The Second Vermont Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 1861-1865

Book excerpt: 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. The Second Vermont Volunteer Infantry Regiment saw its first combat at the Battle of Bull Run and fought on to Lee's surrender. This richly illustrated work draws from service, pension and court-martial records, and personal letters and diaries to portray the junior officers, noncommissioned officers, and privates of the regiment as they were in battle, on the march, and in camp. Some were heroes, like Private William W. Noyes, awarded the Medal of Honor, and others were not, like Private George E. Blowers, executed for desertion. A roster of the 1,858 men who served in the regiment is provided.