken by a charge of the enemy, the brigade was 
ordered forward. The right wing of the 13th, under the command of Col. 
Randall, was in the advance, and on reaching the breach in the line was 
granted the privilege of making the effort to recapture the guns of Co. 
C, Reg. Battery, which had just been captured by the enemy. This was 
accomplished by a charge of the 5 companies of the 13th, and in which 
charge Col. Randall had his horse shot from under him. Four guns of the 
battery were retaken, and two rebel field pieces with about eighty 
prisoners were captured in this charge.
    The front line was thus re-established and in now held by this 
brigade. The assault on the left has been gallantly repelled, the rebels 
retiring in confusion and disorder.
    Eight o'clock in the afternoon. Another assault has been made on the 
right, but through the gallantry of the 11th Corps, the enemy was 
repulsed. Thus ends the battle of the second day."

Source: "Life in Camp" by J.C. Williams, Co B, 14th Vt. Reg't. Published 1864.