The Camp Griffin Gazette News and Information from the Green Mountain Civil War Round Table

Vol. XXI, No. 9 Nov. 2014

Publicity/Founding Member: Jack Anderson Treasurer: Gail Blake -

jwahist@comcast.net auntis@comcast.net

Program Committee: Peter Sinclair – Peter.R.Sinclair@Dartmouth.Edu ; Gail Blake – auntis@comcast.net ; David Walden: dlwalden68@comcast.net John Mudge: Durandpress@aol.com;

Newsletter Editor:: Ginny Gage - lewandginny1863@comcast.net - Video Maven : Alan Cheever – URFINE@aol.com

Our Web Site: http://www.vermontcivilwar.org/gmcwrt/index.html

AND DON’T FORGET: WE’RE ON FACEBOOK!

Nov. 2014

MEMBER REMEMBRANCE MEETING

TUESDAY, NOV. 11

HOTEL COOLIDGE

WHITE RIVER JCT., VT

6-6:30 Social Hour

6:30 Buffet Dinner 7:00-7:15 Business Meeting

7:15 Program, followed by discussion Adjournment

Guaranteed dinner reservations MUST BE MADE by 12 Noon, Nov. 10. Cost per person for the meal is $19.25. For reservations please contact Ginny Gage at lewandginny1863@comcast.net or 603-542-4664.

Dinner will be

Macaroni & Cheese Pasta with red sauce/alfredo sauce

Southwestern Chicken and Bean Casserole Goulash

Tuna Noodle Casserole hot vegetable

salad bowl (and bread if not otherwise with the entree) cookies/brownies/or chef's choice dessert

coffee/tea/decaf and punch

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE HAVING TIER TWO THIS MONTH AT $19.25 PER MEAL

ALSO, PLEASE CONTACT GINNY GAGE THIS

MONTH IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A RESERVATION FOR DINNER!

The Camp Griffin Gazette is the monthly newsletter of the Green Mountain Civil War Round Table. Editor: Ginny Gage. We encourage and welcome all contributions and suggestions. Send news and information to:

Ginny Gage 365 East Road Cornish, NH 03745 or E-mail: lewandginny1863@comcast.net

AS OF THIS PRINTING, THERE WERE STILL SOME SPACES AVAILABLE.

November 11  –  Remembrance  Meeting    -­‐  Honor an ancestor at the November meeting. Everyone is invited to think about ONE ancestor who fought in the war and make a few brief comments. To help you, you may want to consider writing out your comments and reading them. Comments might include: Name of ancestor, relationship to you, where born, occupation before the war, where he fought, occupation after the war, when died and where buried. Comments should be brief and not a complete biography. For example: “Theodore Dummerston was born in 1840 in Putney, Vermont, and was working on a farm in

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Westminster, New Hampshire at the outbreak of the war. He served in the 17th Vermont and was wounded at Gettysburg. After the war he returned to Putney where he ran the general store and raised a family of six children. He died in 1910 and is buried in Putney. His photograph, war diary, and some of his war letters are on the table. Theodore Dummerston was my great-great-grandfather.” If you have pictures of or letters from your ancestor, please display them on a table at the meeting. If you want to prepare a hand-out that people can take, that’s fine. If you have period clothes / re-enactment clothing, you are encouraged to wear that. President and Mrs. Lincoln will be joining us for the meeting and he will make a few brief remarks. Email me: DurandPress@aol.com. -- Thanks -- John Mudge.  

NO MEETING IN DECEMBER

2015

Jan. 10 – Peter Sinclair – “GMCWRT’s Wilderness Tour Report.”

Feb. 14 – Steve Sodergren – “Civil War Soldiers’ Stress”

March 14 – To be determined.

April 11 – Professor Jere Daniell - “Upper Valley Towns During the Civil War”; he describes the topics to be covered as including “the role of towns in mobilization, aid to those who did the fighting, funding of substitutes for those who were drafted but didn't want to serve, celebration of events like Appomattox, and memorializing the war once it was over.”

