Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1861-11-29
Our armp Correspondence
Correspondence Of the Waterman.
FROM WASHINGTON.
WAsHGNoToN, Nov. ls,

NAehiNbioNs WV los
Occasionally we observe through different
papers an allusiun to the increase of trade in
this city, and corresponding activity of the
inhabitants. To those who have had the OPP
poTtunity Of comparing the past with the pres
emit, there will be no hesitancy in corrobora-
ting the favorable impression thus made
Merchants have found It difficult to get goods
fast enough to meet the wants of their custo-
mcrs, owing to the limited facilities Of trans
portation, and the demand for groceries, fur
nishing articles, and indeed most other kinds
of goods. both for citizens and soldiers, has
lit up the countenances of shop keepers quite
hopefully. Not only in trade is there an i'm
provement, but in population there is a mark
ed difference The large numbers Of army
contractors and agents connected with the
government in its several branches then the
numerous visitors who feel an interest in their
relatives and friends in the army, together
with new corners in different kinds of busi-
ness and those seeking employment, all tend
TO I'LL up the city and give TO our streets
/ lively appearance
| In connection with this we may also allude
to the stir and hustle created by the associat-
ed needs Of the army, such as the long lines
Of army wagons passing and requesting from
It's various camps to different store houses a.
bout the city, which greet tie eye at early
dawn, and give us warning by the same con-
tinuous rumbling noise over the pavements (;
also, the busy market mornings in supplying
some kinds Of food and Vegetables not found
among soldiers 'ratons :" then the crowds
at the city post oflce waiting for the mails to
be distributed mornings aud evenings and
/ thus have their hearts made glad by receiving
letters from absent dear ones, together with
several lesser gatherings. which, unitcdly,
confirm us in the belief that the concentration
Of so large an army here, and the veneration
we all have for the metropolis, has given he
city new start, and we trust permanently
so.
Nor would the subject be complete without
referring to the busy times those have who
are employed in the several Departments Of
the government from the accumulation Of bus
mess arising from the war, more especially
the amount connected with the several reports
to be laid before Congress at its coming ses-
session, which extend from the chief Mags-
trate down to the lesser officers. This month
is the one usually devoted to these purposes,
and much thought and labor are required in
collecting the necessary information. No less
deserving is the activity displayed in proper
ly fitting mp the Capitol and other public
buildings for winters use, and arranging for
the comforts of senators, members and visit
! ors, in boarding houses and families. In
short, all classes are busily employed. and
/ the twenty-four hours Of the day are hardly
, sufficient ior the demands on time. Indeed
quite portion of the out door army business
Is done ir the night time, as being more con-
venient and less interfering with the pursuits
/ Of citizens.
: But these rambling illusions would not BE
/ complete without taking into account the so-
ciai relations which here more particularly.
20 to make up life in full. From many years
{ residence l often compare the metropolis. du-
ring session OF Congress, 10 the drawingrooms
Of large party, where not merely special
number of friends are invited, but where all
> the people in the Union are made welcome
a party on the national scale, full OF cordiali-
Z ty and hospitality, where none can 20 away
i without being well entertained in some form.
. Among these forms is the daily access 10 the
i galleries Of the senate and house Of represent
. tiyes, and the tr-weeky free lectures Of the
\ Smithsonian Institution. the obstructive
j. kind :" then the several levees at the Execu-
tive mansion. and large parties Of the Secre-
taries and city residents. which we call the
entertaining kind - and, again, the theatre,
musical concerts, dancing parties &c. for the
amusing kind and not the oast IN impor-
lance, the numerous conferences, lectures. and
: Sabbath services for the religious kind 49,
These make up % suitable variety and, what
2 is most agreeable, the ladies by common COM
b sent have the management of several Of chem,
and we all know they never spare any pains,
D where their influence is lent. 20 make them
= a0ractiye.
4 Such in brief is Washington at the present
Z time, and DO Is the general impression that the
Z ming winter will be a social u not n cheer
lul one with the exception of the hardships
of war, which, doubtless, will draw some
what from the gaiety and pleasure that other
wise would be manifested But sympathy
has its place in the heart, and when we think
that nearly half of the families in our coun-
try have relatives in the army, how natural
20 II IS to wish TO be near 10 cheer them on. If
blest with health, OF nurse and care for them,
q II sick or wounded. This sympathy, | ap-
prehend, is far greater on the part Of mothers
and sisters than the young hardy soldier, I'M
der the ambition Of duty and distinction, may
readily imagine
The principal theme Of conversation tho
past week has turned on the brilliant achieve
ment of the Union feet at the south. and the
more recent capture of Messrs Mason and
e Shdell on the sea. These are certainly most
H'"N'J'"b ite"is III tht NaipaiBus anu wen may
: take rank with the highest order of army
pleasures. "My honored State. as was Mr..
Masou's wont to say of Virginia, must feel
It keenly and thus she, also, is getting some
share Of the unpalatable cup that will yet be
put to her lips.
p Our weather has suddenly turned colder.
so much as to make thin ice in spots, and it
Is feared the health of the regiments will suf-
fer somewhat from those changes but it is
3 hoped that every comfort will be thrown
around them and thus preserve valuable lives.
ne morning papers state AL was quiet
along the lines at late hour last night. and
we observe nothing OF interest, except an
other large review Of the military TO come off
tomorrow. q