Sword Stolen From Vermont Museum
August 2002

BARNARD, Vt. — An inscribed sword and scabbard presented to Lt. Harlan Paige of the 4th Vermont Infantry was stolen from the basement of the town's Charles Danforth Library.

The sword was part of the Barnard Historical Society's seasonal museum in the library building. No one knows when it was taken. The theft was reported in late June.

The sword's inscriptions were not documented by the historical society which was given the sword by a descendant in the late 1980s.

The 4th Vermont was raised in August and September 1861, in response to a call for troops after First Manassas. Paige enlisted Aug. 23, served as 4th corporal in Co. E and 1st lieutenant in Co. C, and mustered out May 9, 1865.

The 4th's first action was at Lee's Mill on April 16, 1862. The regiment saw a lot of action, including the Peninsula, Crampton's Gap (where they captured 16th Virginia troops and colors), Antietam, Marye's Heights at Second Fredericksburg, Gettysburg;

Also, New York City (for the draft riots), the Wilderness (where more than 40 percent of their ranks were killed or wounded), Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad (where many were captured), Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek and Sailor's Creek, before taking part in the Grand Review.

Anyone with information should call State Trooper Ed Twohig at (802) 234-9933.