May 12 – To be determined

June 9 – Angela Smythe – “Richmond Grays Photo” via Skype

Other Round Table Meetings and Happenings

Sons of Union Veterans Ripley Camp would like to invite all men to any of their monthly meetings at the Rutland American Legion on Washington Street on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 P.M. They are also looking for speakers for their winter/spring programs and would love anyone with a program they’d like to present to contact Jim Proctor at civilproctor@comcast.net Check out The Ripley Camp #4 web site at: www.ripleycamp.netfirms.com/

Nov. 8 – Pierce Manse, Concord, NH - From member Gary Ward: Your presence is requested at the Annual Remembrance Day Observance for the Department of New Hampshire,

Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and Auxiliary. To be held on Saturday, November 8th, 2014 at the Pierce Manse, 14 Horseshoe Pond Lane, Concord, NH. The program starts at 1 PM and refreshments will follow. On behalf of myself and the Committee, in Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty, Gary A. Ward, PDC JVC Chairman Encampment Committee Department of New Hampshire - SUVCW Nov. 21 – NH Civil War Round Table – Dave Decker – “Civil War Civilians.” Epping Town Hall, Epping, NH. For more information: www.cwrt-nh.org November 3 — A High Price to Pay, A Heavy Burden to Bear: One Family’s Civil War Story. Abel Morrill, Sr., was an early settler of Cabot, Vermont. He was a respected farmer and maple sugar producer for much of the 19th century. His story reflects the hardship and heartbreak suffered by those who lived at the time of America’s greatest conflict, the Civil War. David Book’s portrayal of Abel Morrill profiles life before the war and life as it was affected by the war. Drawing on primary resources, Book’s monologue describes with historical accuracy life in mid-19th century Vermont and is a story that could be repeated by many families in every town in Vermont during this era. Hosted by the Hardwick Historical Society. Hardwick Historical Society, 47 Depot St, 7:30 pm. Elwyn Daniels, (802) 586-7565. The Vermont Heritage Galleries include Service & Sacrifice, which is now featuring the Andrus panoramic battle scenes, Houghton’s photographs, and the State of Vermont Civil War flags. Learn more about Vermont citizens’ service and sacrifice during the War Between the States. Admission covers all three galleries and entrance to the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier. Vermont History Center, 60 Washington Street, Barre, VT Open Mon-Fri, noon to 4:00 pm (802) 479-8519 www.vermonthistory.org 1864: Some Suffer So Much - January 13, 2014 – December 2014 A VERMONT SESQUICENTENIAL Top 10 Exhibit This is the 4th in a series of exhibits that examines American's first private military college and its deep connections to the Civil War. 1864: Some Suffer So Much examines Norwich University alumni who served as military surgeons, the history of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from the Civil War to the present. The exhibit will also present the stories of Norwich alumni who played a significant role in the United States Colored Troops, African American combat units that fought in the battles of 1864 as well as Norwich University Corps of Cadets response to the St Albans Raid in October 1864. Image: Medal of Honor recipient, Edward B. Williston, and his horse, ‘Pony,’ Norwich University Archives. Sullivan Museum & History Center, Norwich University, 158 Harmon Dr, Northfield, Vermont (802) 485-2183 http://www.norwich.edu/museum/

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The Vermont Humanities Council’s fall conference will be held November 14-15 in Burlington. The title of the conference, A Fire Never Extinguished, will discuss many of the issues associated with the Civil War. The conference will examine the influence that the war has had and continues to have on literature, art, race, cultural memory, politics and demographics in this nation today. More information can be found at: Vermonthumanities.org. Home Front & Battlefield: Quilts and Context in the Civil War, September 20 - January 4th In partnership with the American Textile History Museum, Shelburne Museum will contribute to the nationwide conversation on the sesquicentennial commemoration of the American Civil War (1861-65) through Homefront & Battlefield: Quilts and Context in the Civil War. When civil war broke out in America, the very fabric of life was altered. Homefront & Battlefield showcases this pivotal period in American history through a new lens, reflecting the personal sacrifice, heroism, mourning and reconciliation that changed the course of our country. The quilt and its story are placed in a broader context through the use of textile-related artifacts, relevant images (including paintings, photographs, prints, and ephemera), and quotations from diaries and letters. Each object represents a deeply moving and insightful personal story, from the noose reportedly used to hang abolitionist John Brown, to a quilt made by a wounded soldier from hospital blankets, as well as Confederate gray and Union blue uniform fabrics. Home front & Battlefield connects deeply moving and insightful personal stories about the war with the broader national context and history and examines how textiles were both an expression of and a motivating force behind American politics and culture during the Civil War. Ransom - Saturday, November 8, 7:30 PM Reserved: Adults $15, Students $10 The White River Valley Players reprise their acclaimed production of Ransom, an original play with music inspired by the Civil War letters of Ransom W. Towle of West Rochester, VT. Directed by Ethan Bowen, written by Dick Robson in collaboration with Joe Schenkman, Ethan Bowen and April Dodd. Original music by Dorothy Robson and Jake Wildwood. Historical research by Joe Schenkman. A complimentary reception for the cast and audience members follows the performance. www.whiterivervalleyplayers.org

