Customer Reviews

The Second Vermont Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 1861-1865

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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.]