Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1861-06-07

, VICE CONSUL or THE UNITED STATES
Many Of our readers will be eraiifed in the
! following notice, from the Neg York World
Of our former townsman, Mr.. j w. Howes
Mr.. H. is eminendy well qualified for this
post, or for any that requires tact, discretion
and executive energy
It is understood that J. w. Howes Esq,
superintendent of the express company, has
received the appointment of U. S. vice consul
at Montreal. under the Hon. J. r. Giddings,
and will establish the consulate in Great st,
James street Mr.. II. is native Of Mont
pelier. VI, and has been connected with the
express company for many years, having been
engaged in establishing routes and agencies
throughout British America. For this pur-
pose he has visited Europe several times. and
formed branches throughout England and the
continent. His appointment gives great sat-
isiaction, and his active business habits and
untirng industry, and his thorough knowl-
edge Of everything pertaining to the consulate,
as well az his amiable disposition, eminently
qualify him for the Office. Unfortunately
there is more dignity than emolument con-
nected with the appointment"
- The accommodating of Hampton by the
Vermont regiment has been mentioned; an
other letter from Fortress Monroe gives some
interesting particulars:
"In my hurried account yesterday Of the
affair Of Hampton Bridge, made mistake
in saying that it was at the Bridge at the end
of the dyke leading from the fortress 1t was
at bridge over a creek at the edge OF the vil-
lage Of Hampton, mile and half beyond
Before reaching the bridge, Col. Phelps was
met by a rebel officer, who said he had force
a short distance ahead and demanded to know
the objectof the movement. Col. Phelps said
his object was TO reconnoiter the village, and
look around generally. The officer said that
il he was assured that harm would be done "a
no one, he would not oppose Col. Phelps
passage. Col. Phelps replied that that would
depend altogether on circums tances, and with
out farther parey ordered the advance guard
the Swanton company-to proceed. The
rebel officer rode off, and in a few moments a
dense smoke was seen rising from the further
end Of the bridge. The Swanton seven-foot-
ers took up the double quick such dou-
bic quick were soon on the spot First
I pitching a shotied six pounder overheard,
/ they did the same to tho burning plauks. In
a mar ner not TO be disregardcd, Col. Phelps
ordered the rebels or those of them who had
not fed, TO bring pals tubs and buckets. Il
was fun to see the chivalry work and hoist
their own petard. The fire put out. Col.
Phelps marched into the village Of Hampton,
when be met several old West Point acquain-
tances, one Of them his former instructor
What meeting Col. Phelps with the A
merican flag, and they with that Of rebellion.
It was his turn TO play the instructor, and he
improved the opportunity. He assured his
rebel friends that they we're as certain to be
crushed as the sun was TO rise, and admon-
ished them TO have a care in time The Nir-
ginians replied by inviting the Colonel to
take something. Subsequently Col. Phelps
exercised his Regiments for the speciai odif-
cation Of the rebels, and, after completing the
reconnaissance. returned TO camp. The high
military qualities and experience Of Col
Phelps cause him and his command to be
highly esteemed here"