WORLD WAR I GROUP Four people have started to meet monthly since this year is the centenary of the start of the war. We will cover topics in chronological order. At the moment, we are meeting on the 4th Monday at 1 pm in the Cafe next to the Coolidge, but

this may change. If you want to come or want more information, contact Peter Sinclair [802-584-3280] or David Curtin [802-633-2536].

Treasurers Report Gail Blake

TREASURER'S REPORT Beginning Balance: $1307.93 Expenses: Newsletter: $24.85 Speaker Expenses: $34.50 ( two meals ) Hotel Coolidge: $356.50 Deposit: $404.90 (meals, raffle, donations) Ending Balance: $1292.98

In Memory of Our Ancestors Who Served in the Civil War

Albion K. Goodwin

Co. I. – 4th NH Jack Anderson’s great-great grandfather

Edwin Ruthvin Mayo

Sergeant Co. B – 21st ME

Jack Anderson’s great-great grandfather

Orice Oakes Co. I – 1st Vermont Cavalry

Jack Anderson’s great-great grandfather

Sanford M. Whitney Corporal

Co. B – 12th Vermont Gail Blake’s great-great-great grandfather

Greenbush Strong

Private Co. B – 12th Vermont

Gail Blake’s great-great-great uncle

Benjamin Franklin Strong Private – promoted to Artificer

Co. H – 11th Vermont (1st Regt. Heavy Artillery)

Died June 9, 1864 of wounds suffered at Cold Harbor Gail Blake’s great-great uncle

William J. Strong

Private Co. H – 11th Vermont

(1st Regt. Heavy Artillery) Transferred to

Veteran’s Reserve Corps March 1864

Gail Blake’s great-great uncle

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Henry B. Strong Private

Co. H – 11th Vermont (1st Regt. Heavy Artillery)

Gail Blake’s great-great uncle

David Coburn Private

Co. C - 1st Vermont Cavalry Aug. 25, 1862 – June 21, 1865

Bob Coburn and Ruth Perrinez’s ancestor

Eli Haskett Private

Co. H – 9th Iowa Dr. David Cross’s Great-grandfather

John Bryce Faris

Private Co. G-47th Illinois

Wounded and missing since the Battle of Corinth, MS

October 3, 1863 Dr. David Cross’s great-uncle

Peter Quinn

Private Co. F - 5th NH Regiment

Born in Ireland Lived in Stowe, VT, at the time of the Civil War

Enlisted: August 1863 Captured at Cold Harbor; survived Andersonville, Florence, Millen, and other Rebel prisons; paroled in late November, 1864; hospitalized; returned to the 5th New Hampshire in

early March 1865; participated in the final stages of the Petersburg siege and Appomattox Campaign.

David Curtin’s great-great grandfather

A.J. Dorough Co. D (Livingston’s) - 8th Alabama Cavalry (CSA)

