Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1862-05-23
From the Fifth Regiment.

parture to Williamsburgb, where they
attempted TO make stand,--and will be
anxious to hear from US.
OF the particulars of the affair / can
write nothing but what you have learn
ed for | find that newspaper accounts
are much more reliable than camp sto-
ries.
Bat will write what | saw, and an
account of the part that we played, On
Sunday morning, May 4tb, while quiet
| Iy eating our breakfast, we were startled
by the ORDER "faIl in with the army"
We knew that something had turned up,
but what, we could not imagine; but
breakfast was thrown aside, and we were
in the ranks, ready to do whatever we
we're ordered, in double quick time. We
were marched out to the front, when we
found that it was supposed the rebels
had left their works, which proved to be
true, and our regiment marched across
the creek, where but a few days since 1t
was done 10y part Of the 3rd, at the
cost Of many brave mems lives. In the
fort we found one white man and re
gro, who were missed in the hurry of
leaving.
The negro cautioned Us about some
torpedoes which the rebels had left, and
upon search we found eight which had
been buried by them so as to explode
when stepped on After stopping n
short time we marched back and ate
breakfast, and then packed up for n
march in pursuit Of them. We were
short Of ratons at the time, and many Of
Us suffered for the want OF food. | had
no more than enough for two meals, but
bad to make it last until Tuesday after
noon; but, with few ears of corn that
picked up, got along very well.
We followed the enemy during the
day, ard at night encgmped before their
works at Williamsbursh; our regiment
lying on Its arms all night. 1t began to
rain about two o'clock in the morning,
and rained steadily during the whole day.
The attack WIS commenced ty clock
er's division, and was kept up by them
the greater part Of the day withou re-
Inducements. The battle ragged ftrcely
all the tilc, great bravery being mani
tested on both sides. Some time in Il
afternoon reinforcemonts came to Hook +,
cr's aid. and at about D o'clock Han |
cocks brigade" crossed the creek which
is in front of the works here, and attack
ed their left, which turned the scale in
our favor. Our regiment was not en-
gagged in the whole fight but was within
range of their batteries; but, so far as l
can learn not man Of our brigade was
lost
y" AueSu"y u'o'"i''9 we ularc'eu Oh
to the battle field, and during Wednes
day and Thursday | had plenty Of lei
sure time to look around; aud | never
wish to look on another such scene men
lying on the ground in all positions, man
gIed and torn in every way that can be
IMAGINED. MANY of the men on both
"a, u,ho ..oro n,on,,l.d on nT,oa.,
we're MOI iou"u u''''' "eu''so'y' ana
although our men and surgeons did all
in their power 10 save item, many must
baye died from exnospro wbocould have
been Sa'eu hau 'hey oeei' iouHu III sea
son.
But suppose you will hear of all /
,hssa tb;,cs bv the nansrs and nc bave
-, ,...t. 49,, a;.o ..nI -.
0o' '''''s ''''' ~ "'''7' l WIZ "'"e
what will most interest you. Eph. was /
lett at the old camp near Yorktown, rs
hospital guard, and has not joined US
yet and don't think he Will at present;
at least, not until the fighting Is pretty
much over between here and Richmond.
lie has a good place, and plenty to eat,
and shelter TO sleep under aud what Is
better Is IN no danger ct being shot down
in battle
We have Just received marching or
ders; we are to be ready to start at a
minutes notice, aud shall probably start