The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1861-07-18
correspondence Of the Freeman-From the
Second Vermont Regiment.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va, near AIexandrla'

July IL, 1861. J.
Mr.. EDITOR ON the morning OF the Jun
inst, about clock, the Second Vermont heg-
iment was thrown into state OF enthusiastic
excitement by we'll founded rumor that Col.
Whiting had received orders to strike tents at
p. NJ, and march from Camp Fairbanks,
Washington. The first part OF the order having
been cheerfully obeyed, and everything put IN
readiness tor a move, Gen Scott courier rode
into camp with the information that there were
no baggage wagons at our service, nor any
boat to transport US down the river to AleXan-
dria, our destination; so the tents were again
pitched, amidst most emphatic expressions OF
dissatisfaction.
About breakfast time, yesterday morning,
the report that we were to break up camp at
A. NJ, was circulated. The baggage wagons
appearing atsthesappointed hour was regarded
by the boys as a pledge that they were not to
be disappointed again, and the duties OF tent
striking were performed with alacrity.
After marching three miles in hot sun. to
the Sixth Street Wharf, Washington, we were
filed on board two Steamers in Government serv-
ice, and carried six miles down the Potomac, to
Alexandria, where we arrived at p. M. We
were received by Company of Fire Zouaves,
stationed there to guard Uncle Sans store.
houses. They SAID the inhabitants were hostile
and nsolent. The Marshall House looked
gloomy.
At & P. NJ, we took the cars for our present
encampment. We were pushed out some six
miles from Alexandria, about mile in advance
of any other Regiment When about two miles
from the city of Alexandria, heavy thunder
storm set in, which continued with unabated
violence until the tents were pitched. and a
greater part of the baggage removed from the
fraok tO
rods. The boys had not !" dry rag in their
possession at bed (?) time, and had eaten moth
ing since their scanty breakfast at Washington.
Our position was quite dangerous one, and
was made more perious by an indiscreet order of
somebody to discharge guns. Being one and a
half miles in advance of all other troops, and
only three miles from the pickets of the enemy,
the firing was liable to cali down upon us force
from either army. Strange though true 1t is
that we more feared an attack, and severe cut
ting up, from 4 Regiment of Federal troops
than from the enemy, for our uniforms are just
like those of the Confederate troops, with the
exception Of slight difference in the caps
All our friends in the rear took in their pick
cts, surprising the enemy were advancing.
just above our camp, within a few rods, are
the beautiful grounds and residence of Commo-
dorc French Forest, delegate to the secession
something which convcnes ut Richmond on the
Goth inst. He has been absent from home
since May last. The overseer says that any
thing he has is at the disposal of our troops
As yet they have only taken his meadow. This
morning your correspondent broke IA fast of
twenty four hours, at the mansion, by disposing
of quantity of ham, coffee, and real hoe cake,
spread upon griddle, and baked upon the Goals
in the fire place.
Today, Companies A and B took possession
of railroad bridge, three miles further in the
interior. The Confederates stationed to guard
it, fled upon the approach of our troops. To-
might the Capital Guards went up to assist in
retaining it until morning.
We now have Maine Regiment on either
side OF us, and detachment of the Fire Zou-
ayes in the vicinity.
The boys are in better health, generally, now
that they can get good water, which is album
dant in our camp.
The country about here is fine, and the soil
productive. Orchards of lemons, peaches,
pears, apricots and apples abound, and grapes
grow wild in great profusion. Every hedge
and fence is overrun with blackberries Of an
enormous size
l mist beg the indulgence of yonr COM
positors, Mr.. Editor in regard to penmanship,
So lenses - " cases." &c, for it is Il late hour,
ern convenienccs, being seated upon nicely
poised herring box, and writing with lead
pencil upon the lid of cigar box, his efforts
illumined by the brilliant rays of q tallow can
die. G.
P.S. Lieut.. Phillips was somewhat aston
ished this morning, when q large musket ball
came whizzing into his tent, within few inches
of the head of DR.. Contant. He has the trophy
in his possession. 1t came from some distance
without the camp. C.
We print only part of D. G. F.'s letter, as
some of the Incidents described in it have been
mentioned in the letters which we have before
published
CAMP OF THE SECOND VERMONT REGIMENT,
miles from Alexandria, Va, July l3.
Mr.. EDITOR At present we are situated on
a fine plantation between Alexandria and Ma
nassas junction, very near the Railroad track.
There arc five Regiments in camp at the right
of us, of which Brigade will be formed very
soon.
Last night at dress parade, the order was given
by our Colonel that all the baggage except what
could be carried in our knapsacks must be sent
back to Alexandria to morrow night, and that
three days rations be got ready. Probably we
sl.all start Monday morning. very early, with
our knapsacks on our backs, some distance fur
Their South, and my opinion is, for fight. The
boys are fast, and think will have chance to
try their muscle very soon
Alexandria is the most deserted place ever
was in, Some five or six of US visited the houSe
in which Col Ellsworth was murdered We
cut pieces from the staff from which Ellsworth
hnu lad dawn ba sacaSsion Hnv fore ma nor from,