Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1861-09-27
Letter from the Third Regiment


CAM ADVANCE, SEPT. II, 1861.
Friend Earie: Feeling somewhat in
writing mood to-day, seat myself by
the side of the old mess chest which |
am going to use for table, to inform you
Of seme Of the events Transporting in old
Virginia.
A week ago last Tuesday night our
brigade and many others were ordered
across the Potomac into Virginia. They
made an advance from the old eneamp-
ment Of nearly two miles. Our regi-
mcnt is on the right of Gen. McClelIan's
division of the army, and our company is
on the right of the regiment. An hon
ored position, position any company
ought to be proud of. Our camp is on
much higher grounds now than before,
being now two hundred feet above the
Potomac Our tents are not moved yet,
the soldiers sleeping in tents made of
bushes, put up in the best manner they
can 10 shelter them from the storms. 1t
was woods where we are encamped, when
we came in here. 1t would have done
some of those great choppers up in Ver-
mont good to have seen the soldiers fell
ten acres of trees in about two hours.
A little on our left and on still higher
ground, is very large battery nearly
completed which was commenced last
Wednesday. A large number of cannon
are planted there. 1t will cost great
deal Of rebel blood to ever get it--more
than the South have to spare. Still fur
Their to the left, toward Arlington Heights,
are other batteries. We do not calculate
the rebels are going TO make US recross
the Potomac, by any means. 1t is a
much more commanding position than
the army before held. In my opinion,
Bcauregard with all the South cannot
drive US from the position we now hold.
Those Bull Run times are over, | think.
Scouts are sent out from the regiment
nearly every night. Last Monday night
the scouts Of the New York 10Th came
across some rebel cavalry, killed twelve,
and took rebel Major prisoner, with the
loss Of one on their side. The Wiscon-
sin scouts, the same night, killed two and
took one prisoner. The rebel Major said
they had beaten US in one large fight and
they should again, and soon their army
would be quartered in New York city.
This, Vermont will not be likely to be-
lieve in full.
There has been one death since Sergt
Kidder, and only one in the regiment.
That was in Co. X. l think the general
health Of the regiment is improving, al
though there are some in nearly every
company that are unwell. Lieut.. Co6urn
has rendered his resignation and is going
home soon.
Yesterday we were visited by the
President, his Cabinet in part some of
the members of the Senate and House of
Representatives, and others of the good
people of Washington. I'll try to give
you a description of the troupe. First
came Gen. Mcclellan and his guard fol-
lowed by company of cavalry next,
the President and troupe, followed also
by another company Of cavalry. The
President did not seem at all afraid to
shake hands and converse with the SOL
diers. 1t would have done you good to
have been here and heard the salutes and
cheers given in honor of "Honest Abe"
We hear, as the troupe passes from camp
to camp, salute after salute and cheer af-
ter cheer, which seem to say, "we all hon
or you and we will all fight for you"
Yours in haste.
L. ABEL CHASE.