Died 11/30/1864 at the Battle of Franklin, TN Alice Evans’ 3X great-grandfather

William C. Oakes

Private Co. B – 6th CT

Ginny Gage’s great-great grandfather

Robert/Frank Farvour Private

Co. C – 17th CT 1st CT Cavalry

Corporal Ginny Gage’s great-uncle

Milton Gage

Private Co. A – 59th New York Lew Gage’s great-uncle

Joshua Gage Private

Co. B – 136th New York Died of typhoid fever

in Washington, DC, July 23, 1863 Lew Gage’s great-great uncle

Augustus Bronson

Sergeant Co. C – 17th CT

Died of wounds received at Gettysburg July 5, 1863

Lew Gage’s great-cousin

Elias Gage Private

Co. B – 136th New York Killed in Action at Gettysburg July 2, 1863

Buried in the Gettysburg National Cemetery Lew Gage’s great-great uncle

George Sears

Corporal Co. C – 17th CT

Lew Gage’s great-great-great grandfather

William Sirrine 1st Lieutenant

Co. K – 4th Georgia Sumpter County Guards

Lew Gage’s great-great uncle

Hampton Maxfield Sergeant

Co. H – 2nd VT Whitney Maxfield’s great-great-cousin

Charles L. Dodge

Private 8th MA Inf.-Ret. Col. 1895

Whitney Maxfield’s great-cousin

Asa D. Hill Private

3rd VT Battery – Light Artillery Enl. Aug. 18, 1864-M.O. June 15, 1865

Whitney Maxfield’s great-cousin

John W. Bacon Private

Co. E – 3rd VT Infantry Co. E - 8th VT Infantry

Whitney Maxfield’s great cousin

Charles C. Dodge Private

Co. F – 2nd VT Infantry Whitney Maxfield’s great cousin

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Ira Jennings Private

Co. I – 11th Vermont David Mayhew’s great-uncle.

George Mason Goforth

Private Co. H – 22nd Iowa Vol. Inf.

Tom McKenna

Lyman O. Gunn Private

Co. G – 16th VT Sept. 4, 1862 – Aug. 10, 1863

Ed Miville’s ancestor

Sidney Kirk Richardson Private

Co. A – 1st NH Heavy Artillery 1st NH Heavy Artillery did provost duty in fortifications

around Washington, D.C., and finally at Ft. Constitution, NH

Nancy Miville’s great-grandfather

Henry A. Wise Brigadier-General

5-term Congressman from Virginia, Ambassador to Brazil and then Governor of Virginia 1856-1860. Last Governor of

Virginia before the War and Governor at the time of John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry and his trial and execution.

John Mudge’s ancestor through Annie Jennings Wise Hobson, one of Henry Wise’s daughters by his first

marriage.

Robert Nero Fulton Private

Co. H – 2nd Vermont Infantry From Fletcher, VT

Brian Smith’s great-great grandfather

Horatio P. Fulton Private

Co. H – 9th Vermont Infantry From Fletcher, VT

Captured at Harper’s Ferry 9/15/1862 Died of diptheria at Camp Douglas 11/2/1862

Brian Smith’s great-great uncle

Samuel Wilson Sumner Sergeant

8th Vermont Died of Disease

Buried in the Antietam National Cemetery Brian Smith’s great-great grandfather

Horatio Gates Sanford

Private Co. A – 124th IL Infantry Died of his wounds near

Vicksburg in 1864 Buried at the Vicksburg National Cemetery

Susan Sanford Sellew Stacy’s Great-great uncle

Philander Alonzo Streeter

Private Co. C – 2nd Vermont

Don Streeter’s great-grandfather

Daniel Green Streeter Private

(younger brother of Philander above) Co. E – 11th Vermont

(later redesignated the 1st Vermont Heavy Artillery) later transferred to Co. L

Don Streeter’s great-grand uncle

Joseph E. Huse Private

Promoted to Corporal June 21, 1865 Co. E – 3rd Vermont

Andy Ward’s great-great grandfather

James Madison Jackson, Jr. Sergeant

Co. D – 5th Vermont Andy Ward’s great-great uncle

Charles Ward Master Sergeant 32nd MA Infantry

Mortally wounded at Gettysburg Andy Ward’s ancestor

Austin Harrison Ward

Sergeant Co. I – 8th Vermont Infantry

Gary Ward’s ancestor

Alson N. Wheatley Corporal

Co. C & Co. A – 9th VT Served from Dec. 26, 1863-Dec. 1, 1865

Pat Wheatley’s ancestor

Edward C. Wheatley Private

Co. C – 15th VT Served from Sept. 11, 1862-Aug. 5, 1863

Pat Wheatley’s ancestor

Alfred H. Knowles 2nd Lieutenant

Co. A – 54th MA Steve Wood’s great-great grandfather

James T. Outterson

Captain Co. G – 184th New York

Steve Wood’s great-great grandfather

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Dedication for Private Richard Dodge July 30, 2014

