Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-05-02
TIE rlnnr OLE TIE 1erH.

The general who commanded at the fight
Of Warwick Greek, on the 9th, and to whose
drunkenness and incompctency the losses Of
the Nermonters is attributed, was Gen. VIM.
+. Smith. 1t is stated that he was so drunk
that he fell twice from his horse and that
the two Vermont companies stood in the
marsh fifty minutes, exposed to destructive
hJe, without support or permission to retire.
Thatthe movement in which the gallant Green
Mountain boys fell was important and sue
cossful helps US to aoquiesce in their fate, but
not in the criminal fault by which the sacri-
fee Of life was ucedlessly increased OF the
character and success of the movement the
n. Y. Trtbunos correspondent writes
Il not unfrcqucntly happens that the value Of
movement action cannot bc estimated, or IFS results
fully cumprehcndod before the lapse Of several days
Su' is The concerning the affair 'front.' Of
10Th Up Co that day our extreme front upward II
a mile distant nom that Of the enemy, tue intervening
territory being occupied at times by the skrmshers OF
both sides, but practically In possession of the enemy
n force less numerous thrown out Ia front Of
their mtreuched works On the morning Of the 10th our
force Of infantry supporting that Of artillery, thrown
boldly forward. clearing this disputed territory on me
enemy who driven back to their ntrcnched posi-
uon across the stream. the further bank Of which
is situated This bold and vigorous movement was fnl-
lowed in the morning by planting our artillery directly
IN the face Of those works at distance O 300 yards,
which, after fierce cannonidug both sides for Two
hours, were practically sienced. At the same time
small body Of infantry thrown forward TO feel and
rcgqunoitcr The intervening space This was done with
holiness skill and success worthy OF Older soldiers bet
there could we'll be than the sterling NcrmOnters
10 whom this hazardous DUTY cunhdcd Later m the
day these important advantages were improved ny al
Nancing our artillery still firher, and within 4Vl yards
uf the eEemy's works, t9 posison compile ely command
ing them. At the same time covering QUO infantry These
rapid and vigorous movement pushed the enemy 20 me
wall, aud rendered thoir works almost untcuable. We
had nearly exchanged positions, our own having been
securely ndhrWlf ii-en. We have since maintained
audi Hat tI M inf
pushed the reconnaissance 20 within pistol shot u the
cuemys works, the principal feature in the strength of
which WIS the stream fronting them, Hooded hy dHns,
end cloBscd hy brush and feicd trees To obtain COM
pletc knowledge " these distractions and if possible,
q nearer view of fho enemy works, and especially
knowledge OF thc extent or the rifle pits that stretched
along the banks OF the stream above and below the en-
trcuched position 70 the enemy, was az once important
and hazatdHus important nav, absolutely necessary
to the prosecution " mture operations, ami hazardous
because ia the very face of thousands OF the rebel boo
hnty lying in wait At short range IN their pits and en-
ucuchmtnts,
The objects 10 view were accomplished with eminent
success. aud Che result u.s. only command the
re'ci works both by our ARTILLERY and infantry ow all
That Is Necessary % perfect knowledge Of the enemy
works aud the vaious appliances relied ON for the pro-
secutnn of their icnsiye operations has been ascer
tanned The cuuutry had seen too many instances Of
important operations undertaken without previous
ccttnnmen Of the position Of the enemy aud the char
acter Of their defense repetition OF he buudcr here
was not to be part NJ the history Of this campaRu-
The principle is good one that many times the cost OF
thorough reconnaissance uf strong position will be
saved DO succeeding operations The pre.ent case is not
40 exception We know our ground we know mat
Of the eucmys We practically command their position.
We have oh sen our o"n. We can now act undersa land
ingly The reverse was the Tact previous 20 the OPP
tious Of the 10Th What might, and probably would
have cost DAYS and weeks 20 accomplish by less
gcuc and bold mca'ure, has been accomplished ia few
hours and what is more important st a. the cost Of
fewer lives by far We hug the enemy and 10 impos-
shg for them deal the blows tor which they pre-
pauuggyug 90 us Advantage of The grcatesi value
Col Levy of te rebel army who came Co The dam on
Che l3h, under flag VI truce, with reference Co tuc hu