Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-08-16
I0ur Army Correspondence.
FROM THE THIRD REGIMENT.
IRWIN McDDN ELL,
b. .ig Gen. Commanding
CANP LYON, Chain Bridge,
Washington, Aug lSGl.

CANT LYON, Chain Bridge,
Washington, Aug lSGl.
Messrs. Editors Of Ft,s Press
see by the numbers Of your paper which you
have ;cen so kind as to send re, that you get
many items rc7pccting our regiment and position
from different quarters, some Of which are true
but others are wholly basele 5. I 90 not wonder
that this 81 III happen, a. in almost every in
stance they ar ale rumors, whose origin nobody
can trace, hut which spring into being with every
fear or surmise of every soldier in camp. I shall
eDdeavor in whatever l write you, TO state what
know or have good reason to believe.
You may have learned that Col. Smith has been
placed in command Of the forces stationed at this
point, consisting at present of the Maine 6th and
an artillery and cavalry company, besides our
own regiment. Other regiments will soon be sta
toned here-among them the I'd Vermont.
This point is obviously very important one.
The Chain Bridge" which gives name to the
place, is thing of the past The bridge which
now stands in its place is a substantial arched
bridge-passing over not only the river, but the
whole low valley, between the high bluffs on
either side. This bridge is now so defended, that
the rebel, will not be likely to attack it, though at
Falls Church, seven miles distant, and at Vienna
eleven miles distant, they hsvo large forces.
There is greater danger of an attack by force
fording the River above and coming down this
side. To prepare for such a possible attack
battery is now in process of construction on the
hill back of the camp. which, with heavy guns
will command a wide extent Of territory on both
sides of the river.
Another circumstance which adds importance
to this location is the fact that it commands the
reservoir from which Washington draws its prn-
cipal supply of water. This reservoir lies a few
rods ab5ve us, bisected by the boundary line of
the district. Could the rebels gain this point,
Washington woull easily fall into their hands.
They well aware of this, and may, in their
prcseat state Of assurance, make the attack ;
% succeed will be another thing.
Our pickets brought in this morning four ro-
fcssedly Union men and "con,raband, >, all fleeing
impressment. They report the rebels are securing
the country impressing forage, provisions, horses
| and men Unfortunately. Two Of the men have
been discharged, what will be done with the con-
traband is not yet determined. hope he will be
allowed his freedom.
Capt Seavcr of the Hartford Co., has been ap-
pointed Provost Marshal of this vicinity, and in
that capacity has en- very active in breaking
up rum-seliDg establishments. The Colonel is
bent on breaking up drunkenness. lie condemned
four men to march four hours out of six for
twenty-four hours, day or two ago. The lesson
| has been very salutory.
Aug. 6. Movements in camp have been very
stirring last last night and this morning, indicat
ing the apprehension of an immediate attack
An extra picket went up the river at e late
hour last night, and this morning a still
larger force has moved in the direction, part
ly as guard aud partly as workmen 20 prepare
means of defence. TIE force on cur fertilization
here is to be double5. Hardly erough for guarc
will be left in Camp. Mp.