GDG- July 3, 1863 - 14th Vermont Infantry

[Jim Weaver]

"July 3. The rebel Gen. Barksdale was brought into our lines during the 
night, mortally wounded. He was carried to a hospital, but soon expired. 
His hat and gloves are now in possession of Col. Nichols of the 14th.
    Nine o'clock in the forenoon. The battle commenced very early this 
morning, a brisk fire being opened from the enemy's guns, and after a 
severe contest of about two hours a part of our line was regained, which 
had been abandoned yesterday to maintain other positions.
    The 2d Vermont Brigade still remains in the front line, which was 
re-established yesterday. The enemy still holds his position, and fights 
desperately.
    This is to be an eventful day. Here are two mighty armies, ready at 
the word of command to rush forward to mortal strife, each determined to 
maintain its cause. But how many brave men will, ere another day rolls 
around, be laid beneath the sod.
    The operations of this day will doubtless decide the battle, and 
generals are to win imperishable renown. The nation's honor is being 
vindicated, and the fate of America is to be decided. The old Army of 
the Potomac is here ready to resist the onslaught of treason, and unless 
this desperate act of the rebels is checked the country is lost.
    Six o'clock in the afternoon. The enemy opened a brisk fire of 
artillery from one hundred and twenty-five guns, on our left and center, 
about one o'clock, and this was shortly followed by an attack of 
infantry. This engagement lasted about five hours, raging at intervals 
upon our right, left and center, and was the heaviest artillery fighting 
of the war. At the time of noting, the enemy is retiring, defeated, from 
the field, the assault upon our left resulting in great loss to them. 
Thus the battle for another day is ended - and the questions naturally 
arise, will the battle be resumed in the morning, and will the enemy 
attempt another assault upon our lines?
    The 2d brigade has held the most important position in the whole 
line, - and its movements, directed by Gen. Stannard have doubtless 
saved the day. The brigade has held the front line, in the center 
position, for about twenty-four hours, and during the spirited 
engagement of this afternoon a vigorous attack was made upon our 
position, by an overwhelming force of seventeen thousand rebels, whose 
charge was gallantly repelled by this brigade alone. The men were 
subjected some two hours to the severest cannonade of the battle, from 
one hundred forty guns. The charge of the enemy was met with a warm 
reception by the Vermont boys. A charge was made upon the right of the 
brigade by a heavy infantry force, when a destructive fire from teh 13th 
and 16th compelled a large share of the enemy to surrender prisoners of 
war. Another charge was made on our left, but the rebel force being 
badly cut to pieces by the fire of the 14th, a large portion were 
scooped into our lines.
    The regimental colors of the 2d Florida and 8th Virginia regiments, 
and the battle flag of another rebel regiment were taken by the 16th. 
These movements of the brigade were performed in the open field, under a 
heavy fire of shell, grape and musketry, and were executed with the 
promptness of veteran troops.
    In the engagement today, Orderly Sergeant Henry Vaughan, Private 
Geo. Baker, Co B, were killed and Orderly Sergeant Elisha F. Sweat, Co. 
K, 14th Regiment, who went from my town, was badly wounded in the head - 
afterwards died.
    The remains of these martyrs to the cause of freedom were brought 
home in October, and interred among their kindred."

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


The 14th Vermont marched with the 1st Corps of the Army of the Potomac 
until July 18, when they were relieved from further duty due to the 
expiration of their nine month enlistment. The regiment lost 17 killed, 
68 wounded, and 22 missing at Gettysburg from an engaged strength of 
647. For anyone interested in an excellent history of the 2nd Vt 
Brigade, I would recommend 'Nine Months to Gettysburg' by Howard Coffin.