The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1861-05-10
1fliserllal,p.
f g" From the nutiand Daily Herald.
The mastering and Departure Of the Vermont
~+ Regiment.

The Musteilng and Departure OF the Vermont
! rs: Regiment
| Wednesday was day Of uncommon interest
in Rutland. The people for some time had been
expecting each day that an order would be re.
celved for mastering into the United States SER
vice the First Vermont Volunteer Reg iment
encamped at this place and all had been in
eager anticipation in view of the event.
1t was announced in the morning that Lieut..
| Col. Rains, of the United States Army, would
mnsler the Regiment into the service Of the Uni
| ted States at 4 o'clock, P. NJ. Long before the
| hour arrived, II very large number of the peo
pie Of this and the adjoining towns gathered
upon the ground Of =" Camp Fairbanks" to
witness the ceremony of the inspection and mus
tering of the Regiment.
| The ceremonies and incidents Of the occasion
were Of Il highly interesting and impressive
character, and elected the ivellest interest OF
multitude on the ground Before the ceremony
| the regiment was drawn up in line, and pre-
sented by Gov Fairbanks, through their COM
mander, Col Phelps, with the National Colors,
and the Keglnental Standard.
The Governor said:
Col. PHELPS i consider myself fortunate
| that in the selection of a commander for this
! Regiment, | have been able to secure the servi-
crs Of a gentleman whose long ex oerience as an
officer in the United States Arlny-whose tried
and well known patriotism, and whose high
moral worth so eminentlJ qualify him for the
position.
And have great pleasure in commencing to
your confidence and esteem the gentlemen whom
[ have associated with you as Field officers
gentlemen highly esteemed as citizens and
known as efficient officers.
And sir, as the Executive Of the State Of Yer
mont | now place under your command this
gallant Reg iment composed OF companies de-
| tailed from the Uniformed Militia OF the State.
These privates ana these company officers are
not hired mercenarirs, but citizen soldiers, cs-
teemed and beloved by their fellow citizens at
home, and worthy of tho confidence and regard
OF their superior officers In placing them un-
der your charge, feel assured that but antic
pate your owu impulses. when enj'in upon
you the duty of being to them u father as we'll
as commander. Patriotic and fearless, they
will follow you where you shall lead them,-
they will go wherever you may send them.
The pleasing duty now deyolves upon me Of
presenting to you this regimental flag, which
bears upon it's folds the coat of arms of the
State OF Vernont, ard symbolizes the high and
patriotic principles which have ever character
lied its citizens. la your hands, supported by
thes, troops | feel assured that this flag
will never be dishonored nor the State of Ver-
mont disgraced
But. sir, charge you to remember that this
flag represents but one star in that other flag
which | now have the honor Of presenting you
bearing the national emblem-the Stars and
Stripes. Vermont claims no separate national
ity. Her citizens, ever loyal to the Union aud
the National Constitution, will in this time of
the nations peril, rally in their strength tor tho
preservation of the National Government, and
tue honor OF our counuy's ala-thc flag Of the
Union.
Col Phelps replied substantially as follows
Gov FAIRBANKS In the name Of the lst
Regiment of Volunteers from Vermont, which
+ YOU have 50, zea|ously and assiduously labored
to furnish at the call Of the President of the
United States, give you my best thanks for
these beautiful colors which you present u.s.
AS you have said, they are emblems one Of the
Constitution and the laws which we are going
to defend, and the other of the allegiance and
LOYALTY of the star that never sets. 1t shall be
our highest endeavor to retain them in q way
that shall meet the approval of your Excellency
and of the freemen of Vermont.
The speeches of the Governor and Col. Phelps
were followed by enthusiastic cheers from the
Regiment.
The national flag presented to t he Regiment
is of silk, and is beautifully made and fin
ished.
The RegimentaI Standard is painted On white
silk, it's dimensions being five by six feet. The
design is the Sta te arms, with military Sur
roundings, flags, flowers and other suitable ac-
con, panments; rich scroll work III ellt, sc.
The ceremony of presenting the colors being
ended, the Regiment was formed i'll column and
ins pected by 1t: Col. Rains after which the
oath of allegiance was administered to the Off
GERS and men by Judge Smalley.
The Regiment presented u fine appearance,
ard were the subject of universal commenda-
ton by The crowds of people in attendance
The following is the order for marching,
which was sent by a special messenger, and re,
ceived by Gov. Fairbanks at noon yesterday.
Head Quarters, U. S. Army,
" ~ Wash ngton, May 9th 1861. {
His Excellency, the Governor of Vermont,
Rutland:
SIR Lieut.. Gen. Scott has just received the
agreeable infornaiio that you have fine Reg
in,ent, under Col Phelps, ready for immediate
service. The General being exceedingly pressed
with business commands me to request your
Excellency to send the Regiment with as little
delay as practicable, by water, to Fort Monroe,
Old Point Comfort, Virginia.
have the honor to be, Sir, very respectfully
your obedent servant .,.-s.
ED. TOWNSEND,
.,. Asst Adjt, General.