The Vermont Brigade in the Seven Days

The Vermont Brigade, sometimes referred to as the “First Vermont Brigade” or the “Old Brigade,” fought its first full-brigade engagement in the Seven Days’ battles. The leaders, as well as the rank and file, were inexperienced in warfare, but through sheer grit and determination they made a name for themselves as one of the hardest-fighting units in the Army of the Potomac.
Using soldiers’ letters, diaries, and service and pension records, this book gives a soldier’s-eye-view of the Virginia summer heat, days of marching with very little rest or nourishment, and the fear and exhilaration of combat. Also included are the stories of 29 men that were wounded or killed and how the tragedies affected their families.

Paul G. Zeller, a retired United States Army Reserve colonel, lives in Williamstown, Vermont.

Paul G. Zeller
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 201
Bibliographic Info: 65 photos, 8 maps, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2019
pISBN: 978-1-4766-7661-6
eISBN: 978-1-4766-3537-8
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments vi
Preface 1
1. The Formation of the Vermont Brigade 3
2. The Peninsula Campaign 23
3. The Battles of Garnett’s Hill and Gouldin’s Farm 46
4. The Battle of Savage’s Station 78
5. The Ambush at White Oak Swamp 114
6. The Aftermath 133
Chapter Notes 167
Bibliography 182
Index 187

• “Provides readers with a highly detailed and readable history of the Vermont Brigade and its role in the Seven Days battles…detailed”—On Point, The Journal of Army History

• “Valuable…anyone with a deep interest in Vermont’s role in the war will greatly benefit from reading this study…. Recommended”—Civil War Books and Authors

• “Zeller’s books are known for the abundant use of primary sources, which he skillfully weave into his narratives to help these men tell their own story. This volume is, happily, more of the same…definitely recommended”—TOCWOC-A Civil War Blog

• “Recommended”—Midwest Book Review