Warren Gifford, of Danby, was 29 years old at the onset of the Civil War. His promptness in enlisting at the beginning of the conflict can probably be attributed to his lineage. His father, Noah Gifford, had served as a Captain in the War of 1812, and his grandfather, Gideon Gifford, was a veteran of the American Revolution.

Warren enlisted May 8, 1861, and mustered in June 20, 1861 as a Private in Company B, Second Vermont Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded and taken prisoner July 21 1861, and paroled January 3, 1862. He re-enlisted December 21, 1863, was promoted Corporal April 1, 1865 and Sergeant June 19, 1865. He mustered out July 15, 1865.

Two incidents give us some insight into Warren's patriotism and bravery, the first at the battle of Spotsylvania, and the second a letter to his brother Noah describing the mid-July 1864 battle in the defenses of Washington, repulsing Early's attack on the capital.

The History of Danby relates: "At Spotsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, 1864, while desperately engaged in close contact with the enemy, Sergeant Gifford took a stand of colors belonging to the second North Carolina regiment, which was planted directly in front of his position. He despatched the color bearer with his bayonet, seized the colors and bore them off in triumph amid the cheers of his comrades." The history of Pawlet relates the story in almost the same words, but adds "He has the colors now in his possession."

Camp Near Poolsville, Maryland, July 15th, 1864,

Dear Brother Noah,

Youre welcome letter came safe to hand and I was very glad to hear from home agane. Well Noah, we hav got back into Maryland agane, and we have let the Rebels slip us agane, just as I knew they would, we did not get a chance to fight them but they got near enough to the old capital, so they could shoot a muskit ball into fort steavens from their skirmishline, and that is within 2 miles and a half of the capital, and if we had a bin 2 hours later in landing at Washington, they would have taken the citty in spite of all that was thare, for theare was nothing to man the forts but cittisens, and they were all sceart to death, but when the old 6 corps got theare, the graybacks shoed us thear backs in good stile you might as well believe, I suppose that they hav done considerable damage in Maryland, and I am damned glad of it. I wish to God that they had a burned every building in Washington, for then the North might posabely wake up to a sence of thear duty, and situation. Youre kind letter found me in good health, and I do hope that this will finde you all the same, if you hav not sent me eny money yet you need not, for I think we will get our pay within a day or 2. give me love to all, and except this from your friend, and brother, Good by for a short time, write soon, Warren Gifford

Sources: J. C. Williams, The History and Map of Danby, Vermont, McLean & Robbins, Rutland, 1869, 301; Hollister, Hiel. Pawlet for One Hundred Years. Bicentennial Edition. Pawlet: Pawlet Historical Society, 1976, 192; Letter from Warren Gifford to his brother Noah, from family materials, contributed by Lisa Faxon Intili, Belvidere, NJ, 3rd-great-grandniece of Warren Gifford.