Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-12-07
G0ur Army Correspondence
CANT G EFFiN, Fairfax Co, Va !
Nov. %, lSGl.

Nov 23 lSG1.
Nsrs. Editor, Of ite Free Press.
It has been a long tinq since pennel a
line for your paper, ard the cause has not been
lack of inclination, hut dearth Of anything Of
sufficient importance to pay. When came to
tsis CT mp We did not expect TO stay three days
bu. time la; worn away and | find il is nearly
seven weeks since we left Camp Advance. hope
We shaI not so into winner quarters here, as it
would cause grea. amount Of suffering amorg
our troops, besides it would be very ineonyenient
to get supplies to us
You viii see By the papers that the VERNE mt
troops are the most unhealthy in the whole army.
Deaths among them frequent. Three died in
the 9th last night. I have been told that some
ftleea of the 5,h have also dies, and have lost
eight or fta. ONE of the bodies have beea sent
home, others inferred here. There is quite a
crave yarl Of them already. soldiers funeral
5 really solemn. The band leads the way, play
| ing dirge; next follow companions Of the dc
ceased. with arms reversed; next ambulance with
the corpse, and last the company of the soldier
and such others as desire to attend. The chaplain
Is in attendance, and commonly performs service
at The Hospital AT the grave there is no service
! but ths customary " farewell shot"
In our Brigade hospital accommodation are
| quite extensive, and in our regiment as good
as could be expected. You may be surprised al
the statement, but there are ovey a thousand sick
! in the Vermont Brigade. Whas the cause Of 50
much sickness is l cannot tell. Other regiment
are quite healthy. We are as we'll clothed and
fed as any.
The pay master has again made his appearance
and is gladlening the learts of the soldiers with
the sight and actual possession, which is far better
of Uncle SANS shining gold ag4 Treasury
notes. Nr. Poland is also here 10 take charge cf
what the boys wish to send home. a better man
could Lot be selected and the boys will send home
more money by a responsible agent than t4ey
would DC by mail or express. A man needs lit
tie money here, bu; it IS better for him net 10 so
beyond the necessities of the service. Most that
is paid 20 Sgtiors IS worse than thrown away
No small amount Of sickness is ths direct result of
elLug too much cf the Suffers delieaeies. l am
glad ;hst the Surgeons and Provost Marshal have
taken this matter in hand. Now, suffers are net
allowed to sell pastry, confectionery, liquors of any
k,nl or even cider, nuts, raisns sld molasscs.-
Ghis Is q move in tie right direction, and will 30
GoGt; be followed by beneficial results
SINCE last wrote you, another appointment
has been made fof this Division: j. II. Branucn
tg command tho 81 Brigade There have been
also some changes in Gar tsi4s and L;cutcuauts.
some Laying resigned, ana O-en i1aerajiy dis
charged, il consequence cftbo Bolrd Of Ezsiaia
alton, think.
The greatest event Q. The week W.. tAe review
Wednesday, Of nLioa he papers viii gv5 y5a a
full aceoant.
Gen. Smith reviewed his Division yesterday.
Gen. Mcclellan expected, but was pressed with
business SO that he could not come. All Tho troops
were in fae condition, save SOM of our Vernon.
regiments, which were not very fully represented.
The review was Gne and tae sham fight after it, |
splendid-Infantry ana Aruiiery fEirg rap..a,, |
and the Cavalry charges On imaginary foes in
most imposing and dashing manner. No accident
occurred, save the unhorsing of one man.
Last Thursday train Of hundred wagons
MeA' Ou' iH'O HeSNSS'd oH d 4O4G5l"S eNPeuIbVH,
which was completely successful. Forage is quite
plenty, and esume an)taer similar move will
be made soon.
The good news from other posts is cheering TO
Us; but we desire to be doing something ourselves.
The backbone Of the rebellion is within thirty
miles Of US, and if VIC could break it We should
Ike to do it. hope when We are fully prepared,
q grand movement will be made, but till that
time comes, the North mast be patient.
Yours, S.P.