The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-03-28
From the Vermont Brigade.
CAMP FIVE MILES FROM =
March 81, 1862,
To the Editor of the GledOnian

CAMP FIVE MILES tROM ~
March 81, 1862.
To the Editor of the G1ledOnian:
Smiths division has again moved and with
it the Vermont brigade. We are encamped
on (contraband) in piece of woods.
We are on chill side," at the foot of which
runs small brook that supplies US with a.
bundance of good water.
One week ago last Thursday Gen Smiths
division was reviewed by Gen Mcclellan and
staff. 1t was expected we should move the
next day, and had orders to that effect, but
owing to some delay we did not move from
Flint Hill until Saturday morning. At day
light from sixty to ninety thousand troops
were on the march for -, there to
embark for the How far south is
known to but few. We passed through
Fairfax c. H., which is quite a respectable
little village. 1t has three hotels, quite
number of stores, some very good private
dwellings, besides the court house and Jail
which, before the presence of troops, was
quite good one for small town. The
court house is what has made the village
Most of the county officers resided here, also
lawyers and number of doctors.
The Notifications of the place were not
very formidable. On the road from Vienna
there are breastworks thrown up in two pla-
ces. In one there is only one embrasure for
cannon, and it would not accommodate more
than one company of riflemen. The other is
larger and mounted some three guns and
would protect nearl half regiment Of in
fantry. Around none of them are there any
bitches or abbatis to protect them against
charge of either cavalry or infantry. On the
turnpike to Alexandria the Notifications are
no better. don't believe there ever was
time but that one brigade with sufficient ar
tilery would have driven them gu, in an
hour.
Most of the houses are deserted, and the
place presents a worse appearance than Gold
smiths Deserted Village. The rebels left
! nothing bu, marks of desoation, and in fact,
it is nothing more than any army leaves that
has occupied 4 place for six months. The
country all along TIE road to Alexandria
looked desola,e, probably rendered more so
by the hard rain which we had all day. \
little after noon we halted in a pine grove
! for the night. Regiment after regiment
marched in on the right, left, front and rear
so thick one could hardly tell one from the
other. After almost fruitless efforts fires
were started, but so hard did it rain they re-
quired constant attendance until midnight,
WHEN it cleared off with thunder shower
During the day several of the soldiers were
drowned crossing swollen streams. After
eating supper % hard bread and cola meat
from our naverSackS, some tried 10 get lit
tie sleep but were not very successful Al
though the clements seemed conspired a.
gainst US, yet the night was passed much
better than one could expect. Stories were
told, songs were sung, and as they stood or
sat around the camp fire, the best of feeling
and spirits were manifested by all. The next
day, Sunday, our camp was moved to better
, place where We soon had hot ceffee ard a
good rest and sleep. Monday We again NOV
ed about 4 mile to our present place, where
we probably shall stay until We leave for
good. Two days ago we received our old
tents, and although We are having much We,
weather, are quite comfortable.
There are many reports as to where ard
when we are going from here. For the las;
five days We have expected TO leave Amos,
hourly, and now We are in the same suspense
Troops have been landing and going down
the Potomac for the last six days. Where
they 60, no one knows. One report says
that the boat, go down, unload, and get back
in twentyfour hours. If this be true, they
nave not gone far. Another report is they
: have gone to reinforce Burnside. Most Ger
tain it is that there is some secret movement
and 1t will be nothing strange if within &
week a mighty blow is struck where least ex
pected. May God grant that it be one that
will annihilate rebellion in Virginia. The
feeling among the troops is that this war will
be at an end before June. and if it is not
great will be their disappointment.
\ review of several divisions was to b.
had to-day but owing 10 the rain and mud il
has been postponed or countermanded.
The health of the men remains good. On
ly three men are now in the hospital of the
Vt. Sd. G.