The Second Vermont Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 1861-1865 [Hardcover]

Paul G. Zeller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 7, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0786412623 | ISBN-13: 978-0786412624

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. Richly illustrated.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A worthy addition...readable and attractive...useful” --America’s Civil War

“Skillfully blended...extremely readable...much detail...excellent...very impressive” --Vermont in the Civil War

“Highly recommend[ed]” --The Civil War News

About the Author

Paul G. Zeller is a retired United States Reserve colonel and Department of the Army Civilian. He lives in Yorktown.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 359 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (August 7, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786412623
• ISBN-13: 978-0786412624
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,452,617 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great regimental history of the 2nd Vermont, January 20, 2006

By 

Bomojaz (South Central PA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Second Vermont Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 1861-1865 (Hardcover)

This is a superb regimental history of the Second Vermont Volunteers, about as detailed and informative as one could expect. The regiment participated in the war from First Bull Run to Lee's surrender at Appomattox, seeing their last action near Farmville. Oddly (and it's these kinds of fascinating little details that are sprinkled throughout the book that make it so interesting), the last man in the 2nd Vermont to be wounded (Thomas Broughton) was also one of the first, taking a minie ball just above the knee at Bull Run. Other major engagements include the Peninsula in 1862, Savage's Station, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, the Shenandoah Valley in 1864, and Petersburg.

The thoroughness of the book is truly astounding. Zeller cites from official records as well as individual diaries kept by the soldiers and letters that have come to light. The book is also well-illustrated with many photographs, and there are many maps included as well. Finally, a complete roster of the 1,800+ men who served in the regiment, including many particulars about each man, is also part of the book. Not only is the book a definitive account of the 2nd Vermont, but since the regiment served in so many important campaigns and engagements in the eastern theatre, it's also a mini history of that part of the war. It's an excellent addition to the serious Civil War student's library. [McFarland & Company offers an excellent array of Civil War books, many of them regimental histories like this one. Visit their website at www.mcfarlandpub.com.]