The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-05-09
From the Vermont Brigade.
CAMP NEAR WARWICK CREEK, VA. I
April 80, 1862.
,he Editor of The Caledonidn:

"beastly drunkenness" on that day, and it
was thus we came nigh having another Balls
Bluff affair. This report seems to have good
authority, as none less than our Vernon,
Representatives have intimated as much
l have endeavored to learn as much as l
could in regard to the matter, and have come
to the conclusion that the rrmor is an idle
one. not to say false. My means OF informa-
ton are much more limited than many 9TH
ers, but what l have l will give. There are
two reports about the general falling from
his horse. One is, that while galloping very
rapidly his horse stumbled and threw him
off. He instantly mounted again, and was
of. Another is flat shell burst very near
his horse, thus frightening it and causing it
to spring suddenly and throw the general
This was enough to give rise to a report of
drunkenness,and it was so circulated in camp.
Others that saw him at all hours in the dav,
say he was not "the worse for liquor" When
Morrill, introduced his resolution into the
House to have the president strike from the
army rolls all those officers addicted to
drinking, and it had reached here, there was
meeting of the officers for the purpose of
sending in remonstrance, as it was evident
that this Morrill, resolution was introduced
for the purpose of having it affect General
Smith. The general has called for a court
OF inquiry, and it met last Monday. What
the result was do not know, but have not
the least doubt but that it will or has, exon
Grated him from all blame
1t seems the attack was made from mill
tary necessity, and that necessity was this {:
With the exception of what lie directly in
front of the clearing, the rebel works were
entirely hid in the woods. In order to as
certain their strength and position for the
purpose of erecting our own works as they
ought to be, it was absolutely necessary to
send force in and attack Them To send a
large force, unless it was our intention to
take and hold it, would have been madness,
as it would have totally deprived them of
that advantage that small force had, viz,
getting behind trees. OF course no one in
our regiment knew the plans of the general
at the time. Their duty is to obey and ask
no questions. All the knowledge required
was thus gained by the Vermont troops, and
they have not only won laurels, but perhaps
have saved a much greater loss of life than
would have been if such information was not
obtained. General Mcclellan was on the
ground, and it is no. all unlikely that he Or
dered, or at least recommended, an attack
| earnestly hope the whole case will be laid
before the public, as it will relieve many from
much anxiety, but until it is brought to light,
l shall believe General Smith innocent of
"beastly drunkenness"
Last Sabbath meeting was held and reso-
utions passed in regard to our brave COM
rades that fell on that day. Our chaplain
paid most glowing tribute to their memory
and | am sorry that it cannot be published.
as it was spoken extempore. The resolutions
presume you have received.
Yesterday the new recruits arrived in good
health and spirits. l hope the change Of eli
mate and living will not rave bad effect
Our exposures are considerable, but judging
from the many private letters our comrades
receive, they are by no means as bad as oul
friends imagine. The climate here is much
warmer than Vermont. Even now the fores
is as green as in June there, and the weather
as warm. If We get wet, or little chilly, VT
have the privilege of building as many fire.
at the opening of our tents, as we choose.
think the health Of our regiment as good a.
when we left Camp Griffin, although Co. {
has lost two men since We came to tn,
"peninsula F. Scruten of Iyndor
and Richard Quinn OF Canada. They botl
were unwell when We arrived here. Th,
wounded, the most of whom are in the gen
eral hospital, learn are doing well. Cap
tain Pingree is an exception, he having ft
Yer and being quite sick, though l beiev
not dangerously.
No general engagement has vet takel
place, but more or less firing is heard ever
hour. Our works are fast being completed
but how soon the attack will be made W
know no more about than we did a weeI
ago.
A lieutenant and private in the 9th wer
wounded yesterday while on a skirmish
have net learned their names.
To-day we are mustered for pay-fou
months back pay. presume We shall b
paid soon. We have the news of the takin,
of New Orleans, which is producing tn
greatest joy.
Perhaps the friends of the Vermont sold
iers would like to know if they can do any
thing for them. They can. Send dolla
to some editor of Vermont paper and lie
him send his paper to soldier. Nothing
received more gladly, even if secondhand
2 than THE CALIFORNIAN by the Caledonia boy.
, Anything that is of readable character
y most gladly received. While at Camp Gri
$ fin we had facilities for getting all kinds o
4 papers, but now that no civilian is Above
: here it is rarely that we can buy late pi
per, and when We do We pay the small SUI
OF ten cents for penny paper. Friends {
the soldier nleasa sond no q ,,o.