The County Regiment / A Sketch of the Second Regiment of Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery, Originally the Nineteenth Volunteer Infantry, in the Civil War

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27969

Title

The County Regiment / A Sketch of the Second Regiment of Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery, Originally the Nineteenth Volunteer Infantry, in the Civil War

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A commemorative sketch of the Second Regiment of Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery, originally the Nineteenth Infantry, this volume honors the Litchfield County men who served in the Civil War. Blending military history with personal tributes, it captures the regiment's journey from recruitment to victory at Winchester and its poignant return home, celebrating their patriotism, sacrifice, and enduring legacy.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1908 by Dudley Landon Vaill, *The County Regiment* chronicles the distinguished career of the Second Connecticut Heavy Artillery, originally raised as the Nineteenth Volunteer Infantry from Litchfield County. Following the assault on Fort Sumter and the shock of the Battle of Bull Run, the county resolved to furnish an entire regiment, appointing Leverett W. Wessells as its first colonel. After mustering at Camp Dutton, the unit marched south to Virginia, facing the anxieties of the early war years. The regiment played a critical role defending Washington against General Early's raid and later participated in the grueling Siege of Petersburg. A pivotal moment occurred during the Battle of Winchester in September 1864, where the regiment, forming half of General Upton's brigade, helped turn a potential defeat into a decisive Union victory under General Sheridan. The narrative details the fierce fighting at Fisher's Hill, where soldiers climbed steep bluffs to capture rebel positions. Following General Lee's surrender, the exhausted troops marched north, witnessing the liberation of enslaved people and the fall of Richmond. The book concludes with the regiment's mustering out in the summer of 1865, their triumphant parades in New Haven, and the deep mourning felt across Litchfield County for the many who died or returned wounded. Vaill highlights the diverse backgrounds of the soldiers, including college graduates and veterans of previous conflicts, emphasizing that these men represented the very best of their generation. Through citations from regimental histories and interviews with survivors, the text offers an intimate look at the human cost of the war and the profound pride felt by the community for its warrior sons.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Biography
• History