The Prisoner of War camp at Andersonville, Georgia, no doubt played a sad part in the lives of many Vermont families. Here is one story:
Benjamin M. Smith was the 3rd generation descended from Benjamin and Hannah Smith, who came from Rhode Island to settle in Enosburgh, Vermont, in 1803.

In 1856, their grandson, Benjamin M. Smith married Loretta Elinor Davis, daughter of John G. Davis and Lucy Bruce. They started to raise a family of four sons, and one daughter.

The Civil War had been waging for over 3 years when Benjamin left his family and was mustered in at Brattleboro, December 15, 1863. He was placed in the 9th Regiment, Vermont Infantry. A letter written January 22, 1864, to his wife and children, gives some account of his journey to North Carolina.

"We started from VT, Friday (Jan.) 22nd……. Arrived at NY State next morning…. passed through the portion of the Sitty where the riot took place to the boat and started to North Carolina. (accounts of seasickness among the recruits)
Arrived at Morhead Sitty Landing…. Took the cars….. assigned to our Company …. (description of the land and forests)……
Farewell for this time.Farewell dear wife …….
Company H, 9 VT Reg't Newburn N.C. Ben. M. Smith "

Diaries written by officers in the action that took place at Newport Barracks have survived. One entry for
January 31st, 1864, says, " Recruits came in today. A lot of good they are. Not one of them were issued weapons." (Some arms did arrive February 1st.)

On February 2nd, the Rebels struck with superior forces, and the fort at Newport Barracks fell to the enemy.
In summary, the Yankees lost 5 men killed, 12 wounded, and 47 captured. Of the 47 prisoners, 28 of these later died before the war ended, in prison.

Benjamin M. Smith is recorded as dying at Andersonville War Prison, Georgia, September 11, 1864, of Dysentery.
He was the son of Benjamin Smith, Jr, and Abigail Blake.
Their burial places have not been located, but may have been in the E. Enoburg Cem. at Enosburg, VT.
His youngest son was born in May, 1864, after he had left for the Army.

The Prisoner of War camp at Andersonville, Georgia, no doubt played a sad part in the lives of many Vermont families. Here is one story:
Benjamin M. Smith was the 3rd generation descended from Benjamin and Hannah Smith, who came from Rhode Island to settle in Enosburgh, Vermont, in 1803.

In 1856, their grandson, Benjamin M. Smith married Loretta Elinor Davis, daughter of John G. Davis and Lucy Bruce. They started to raise a family of four sons, and one daughter.

The Civil War had been waging for over 3 years when Benjamin left his family and was mustered in at Brattleboro, December 15, 1863. He was placed in the 9th Regiment, Vermont Infantry. A letter written January 22, 1864, to his wife and children, gives some account of his journey to North Carolina.

"We started from VT, Friday (Jan.) 22nd……. Arrived at NY State next morning…. passed through the portion of the Sitty where the riot took place to the boat and started to North Carolina. (accounts of seasickness among the recruits)
Arrived at Morhead Sitty Landing…. Took the cars….. assigned to our Company …. (description of the land and forests)……
Farewell for this time.Farewell dear wife …….
Company H, 9 VT Reg't Newburn N.C. Ben. M. Smith "

Diaries written by officers in the action that took place at Newport Barracks have survived. One entry for
January 31st, 1864, says, " Recruits came in today. A lot of good they are. Not one of them were issued weapons." (Some arms did arrive February 1st.)

On February 2nd, the Rebels struck with superior forces, and the fort at Newport Barracks fell to the enemy.
In summary, the Yankees lost 5 men killed, 12 wounded, and 47 captured. Of the 47 prisoners, 28 of these later died before the war ended, in prison.

Benjamin M. Smith is recorded as dying at Andersonville War Prison, Georgia, September 11, 1864, of Dysentery.
He was the son of Benjamin Smith, Jr, and Abigail Blake.
Their burial places have not been located, but may have been in the E. Enoburg Cem. at Enosburg, VT.
His youngest son was born in May, 1864, after he had left for the Army.

Bio by: JWR