Redfield Proctor - Civil War

Civil War

Upon the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861 Proctor returned to Vermont and enlisted in the 3d Vermont Regiment, was commissioned as lieutenant and quartermaster, and repaired to the front. In July of the same year he was appointed on the staff of General William F. ("Baldy") Smith, and in October was promoted and transferred to the 5th Vermont Volunteers, of which he was commissioned major. With this regiment he served nearly a year in the neighborhood of Washington and on the Peninsula. In October 1862, Major Proctor was promoted to colonel of the 15th Vermont Volunteers, and participated in the Gettysburg Campaign, but was stationed in the rear and did not participate in the battle.