Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1861-10-18

WAsHINGrON, ID. G. Oct. IL.
Mr.. WALroN How can /, lifelong
disciple Of peace. for years a contributor to
its organization and q Subscriber to its "Ad-
vocate, write an article about war; And
yet, il write 80 all, especially from this
point OF observation, we must be my theme
for i. constitutes the vital element Of ali
the thought. the conversation, and the bust
ness of the entire community. If anything
were needed to show the versatility Of the
character of the American people, it is
abundantly furnished in the change which
they have undergone in this respect during
the last seven months. Last spring YOU
would not sc a soldier on the entire route
from Vermont to Washington, nor any in
sigma Of war: and even here were only a
handful Of regulars" seemingly kept as
soldiers of hy-gOne and barbarous age
Now you can't pass a station or a country
village on the whole route but you will see
men in greater or less numbers hahited and
practicing for tho army and scarcely day
passes but that, from sumo of the prominent
cities you will pass. one or more regiments
are dispatched 70 the scat Of war. And AS you
approach this city the rold becomes literally
obsiructed with vast trains of soldiers and
their baggage, army Wagons, horses, artillery,
and munitions of war Of every possible dis
cription; 80 much so that the passenger trains
from New York to this city are utterly uu-
able to make regular time--the only attain
able point being to get through one train
each dav Indeed f,ou the vast army that
is now being raised and ~ thoroughly armed
and EQUIPPED, it would seem that, when the
rebels shall have been thoroughly whipped,
our only resource will he TO take a iob' of
carrying ON some foreign war, to use up our
material.
1t is a splendid sight as you approach the
city in the darkness of the evening to sec
the white tents of our soldiers stretching far
away. in each direction, with their camp fires
burning alphabetically surrounding the
city with Gordon Of fire.
The city itself is very quiet, as no soldiers
arc allowed 60 wander about the streets, on
the penalty of being taken to the lock-up.-
but there are mnlttudes Of people hereof
ficers OF the government. military, naval, and
civil friends of the soldiers contractors /;
and those seeking contracts, that the
streets and public houses are filled repe-
ton.
Very stringent orders were issued last
evening b. Gen. Mcclellan to Provost
Marshal Porter, not to grant any more papers
to go over the Potomac, unless to persons
having an official connection with the army.
| saw crowds turn away from the Marshslrs
office this morning. father in one case, who
have travelled from Minnesota, to visit son
in the army know not what might have
been my fate. but for the kindness of T. H..
Garfield, Esq, of Burlington, who is here
managing the railroads, and sustaina to that
{. s,,f,r Nh, LAT inn
that Gen. Mcclellan does to the army.
have the good fortune this morning to
sec Gen Scott--tha, glorious old man, las
he went into his Office. lie walks with some
difficulty. and needs assistance but his eye
/ is as bright. aud his RaiSA is said to be as
Wig lrours, as ever. Time Is doing its work
upon him--but it merciiully begins at his
lower eXtrcmlties
Gen. Mcclellan. too, | met this morning
who left the city, with his aids and body guard,
for work,of reconnosance OF medium size,
broad shoulders. full chest, penetrating eye,
erect and soldierly beariug.he looked the gem
eral all over and as if he might fulhll the high
expectations Of the people. God grant he
May for II he fails. where is our hope One
thing 10 greatly in his favor he is exceeding
ly plain and unostentations in his equipage
and bearing. could not help noticing tho
marked contrast in this particular between
him and some Of his subordinates.
Our regiments learn are all in one brigade
and have iust advanced from Chain Bridg
to Lewinsvillo. Col Whiting is acting
Brig.dier Genetsl, and Gen. Smith as Majo
General, for the time being. Col. Smalley, g
the 4th, regret to learn, is confined to hi
hotel by sickness. Lieut.. Col Worihan, .
the 5th,l met in the city to-day, hoping to s.
forlough to go to Vermont
regret to learn that there is a good de-
of sickness among our reglments--billiot
troubles, isuadice and intermittant fever be
ing the chief complaints. But by-and-by
will tell you more OF our regiments, frol
personal ob.ervation--for an opportunity no
offers, as am OFF to the camp. L.
CORES pondenec Of the Journal.