Lamoille newsdealer. [volume] (Hyde Park, Vt.) 1860-1877, 1861-09-27
LETTERS FROM THE SEAT OF WAR.

here, and the work is progressing fast
We use the pick and shovel about 5 hours
each day; the rest of the time is spent
variously in eating, sleeping, drilling
picket guard, &c. &c.
have not seen any of the Hyde Park
boys since left Camp Lyon except Col.
Hyde, who rode by where | was at work
days ago. l did not have chance to
speak with him, but he looked we'll and
as an officer he stands high with the mil
itary authorities. understand that G.
A. Reed is sick and unable to do duty.
When last saw him at Camp Lyon he
was pretty well and looked better than he
had for some time before. | shall take
the earliest opportunity of visiting him,
as I consider him almost as dear as a
brother; and think he is of the right
stamp brave without boast; patient un-
der reverses, and scorns to complain of cv-
erythink that does not 60 to suit him.
He appears to me as if he came with the
intention to do and bear, and not to be
rocked in the Cradle of ease and luxury
The Present and his Cabinet visited us
last Tuesday also Gen! Mcclellan and
Smith, and Gov Curtin were present
Abe looked tall and rough as q rail cut,
yet he is good natured and intelligent
looking. shook his hand and resolved
to stand by him as long as he stands by
our country. The crowd about Gen Nc
Clcllan was 50 great that ! could not get
near him. He stilled the crowd and
made the following speech: "Soldiers !:
you have seen your last defeat and made
your last retreat; stand by me and | will
stand by you, and success will crown our
efforts" The soldiers cheered Justify.
This fort will not be near 50 large as
was said in the first plan, but when fin
ished will be powerful place. One
night last week when we were mapping
comfortably, We were disturbed by being
visited with another deluge much like the
one we encountered at Great Falls; the
water fell in real Southern fashion, and
flowed freely around; so that each was
obliged " take up his bed and walk :" and
most Of the men spent the balance of the
night in vertical posture, but after we
got warm breakfast, we all felt able to
dig and pick dirt as usual. We have be-
come so tough that these Southern rains
effect us but little, any further than to
deprive us of sleep, when they occur in
the night. We had a pretty extensive
alarm the day before yesterday; it was
caused by q party of rebels who came
within l-2 miles of our camp, and set
fire to what few buildings came in their
way. They threw 2 shells that burst
within IL mile of our camp. We all
got our harness on and turned out at the
word. We got into line; stacked arms !;
and took the shovel and through up a
breastwork on the unfinished rampant, but
when We got good place fixed We had to
march out where some rife pits had been
constructed; VIC again stacked arms and
went into the rifle pits with pick and
shovel, and by midnight we had trans
formed what was slim show iaAo FORM
liable position. We then spread our
Blankets in line and and rested till morn
ing without being troubled by the rebels.
Although our men showed the greatest ac-
tivity, few believed that battle would
be fought. All dcspise and regard with
horror the vandal disposition of the rob-
els. 1t is said that they burned one house
that was worth three thousand dollars
last year.
John Roddy is we'll and enjoying him
self; he is one Of the cooks, and is we'll
contented. Terranee's health Is yet poor
but | think he grows no worse. He is
very watchful Of the mails, perhaps more
80 than if be was able to do duty. My
own health never was better. j. P. Saw
yer is well usual he is enjoying him.
self we'll to all appearances. mean to
see the boys in the Sd Reg. before writing
again. rw&{t
Ac ! remain yours with Respect,
$3.50 FRANCIS FIsNEGAN