The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1861-08-23
THE following letter was received after the
last weeks paper was printed.
From the Sd Regiment.

CAMP LYON, on the Potomac, Aug. II.
To the Editor Of The Caledonian:
Since nv last We have had little excite
ment in camp; and l will endeavor to give
YOU some account of our doings.
One day our pickets had been driven in
twice by some rebel cavalry, when an order
came during heavy thunder shower for
twenty men out Of each company to fall
in" Within minute every well man off
duty in cur company was in line, and think
it was the same throughout the regiment. The
commanders of companies then selected
twenty of the largest men out of each of
their companies, marched to the Colonel's
tent, received instructions, then joined a de-
tachment of the Maine regiment and cav
airy company and marched over the chain
bridge into Virginia. taking two field howit-
GERS with them. Many of the boys that
could not go offered those that were going
money for their chance, but do not know
of an instance of its being taken. Well, they
went about seven miles, saw the enemy sew
eral times-a great way in aivance-hoiSted
the stars and stripe. in small secesh vii
lage, and at dark turned to retrace their
steps to camp. They reached here about II
o'clock, a tired lot of boys, it having rained
nearl y all the time on their way back, max
ing the mud knee deep half the way: ron-
sequently, when the bows arrived in emp
there was plentiful supply of the sacred
soil of Virginia" in Maryland. The result
of the expedition was the capture Of seven
horses and two cows. Corporal Martin of
Co. a. was shot through the leg, Just below
the knee.
Last Thursday an attack was unprecedented
all day, and at dark the horses of the regi-
ment were removed to the woods in the rear
Of the encampment, (the wagoners staying
with them all night,0 the hospital wagons
and ambnlances were drawn up in front Of
the hospital to take off the sick, the surgeons
were all out with their instruments and med
cines to take care of the wounded, and every
man that was able marched out of camp after
receiving ammunition. The boys lay in the
trenches all night, but nary " secesher :"
was seen or heard from and in the morning
they all marched back again, some glad and
some glad because there had not been fight
This is considered rather an important
point, and is being rapidly fortified and en-
trenched. The men work hard. but DO j;
cheerfullv, Tor they know il Is for their own
interest 10 do 50. Within the past week a
large battery has been in process of construc-
ton at point that will command the bluffs
on the other side of the river. where it is
anticipated the rebels viii first appear
Heavy guns are being brought from Wash
ington to place in it. and these are already
mounted. Iou can tell something of their
SIZE, when tell YOU that to draw one gun
without carriage or rigging. il took eleven
yoke Of oxen with pair Of wheels ten feet
in height
We have had but very few accidents in
camp as yet: one man has had three finger.
shot Oft, another cut off one finger and an
other has slight bayonet wound. One or
two have been sun struck. Quite a large
number are slightly i'll but believe there
are none dangerously SO. o.