Draw the Sword

Location: Hancock Avenue south of the Angle

Order of Battle: 1st Corps, 3rd Division, 3rd Brigade

Number Engaged: 710; 10 killed, 103 wounded, 10 missing

Commander: Col. Francis V. Randall (1824-1885)

Raised: counties of Chittenden, Franklin, Lamoille, and Washington

Monument Specifications: A standing portrait of Lieutenant Stephen F. Brown with his proper left hand on his sword. On the ground by his proper right foot is the hatchet that he used in battle until he could appropriate a sword from a Confederate soldier. The sculpture rests atop a square granite base adorned with bronze inscription plaques. The memorial is installed in the position held by the 13th Vermont Infantry from the evening of July 2, 1863 until the close of the battle. Lieutenant Stephn F. Brown was an officer in Company K. Brown was arrested on the march to Gettysburg for allowing his men to stop and fill his canteens. Restored to command on the battlefield, Brown’s sword had been sent to the rear. So Brown seized upon a hatchet instead. Brown is depicted holding a captured Confederate officer’s sword, the hatchet at his feet.

Dedication Date: Oct. 19, 1899.

Sculptor/Artist/Company: Moynehan, F., sculptor. Walling, James H., designer.

Main Inscription: THE STATUE REPRESENTS/LIEUTENANT STEPHEN F. BROWN AND CO. K/WHO ARRIVED ON THE FIELD WITHOUT/A SWORD BUT SEIZING A CAMP HATCHET/CARRIED IT IN THE BATTLE/UNTIL HE CAPTURED A SWORD FROM/A CONFEDERATE OFFICER/PERSEVERING AND DETERMINED LIKE HIM/WERE ALL THE MEN OF THIS REGIMENT/OF GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS

Other Monuments and Memorials: There are three stone markers denoting various positions held during the July 3 battle by the 13th Vermont. 1st Position. Located northeast of column honoring the brigade. Erected in 1896 by State of Vermont. Reads: 13th Vt. F.V. Randall, Colonel Right of Stannard’s Brigade 1st Position 3d Day 2d 45 yds. in front. 2nd Position. Located west of the column honoring the brigade. Erected in 1896 by State of Vermont. Reads: 13th Vt, F.V. Randall Colonel Right of Stannard’s Brigade 2d position 3d day Next 200 yds to right. 3rd (final) position. Located northwest of column honoring the brigade. Erected in 1896 by State of Vermont. Reads: 13th Vt, F.V. Randall Colonel Right of Stannard’s Brigade 3d position 3d day Struck Picketts Flank Here.

Supplemental Materials: After Action Report of Col. Francis V. Randall (will open a pop up window).

Regimental History ~ Dyer’s Compendium of the War of the Rebellion:

Organized at Brattleboro October 10, 1862, for nine months. Moved to Washington, D.C., October 11-13. Attached to and Brigade, Abercrombie’s Division, Military District of Washington, to February, 1863. 2nd Brigade, Casey’s Division, 22nd Army Corps, to April, 1863. 2nd Brigade. Abercrombie’s Division, 22nd Army Corps, to July, 1863. 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 1st Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, July, 1863.

SERVICE.–At Camp Chase, Arlington, Va.. October 25-28, 1862, and at East Capital Hill until October 30. March to Munson’s Hill October 30, thence to Hunting Creek November 5. At Camp Vermont, near Hunting Creek, until November 26. Picket duty near Occoquan Creek until December 5. At Camp Vermont until December 12. Picket duty near Fairfax Court House until January 20, 1863. Defence of Fairfax Court House from attack by Stuart’s Cavalry December 29. 1862. Duty at Wolf Run Shoals January 20-April 2. Guard duty at Occoquan Creek until June 25. March to Gettysburg. Pa., June 25-July 1. Battle of Gettysburg July 1-3. Pursuit of Lee to Middletown, Md., July 4-8. Left front July 8 and moved to Brattleboro, Vt., July 8-13. Mustered out July 21, 1863. Regiment lost during service 1 Officer and 16 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 4 Officers and 55 Enlisted men by disease. Total 76.