Barre, VT by Whitney Maxfield

PRIVATE RICHARD DODGE "Hero of Two Wars" is Recognized A new memorial for Private Richard Dodge of Montpelier, Vermont was dedicated on Friday, July 25, 2014 at 10:30 A.M. in Green Mount Cemetery in Montpelier. Dodge's original marble tomstone had been broken into several pieces. He died February 6, 1907. He was a veteran of the Mexican War, during which he was wounded 5 times, and the Civil War when he was wounded again. Even after recovering from that wound, he still wasn't done. He re-enlisted in the Veteran Reserve Corp shortly after the battle of Gettysburg, and again for active duty in Company K of the 17th VT Infantry at Petersburg, Virginia. Richard Dodge was born on February 10, 1825 in Montpelier, Vermont, the 5th son and 9th of 10 children of Jared and Naomi Dodge. He was first apprenticed as a blacksmith, but his sense of adventure caused him to enlist on April 15, 1847 in Company D of the 9th U.S. Infantry for the Mexican War. The 9th was known as the "9th New England Regiment" because the companies all came from New England, and it was commanded by Colonel Truman B. Ransom from Norwich University then in Norwich, Vermont. Colonel Ransom was killed in the taking of the castle of Chapultepec outside of Mexico City. Private Dodge was involved in Winfield Scott's campaign from Vera Cruz to Mexico City, including the battles of Contrears, Churubusco, and Chapultepec. He was gunshot twice, once in the left leg at Churubusco, sabered across the left wrist and head once, and bayoneted twice at Chapultepec in the left foot and left cheek and jaw. He was described as an excellent shot by his captain. At Churubusco while sighting in on a sniper his lieutenant urged him to fire low (this was with a smoothbore musket). Without changing his sight or direction, he fired, bringing down the sniper and scattering some other Mexican soldiers. Turning to the lieutenant he said, "Was that low enough?" Before the charge at Chapultepec he snuck out of the hospital and reported to his company with no musket or cartridge box. He was ordered to the rear by his captain, but refused the order saying, "He was sure some would be available soon." They were, and he was bayoneted going over the castle wall, and returned to the hospital directly after the battle due to loss of blood and teeth. Private Dodge was discharged with the regiment at Ft. Adams, Boston, on August 2, 1848. He returned to Montpelier to take up the house painting trade with an uncle, William Storrs. After the firing on Ft. Sumpter and Lincoln's call for troops, Richard was one of the first to enlist on May 7, 1861 in Company D of the 2nd Vermont Infantry as a Private for 3 years at the age of 36. He stated, "That he would have enlisted in Company F, the Montpelier company, but

