The Second Vermont Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 1861-1865

The many regiments that fought in the Civil War each had their own stories to tell about what they saw, smelled, tasted, heard and felt while serving in war. Most of these stories have been lost, but those that survive are compelling accounts of a dark time in our nation’s history. The Second Vermont Volunteer Infantry Regiment of the Old Vermont Brigade saw its first combat at the Battle of Bull Run and fought on to Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. This work views the war from the eyes of the junior officers, noncommissioned officers, and privates that made up the regiment, and draws from their service, pension and court-martial records, and personal letters and diaries to portray the men as they were in battle, on the march, and in camp. Some were heroes, like Private William W. Noyes, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism at the Battle of Spotsylvania, and others were not, like Private George E. Blowers, who was publicly executed for desertion. A roster of the 1,858 men who served in the Second Vermont is also provided. This title is richly illustrated.