The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1861-09-18
From the Third Vermont Regiment
CAMP ADVANCE, Fairfax Co., Va.

lone mile from Chain Bridge,) Sept. IL.
The Vermont I'd and Sd Regiments, which
crossed the river with some thirty or forty other
| Regiments the Sd inst, are now stopping in this
vicinity. We have built two large forts since
arriving. The one our brigade assisted in build
ing has been called Fort Smith, in honor OF
Brig. Gen. Smith. Day before yesterday, the
President, accom- panied by Gen. Mcclellan and
Staff with company Of cavalry were up to sec
what We were doing. We formed by the way
side and gave him three hearty cheers in pass
ing, and the President took of his hat in recog-
milton. " Old Abe ," is not the handsomest nan
ever saw, but he has pleasant and searching
eyes.
Yesterday morning the Cd and Sd Vermont,
as we'll as two or three other Regiments accom-
panied by three pieces of Artillery and goodly
number Of Cavalry, took up their line of march
for townsville, small village about four
miles IRON here. Our object was to fnd out
the 8 lay Of the country . and reconnoitre the
position Of the enemy. We kept out scouts in
all directions, while the main body remained at
the village. About clock we called in our
scouts and turned our steps toward camp. But
the Rebels had been on The alert for us land before
we had proceeded half mile, they opened Il
mulderous ire Of shot and Shell from tour or
five pieces Of cannon that they had placed in
position about one hundred rods from the road
where we were passing. The missiles of death
sung their hidious music as they went Kissing
and wbzzing through the air and burst to the
right and LETT OF us and over our heads, until
one landed in the ranks Of Co. q, Of Wells River,
instantly killing Amos Maseryey Of Newbury,
and mortaIly wSoundIng VIM. Colby Of Hano-
YER, N. Fl. About this time our Artillery opened
five nd la Sho f,.oI
ended one of their cannon into the air as the
gunner was in the act of ramming a cartridge.
Upon that the enemy fed from their guns in
dismay We kept steadily on our way for camp
until we reached a rising piece Of ground, where
we met number of piects Of Artillery which
brought up in line, and we formed in line of
battle behind them, as there was large body
Of Cavalry in pursuit Of US. But before they
came within musket-shot a few shells from our
Artillery caused them to wheel and retreat in
hurry. AS it was neatly night, we now started
again for camp ; and thus ended the first skir-
mish we have witnessed without our being able
-" to get q clip " at the Rebels with our mus
kets.
We have been busly at work since we came
here, and have camped out of doors as our tents
have not been moved as yet We got thor
oushly drenchcd with rain last night, but the
weather is fhe to-day 50 We shall get our clothes
and blankets dry. We had five or six slightly
wounded in our Regiment. The 10Th Indiana
Regiment lost two killed and five missing. Our
men that were struck down by the Shell were
left where they fell, until we had come more
Than a mile from them, when Lieut.. Moves took
eight men and went back and brought off the |
body OF Maseryey, and left Colby at d house near
by with some Union people, and left new re-
,rut who has lately come from Vermont, to take
care Of him. Lieut.. Noyes went up again this
afternoon, accompanied by twenty men, and |
ouno that the Rebels had taken said rccruit |
prisoner The lileess body Of Colby he brought
aetely into camp. Colby died at II O'Clock A.
NJ to day.
A cannon ball passed between Col. Hydo's
'ody and his horses head yesterday, but he did |
lot put spurs to his horse ior that, but was cool
md collected, giving his commands like q true
,thccr. Brigadier Gen. Smith was also on hand. |
To-day have witnessed the burial of an lndi-
ma boy. lie WIS placed in rude coffin and
AID In the narrow house beside his comrade who
vas drowned in the Potomac few days since.
tomorrow our own boys will be buried | sup
rose. No moro this time, but more anon
D. NJ. NJ, Co. F, Sd VT Reg't.