someone he had served with in Mexico, and whom he disliked intensely, was already signed up in Company F." So he signed with the Waterbury and Barre company. It should have been called Dodge company because at one time or other there were 4 Dodge's in it. He served through 9 major engagements including 1st Bull Run, Va.; Lee's Mill, Va.; Williamsburg, Va.; Goulding's Farm, Va.; Savage Station, Va.; White Oak Swamp, Va.; Crampton's Gap, Md.; Antietam, Md. (the bloodiest day in American history), and Fredericksburg, Va. At 1st Bull Run, during the retreat from Chinn Ridge, he discovered his cousin Charles Storrs of Company F wounded on the field, picked him up, and carried him several miles before he could get him medical aid. "Shack," his nickname, referred to the Civil War many times as, "the grass war," because unlike the Mexican War, the infantry spent a lot of time in action lying face down in the grass to avoid bullets and shells passing overhead. In fact his wound at Fredericksburg on December 13, 1862 in the right shoulder while in the picket line was a direct result of disobeying an order from his captain to "lie down." He turned and stated," We didn't fight this way in Mexico," and a Confederate lieutenant shot him with a pistol. The lieutenant was immediately killed by another Vermonter laying in the picket line. As a result of this wound "Shack" was discharged disabled on March 29, 1863. You would think that that would be enough for a 38 year old soldier returning to Montpelier to recuperate. However, on July 13, 1863, he re-enlisted a a Private in Company G 13th regiment of the Veteran Reserve Corp, probably as a direct result of the battle of Gettysburg. This unit was likely doing guard duty, clerical, and support duty (cooking and cleaning) at the hospital in Brattleboro, Vermont. It was from there on February 5, 1864 that he was again discharged disabled at his request. On August 2, 1864 he married Alvira D. Stoddard Wakefield at Jericho, Vermont. They had no children. Two days later on August 4, 1864 he convinced a recruiter and surgeon of the 17th Vermont Infantry that he was again able to serve on active duty. He joined Company K of that regiment at Petersburg, Virginia, which by that time was involved in trench warfare. He was present for the battles of Poplar Spring Church, Va.; Hatchers Run, Va.; the breakthrough at Petersburg on April 2, 1865, and finally the running march after the Army of Northern Virginia as far west as Farmville, Va., before Lee surrendered on April 9, 1865. He was mustered out with the regiment on July 14, 1865. Coming back to Montpelier again he went back to housepainting, but was a binge alcoholic, probably to cope with what we today would call PTSD. In July 1891 at the age of 66 he was granted a monthly pension of $12. After his wife died in 1892, he supposedly swore off alcohol. On February 6, 1907 he passed away just 4 days short of 82 years old. His new Barre granite memorial stone was designed by the G. Tosi Co., cut and sand blasted by the Houle Granite Co. and erected by order of a distant cousin, Whitney Maxfield. Brother Maxfield is currently the Vermont Department Commander of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

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The ceremony of dedication included firing a salute and the playing of Taps by members of the William Scott Camp #302 of Barre, Vermont, and re-enacting members of Company A 2nd Vermont Infantry of the Champlain Valley Historical Reenactors, and Company A 3rd Vermont Infantry of the Vermont Civil War Hemlocks. Present Camp Commander Maurice Cerutti is also a distant cousin of Private Dodge. Friday, November 11, 1864 Farmer's Cabinet (Amherst, NH) NEW HAMPSHIRE TROOPS--Seven of the companies of the New Hampshire Heavy Artillery Regiment are assigned to the Third Brigade of Gen. DeRussy's Division in the defences of Washington, and located under command of Lt. Barton, in various forts, as follows: Third Company, in Fort William; Fourth, in Fort Reynolds and Battery Gariche; Fifth, Fort Richardson; Sixth, Fort Barnard; Seventh, Fort Scott; Eighth, Fort Ward; Ninth, Fort Barney. The other companies are variously disposed of: the First at Fort Slocumb; Tenth at Portsmouth; Eleventh, Fort Stevens. Friday, November 25, 1864 The members of the Second Brigade Band, (formerly 13th N.H. Regiment), are requested to report at Concord at their earliest convenience. The War Department refused to grant the request of Governor Gilmore, and extend the furlough of this band. Wednesday, November 23, 1864 NH Patriot and State Gazette (Concord, NH) The rebels in front of Petersburg recently cheered the band of the 2d New Hampshire Regiment, after it had played "Sweet Home." --Boston Journal

According to the Journal's log before the election, this is sure proof of the rank disloyalty of that Band!

Wednesday, November 2, 1864 St. Albans Daily Messenger (St. Albans, VT) A Home Guard has been organized at Rutland with W. C. Landon for Captain; W. C. Dunton 1st Lieutenant; and H. G. Stanley 2d Lieutenant. ....The following casualties in the 9th Vt. regiment are reported as having occurred in Grant's last movement south of Petersburg: Lieut. Wm. Dodge, Co. B, wounded in leg; Sergt. Charles Endsworth, Co. C, in face; E. Bressel, Co. K, in arm; Joel Grant, K, in foot. Friday, November 25, 1864 Caledonian (St. Johnsbury, Vt) Capt. Knapp of the 17th Vermont Volunteers, has been promoted to the majority of that regiment. Lieut. Ed. Eaton of the 17th, reported wounded and a prisoner, it is now feared is dead. Serg't Dodge, of the 1st Vermont cavalry, reported hung by

