The Breakthrough

On April 2, 1865, Colonel Olcott and his regiment crossed the entrenchments about 350 yards to the northeast of this position during their attack. Their experience was similar to that of the Vermont troops who fought on this ground: when the order to advance was given, the regiment moved rapidly forward maintaining a good line until within about 200 yards of the enemy's works, when the second line was moved a short distance by the left flank and then forward again. This, together with the darkness and the character of the ground, divided the regiment somewhat, with most of the men carrying the colors entering the works farther to the right than intended. Olcott survived the assault and was mustered out of service in June 1865.

Virginia · United States