Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-05-09
Our Army Correspondence
FROM GEN HOOKER'S DIVISION.
CAMP WINFIELD ScoTT,
NEAR YoRKrowv. April 2s. 1862. /


gantic army of the Potomac. as brave and as
noble an army as ever yet congregated !
left Alexandra on Wednesday last, at about
one o'clock, p. NJ. on the steamship Ocean
Queen, which is chartered by the government,
at the small sum Of two thousand dollars per
day, TO transport soldiers and materials for
prosecuting the war. There were thirteen
paymasters on board. with over wo millions
of dollars, on their way here to pay the sol
diers. We had a pleasant trip down the Po-
tomac, and anchored on Friday night, at about
clock, nearly two miles out from Fortress
Monioe. The paymasters were, most Of them,
unusually lively, and occasionally one quite
merryj but there was one, Major Benner from
Philadelphia. who mingled but slightly in the
mirth and glee Of the rest, but seemed pen
sive and sober. About o'clock on Saturday
morning he arose from his bed, complaining
of his head. and went out on deck, and imme-
diately fell, cutting a severe cash in the back
of his head A surgeon on board was called,
but to no purpose he wa. in an apoplectic
fit. He revived little once but was soon
seized again, and breathed his last in about
half an hour from the time Of his fall. This
sad visitation of Providence spread gloom
over the whole scene, and all seemed to feel
that if tn re had been a time to laugh, certain
ly now was a fitting time to weep. The de-
ceased was man Of high position and char
acter, and of large influence in Philadelphia,
and an intimate friend Of Ex-Secretary Cam
eron. About 9 O'Clock on Friday morning, a
tug came alongside the ship, and transported
us 20 Fortress Monroe. A short time after,
we were aboard steamer headed for Ship
Point OF Cheeseman's Landing, short dis
lance above, where we arrived about o'clk,
p. NJ. Here we dsembarked, and soon found
on board team with four horses
moving toward Headquarters. In a short
time, however we found ourselves stationary
stuck fast in the mud, the horses mid-sides
and the wagon up to the axletrees. There
we foundered for more than an hour, till f.
naly we extracted ourselves and team and
proceeded to camp. We found large num-
Der Of teams in the same predicament with
ourselves. short time since four horses
sank so deep in the mud that the teamster
dcspaired of getting out and actually knock
ed them on the head. People who know
nothing Of the hindrances and endorsements
which beset the Army on all sides, become
impatient. and wonder it does not advance
more rapidly. Let them come aud see what
it has to contend with, and they will 90 home
more charitable | have been here but a
short time and cannot judge with much ac-
curacy but from all | see and hear thus far,
l think that both men and commanders are
doing all in their power to defeat the enemy
and subdue the rebellion.
You have seen much censure of General
Smith, and he has been accused of being in
toxicated when he ordered the charges made
by the Sd and 9th Vermont regiments on the
10th inst. / have learned from good author
ity that the accusation is entirely goundless
that he was perfectly sober, and eyinced great
bravery and generalship. His military ca
pacity is held in high esteem by all who know
him here and | learn that every Colonel in
his division has sigted protest against the
accusation which had been made and re-
commentator to the Senate for his confrma-
ton as Major General. The Green Mountain
boys won laurels by Their bravery, and have
established reputation for courage and in
trepidity of which the whole State may need
be proud. Col. Lord of the 9th has exceeded
the hopes of his most sanguine friends, and
proved himself courageous and able com
mander, well worthy the post to which he
was assigned Col. Hyde of the Sd is also
brave and noble colonel, as well as Colonel
Stoughton, both Of whom showed themselves
to their own honor and the honor of Vermont,
and have no doubt the other Colonies from
our State will do the same whenever an OPP
portunity occurs. Vermont need have no
fears for her officers or her soldiers. Only
give them a chance, and they will force the
rebels to both fear and respect them. The
heroic charge made by two companies Of the
Vermont Sd, through water up to their arm
pits, on the 10th inst, upon rife-pit OF the
rebels and its capture, was led by Captain
Harrington, Of company ], from Charleston
Orleans County. Capt. Harrington has thus
shown that he can WELD the sword in defence
Of his country as dexterously and as bravey
as he formerly did his pen in support Of his
party, All honor to the brave Let them
wear their wel-earned laurels. There is al
most an ncessant cannonading going on be
tween the rebels and our batteries, with little
damage to us, and how much to the rebels we
are not accurately informed. Our sharp
shooters are also doing good service in pick
ing off their gunners. | am Of the opinion
now that there will be no very great battle
here, but that with the tremendous prepare
tions being made, We can successfully defend
our army from any attack, and shell the enc
my out of his entertainments without much
loss. But we shall see what we shall see.-
The weather is now fine here, and the trees
all in blossom. Yours, ORLANDO.