13th Vermont Volunteer Infantry

The 13th Vermont Volunteer Infantry, part of Stannard's Vermont Brigade in the Third Brigade, Third Division, First Corps, was organized in the summer of 1862, mustered into service on October 10 1862 with 968 officers and men whose average age was 23, and before the Gettysburg Campaign served chiefly on picket duty between Centreville and Occoquan, Virginia. After an urgent forced march marked by privation, lack of rations, and orders not to leave the ranks for water, it reached the battlefield on July 1. On July 2, five companies under Lieutenant-Colonel Wh. D. Munson supported batteries on Cemetery Hill, while near evening the other five companies under Colonel Francis V. Randall charged to the Rogers House on the Emmitsburg Road, captured 83 prisoners, and recaptured 4 guns, after which they took position here and were soon joined by the five companies from Cemetery Hill. On July 3, 100 men advanced 45 yards under sharpshooter fire to place a line of rails, and when the Confederate column crossed the Emmitsburg Road the regiment advanced to the rail breastworks, opened fire as the Confederates obliqued to their left, then changed front forward on first company and advanced 200 yards against the Confederate right flank, throwing it into confusion and capturing 243 prisoners. Of 480 officers and men engaged, 22 were killed or mortally wounded and 80 were otherwise wounded. Colonel Randall fell with his wounded horse during the July 2 charge but soon overtook and led the line on foot, and on July 3, when his order to cease firing was not heard as the Confederates began to yield to the flank attack, he rushed in front of his line and by word and gesture made himself understood, saving the lives of many foes. The regiment was mustered out at Brattleboro, Vermont, on July 2 1863. The statue associated with the regiment represents Lieutenant Stephen F. Brown of Company K, who arrived on the field without a sword, fought with a camp hatchet, and captured a sword from a Confederate officer.

Pennsylvania · United States