Mosby, escaped and is at home at St. Albans, Vt. Lunenburg. Capt. Eldin J. Hartshorn, of Co. E, 17th Vt. Reg., started on his return to the front, Monday, 14th inst. He had not fully recovered his health, but was so anxious to be on duty that his friends could detain him no longer. Friday, November 4, 1864 Vermont Phoenix (Brattleboro, VT) A GREEN MOUNTAIN BOY. A correspondent with the army of Gen. Sheridan gives the following "first-rate notice" of Col. Thomas of the 8th Vermont: "At the battle of October 19, the 2d Brigade of the 1st Division, 19th Army Corps, was commanded by Col. Stephen Thomas of the 8th Vermont Veteran Volunteers, of which officer it would be impossible to speak in terms of too much praise. To his indomitable courage and coolness may be attributed the splendid discipline and fighting of the 2d Brigade on that morning when, under a terribly enfilading fire of the enemy, they gallantly maintained the left of the 1st Division line. Col. Thomas is a Vermonter, with all the characteristics of a Green Mountain boy; was a prominent Democrat anterior to the rebellion, and a candidate upon the gubernatorial ticket of his party in 1860. He nobly sacrificed party to principle at his country's call, and has led his brave regiment through many battles, from Port Hudson to this 'added hour of victory' in the valley of the Shenandoah. His speech to his regiment just before a gallant charge at the late battle of Winchester is characteristic of the man: 'Boys! if any of you are in the habit of praying--and I hope you all are--the time to pray has come. Pray now,and pray devoutly! Remember Ethan Allen and Old Vermont, and we will drive the enemy to h--ll where he belongs!' It is unnecessary to add that the 8th Vermont and the 12th Connecticut, in the grand charge of that day, nobly verified the words of Col. Thomas, who led both regiments." Evening Union November 1, 1864 ANOTHER MCCLELLAN REGIMENT.—The Fifty-ninth New York Volunteers voted, for McClellan, 98; for Lincoln, 9. Wonder if Lincoln’s agents have seized these ballots. No wonder he is nervous on the subject of soldiers’ votes.

OCTOBER RT MEETING

We had 20 for dinner, including our speaker and her Mom, and another 8 who came just for the meeting. Peter brought along a guest, Alan Wright. Gail spoke briefly about the RT Trip which will be April 30 through May 4. See more information on Page 8. Jack spoke about the meal we had and the different tiers. A

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vote was taken, and it was decided to continue with Tier 2. If anyone has any comments about the meals, cost, etc., please contact Jack, David Walden, or Bob Coburn. Whitney spoke about some letters from one of his g-grandfather’s who had been in the 39th colored troops. Two of the letters were from black soldiers. Vernon Bond brought along an amazing document from John Wolf from 1812. Thank you, Vernon! What a treat that was. As always, Michelle gave a wonderful program on the St. Albans Raid. She also brought along a wonderful display. Her book on the St. Albans Raid is available through Amazon and other bookstores. Our raffle winners were: Whitney, Vernon, Peter, John Mudge, David Mayhew, Charlie Wilson, and our guest, Alan Wright. ON NOVEMBER 3, 1864, Union forces at Fort Pulaski, Georgia, receive much needed reinforcements in their fight against General John B. Hood. Green Mountain Civil War Round Table P.O. Box 982 White River Jct., VT 05001

SAVE THE DATES!

2015 GMCWRT Battlefield Journey

Dates: April 30-May 4, 2015 We will travel to Philadelphia, the Newport News and Hampton VA area, Appomattox Court House, and Gettysburg. Mike Cobb, curator at the Hampton VA Historical Museum has agreed to guide us around the Newport News area. Mike is a co-author of the Battle of Big Bethel: Crucial Clash in Early Civil War Virginia, and has authored several other Civil War publications. In his spare time Mike serves as manager of Fort Wool. Total cost of the trip has yet to be determined, but will include RT motorcoach transportation from WRJct, most meals, 4 nights lodging, all guide and admission fees, driver gratuity, onboard refreshments and information packet. A deposit of $75 per person is required to hold your place, the deposit is 50% refundable if you cancel, 100% refundable if the trip is cancelled. Questions? Email Gail at auntis@comcast.net or call 802-296-2919. Thanks! Hope you will join us!

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