Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-01-24

WAR ITEMS.
Some time ago private in the Nineteenth
Indiana regiment was tried by court martial
for deserving his post, and found guilty, the
punishment for which is death His execu-
ton was deferred for some time, and he was
kept in painful state Of suspense At last
the time was fixed for his execution, and five
regiments we're drawn up in line to witness
it. while file of twelve men were in advance
to execute the sentence Of death by shooting
him.
The prisoner was led forward bindfoldcd,
and the usual words Of preparation and com
mand were given in a low. measured tone by
the officer in command During the interval
between the commands. Take aim" and
Fire !" and before the last was given,
horseman rode rapidly up the road. waving in
the air a. paper, which was understood by all
present to be a reprieve. Covered by dust
and Precipitation, the officer rode hurriedly up
to the officer in command and delivered to
him what really proved to be a reprieve.
The shout "reprieve" fell upon the poor
soldiers ear, which was already strained to
the utmost in anticipation Of hearing the last
and final word that was to usher his soul in
to the presence OF his Creator; it was too
iAhNN lNi AlNIf anu TIC lNtA NaAk upon MS NNI-
fin, apparently dead. The baudage was re-
moved from his eyes, but reason had taken
its fight, and he became hopeless maniac -
He was discharged from the army aud sent
home to his friends His death had never
really been intended, but it was deemed me-
cessary for the good order and discipline Of
the army to make an impression upon not
only himself but the whole brigade for that
purpose the forms Of the execution were re-
gularly gone through with, in presence Of five
regiments, and the repreve arrived in good
time. it was intended. It was sought, by
this means, TO solemny impress upon the
whole assemblage of soldiers the necessity
of strict observance Of duty and obedience,
under penalty of an ignomnious death. It
was fearful ordeal for the descrter, but il
was certainly better than to have completed
the tragedy by sending his soul to "that
bourne from which no traveller returns
The transportation to Washington from
Baltimore has been enormous for the last
three or four weeks The War Department
has determined to provide against the posi-
bic contingency Of the freezing Of the Poto-
mac, for in spite of the rebel blockade. large
amounts Of freight have come up the river for
the use Of the army. There is little possi-
bility of the freezing of the Potomac beyond
the ability Of the icc-boats to clear the chan
mel. 1t is four years since the river was clos
ed by ice. and then the blockade lasted but
two weeks. The transportation from Bllti-
more last week was over one hundred thous-
and, all on government uccouna. The supply
OF hay and oats is large enough for two or
three weeks consumption, and other articles
in proportion.
Two travelling carriages and - baggage
wagons are prepared for Gen. Mcclellan aud
staff each TO be drawn by four horses The
travelling carriages are fitted up for sleeping.
eating, and writing The horses are among
the finest in the service, and matched in color
and size They are all dark bays The
Transfers for the train have been selected
with care. Each wagon has painted on the
canvas cover Commander United States
army This looks like getting ready for a
long journey.
From Cairo we learn that the big chain
stretching across the river at Columbus prov
ed unable to sustain its own weight The
other day one OF its links parted. 1t has
been repaired again. Good naval authorities
declare that the smallest boat in the squadron
here, running against any chain they can make
would snap 1t instantly.
Pointed PRAVER-The chaplain of an
Indiana regiment is said to have prayed as
fsll.,..--
pad gs'y Ss od Res. s my be one Of he WIZ
Washington, jefferson. jackson aud Adams may look
over She bauemcuts Of heaven down apan the bleaching
carcass as the flesh dtnps irum the toues and listen tu
me winds whistling Han Columbia and Yankee Doodle
through The drca}ing rib wch enclosed bis corrupt
and uaitorous heart Amen"
A few months ago. the editor Of the
Charleston Mercury prayed that our ships
might be sunk. Quite number Of them,
laden with atone, have been sunk right before
his eyes. The Louisville Joaraai hopes be is
grateful for the answer to his prayer
The new flag got up in the rebel army on
the Potomac is the st. Andrews cross-that
Is, cross in the fo-m of an Y The flag is
nearly square, of deep red, the cross OF blue.
reaching from corner to corner, and surround
ed with stars.