Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1861-09-13
Letter from the Third Regiment.
GEoRGETowN IIEIGHTs, d. c., !
Camp Lyon, Sep. l, 1861. J

] =
of our situation and circumstances here
in camp. 1t viii be but pleasant pastime,
as | am on guard duty and obliged to be
up nearly all night.
We are pleasantly located on belt Of
land midway between the river bottom
and the highland-naturally extremely
fertile, but the beggarly system of agri-
culture to which it is yearly subjected has
wasted its wealth and robbed it OF its nat
ural beauty. In front of our camp, the
land rises in graceful slope, covered with
sapling pines, to an elevation of consid-
cradle height, at distance of half
mile away. In the rear, and between
two high and rocky bluffs which seem
at some time, now far in the past, to have
been the bulwarks of a mighty river,
roar the dark, turbid waters of the Poto-
mac. Fitting sembance of the discord-
ant elements of secession, it goes dash
ing and roaring over and among the pom
derous rocks, skunk away under the Sc
cession shore. Along the lowlands be-
tween us and the river, is the Chesapeake
and Ohio canal.
Half mile below, spanning the entire
breadth Of the river bottom, distance of
about six hundred feet, is the Chain
Bridge" which is each day becoming
more notorious. The opposite bluff is
somewhat the highest, and swells away
in gentle woodland slopes to a beautiful,
undulating country beyond. Just in
front of our camp runs the Washington
Aqueduct, the destruction of which was
a darling plan of the rebels when they
held the bridge four or five months ago.
AT the foot of the pine covered slope,
just across the aqueduct, in the pleasant
shade, are the head quarters of the Brig
adler; while further up, a small detach-
ment of cavalry are encamped and fur
Their back, aud somewhat to the left, is
the New York SD with company of
Volunteer! cavalry. Just by our right,
is the Vermont I'd. Still further to our
right, and on the bluffs directly opposite
the end Of the bridge is the Maine 9th,
while on a gentle swell between these
last and little advanced in front is a
company Of flying artillery with four
pieces,-three six prounders and one
twelve pounder-well equipped and ca
pabIe of doing terrible destruction. They
60 out and practice at target nearly ev-
cry day. One day last week, while
grape shot, by some mishap a
charge was thrown towards body of
Pennsylvania cavalry and one man was
seriously wounded, shot taking effect
in the left cheek. l understand he has
since died.
Further particulars in regard to eli
mate, inhabitants, &c, must defer I'M
til some more convenient season." and
write instead few items under the head
Of personal"
To begin, then, we are tough and hear
ty, and aching for a chance to distinguish
ourselves. Whether we should dstin-
guish ourselves for courage or for feet
ness of foot remains yet to be determin-
ed, for, item I'd, we have as yet had no
chance for "a fight. We have made sew
eral excursions into secessiondom in quest
of game, but the rebels invariably "have
Just left" At one time, a detachment
of cavalry from our brigade, while out
in search of man suspected of being
spy, fell in with the rebel pickets near
Falls Church. The pickets fled at their
as is their custom, when the
cavalry pursuing in hot haste fell into an
OF several hundred rebels.
many Of them cavalry, and came near
being surrounded. But perceving the
unlucky state of affairs. they wheeled,
put spurs to their horses, and escaped,
firing a yolley as they left in token of
respect to the dastardly towards. This
IS the nearest we have come to having a
tight, but no one can tell how soon we
may have all the fighting we want. One
hight last week we were called out into
)ur entertainments the next night we
slept on our arms" with forty rounds of
ammunition and twenty-four hours ra-
tons. Last night we were cautioned to
,e ready at a moments warning, and this
afternoon body Of cavalry, one or two
,ieces of artillery, and several compa- {
lies of infantry crossed the river, and
whether they returned or not | do not q
now. I
The "reveille" and bugle are sound a
ng on Arlington Heights, and soon our {
amp will be astir. Last night we re- II
eiyed information that Gen. Butler fl
ad arrived in Washington, and that he \
nd Com. Stringham had taken two forts Il
n the coast Of North Carolina, 80 pieces o
{ cannon. 1000 stand Of orn,s tLroo b