Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-08-23
0begree N1eas
BURLING TON:
FRIDAY MORNING, AUG. %, 1861.
FIRST VERMONT REGIMENT.

IIhSl tBh.boNI REG IN fN1.
The excellent conduct of the First Yer
nont Regiment while in the L, S. service il
Virginia has been acknowledged on all hands
Though their detention at Brattleboro sIncr
their return to the State has been vexatious,
the soldiers have done honor to themselves
and to their officers by their patience anC
good conduct Their late Colonel (now
Brigadier GeneraD Phelps was not able tc
leave his duties TO be with the regiment in
Brattleboro The command has Of course
been with Lieut.. Col. Washburn. Regi-
Oental drill was kept up with regular
ity, and everything wont on with sys-
tem and regularity. The Phrar says:
During the stay Of the regiment in this
-place the conduct Of the soldiers has been q
constant theme Of praise. The men. have
Behaved admirably. Coming as they have
Ffrom the strict discipline of a camp in the
T~ncny's country, they have not allowed its
eelazation to degenerate into rude license,
Ebut they have remembered that they were
Eermonters and gentlemen, and have acted
accordingly Their visit has been matter
of qualification to all our citizens, and our
regrets for their departure are only mitiga-
ted by the fact that those who have the
strongest claims upon their attention are
awaiting their return with anxiety.
The Regiment was reviewed on Thursday
morning Of last week by His EScellency
Gov Fairbanks After regimental drill and
tarade, Lieut.. Col. Washburn, commanding
Hhe Regiment, addressed His Excellency, as
Follows:
SIR: In the absence Of him TO whom you en-
ftrusted this regiment and the result Of his well
EARNED but tardily received promotion, 1t has
Become nv duty to return the regiment to you.
hey return with a reputation which does honor
! themselves, 20 their officers and their State
~but do not briLg back all. One has been
BILLED By the enemy. Five have been stricken by
disease, and vet have died s5 much in the way of
Aduty, and with as much title to respect and re-
lneDbranco, as though they had fallen upon the
ft.d f battle. The service Of the regiment has
been severe. Ia handling the spade aud the pick
end constructing the intrenchments at Newport
New, a. well ss in handling the musket and
starding brayely under the fire of the enemy, they
.bave proved themselves worthy of tho State that
sert them out. Placed constantly in the advance,
fto them belongs the honor Of having first OF all
rhe oops of the United States taken possession of
the soil of Virginia. They return for a brief
reepite from their lab 1rs and yet ready again,
their countrys call, and fight again. if need be. for
che upholding OF the Laws, and the supremacy Of
Fhe glorious cid 6ag Of the Union
To which the Governor responded in the
Following appropriate language;
Mr.. Commander and Fellow Citizens Of the lst
! Regiment -
II is with devout gratitude to Almighty God that
SIN permitted to welcome you back TO the state
Of Vermont, after your short hut highly service
able campaign.
Three months ago, bad the honor of present.
ing to you, through your distinguished command
er, Col. Phelps, those beautiful standards, now
before me- enblematical of the State and Of the
Union, and Of bidding you speed rpou your
crrand-an errand, not for cQIduest nor for
plunder, but for the protect.ca of our government
from the grasp OF rutb..e bands who have con-
II q wicked fcbellion.
1o.. carried with you the hearts and the prayer,
u the people OF yeur state; and, from the time o
your departure, the greatest solictude fell
for your welfare. The intelligence received Of
Kyur condition and progress welcomed by ar
spprecisting community.
You were made the pioneers for occupying ar
important strategeticsl position in Virginia. Tc
ycu assigned the post of honor and Of danger
Your indefstgsble lab rs,--the works you accom-
plished; and your fearless conduct al Newport
News, are understood and appreciated.
You, Mr.. Commander, and your battalion in
the fight at Great Bethel, are known to have dis
played courage and coolness worthy of a better
result, 1t was not your fault that the rebel bat
.eTy was not captured Il is Enowl that wher
you were ready to make the charge, with the con
hdent belief that il was in your power, tho VI.
fortunate order given to retreat.
l recount thee facts, Gentlemen for the pur
pose Of assuring you that the people Of Vermont
have made themselves acquainted with the record
Of your campaign, and are grateful for your ser
viceE.
Nor have we been indifferent TO the report. O
xour moral condition We feel an honest prid
IN knowing that, while some Of the regiments il
The service have been demoralized by intoxicatin:
LIQUORS, YOU have sustained reputation for GOO
conduct, worthy of the Green Mountain State
You have maintained a becoming self-respect, an
are yourselves respected.
an gratifed with the assurance oi your com
uanding officer that if your eervices DC needed
you vill sgaiu respond to your country cal
Your past record Is sufficient guaranty OF you
unfinohing pstriotsr, and Of your readiness
eoosccra,e yolreelves to the service OF your cour
try in the hour CT her peril.
Again bid you welcome 20 tho State you av
- 40 gsilsptly represented. assuring you that 10
people, with cue acclaim are prepared to awar
70 you the meed OF we'll done good aud faithft
serrsBts.r