Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-02-20
ouR ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.
bru VIZ. RIG, DIxIE's LAND,
February, IL, 1862. !

EpIroR HERALD IL promised to write
you AGAIN il opportunity offered, and If any
thing of Importance transpired. WE'LL moth
ing of very great Importance has taken place
in this section of country, except lucky
and spirited dash of Cameron's Dragons
upon the rebel pickets. They we're stationed
in building, a small reserve. None OF the
dragons were killed, but two were wounded.
One rebel was left dead in the house, and
thirteen taken prisoners, including negro
who ran away from his master. He states
that when the battle of Drainsville took place
the slaves were all taken beyond Manassas.
And the money in his possession was deposit
ted in a bank until after the fight was over.
The slaves then came back, and the money
was lately restored to the owner OF tho slave
property.
The captured rebels were rather poorly
clad, but had good fire arms. One of them
stated that it was his chief desire to pick off
our officers. He fred at the Captain, but
failed in his deathly rebellious desire. Upon
this the Captain wheeled his horse about and
sent leaden messenger in response which
told well, but failed to blot out his secesh SEN
timents. Both were wounded by the shots.
At this they dismount from their horses, jump
through the windows OF the building with
drawn swords, and by killing one the remain
der yield up their arms. In the melee the
Captain struck one Of them with his fist and
injured bis feelings very seriously. He states
that if he is ever taken prisoner, (the Cap
tain) he deserves pity, for he knows his name
and will communicate it to their camp. The
prisoners were taken to Gen. Smiths head
quarters and politely escorted to Washing
ton. They have since captured three more
and baggage wagon.
The rebels hate these Dutch cavalry men
in the extreme. They are too cunning and
fearless for them.
The defeat of Zolicofeg--the Union VIC
tory in Tennessee, sadly depress the rebel
hydra headed monster of this wicked rebel
lion. Lo they are just beginning to realize
their gloomy situation, and soon they will
howl like the ravenous wolves Of the western
prairies.
Those who have read of the aerial voys-
ges of Prof John LaMonntain may be inter-
ested in learning that he is employ ed by gov
eminent to watch the movements OF the
rebels about Norfolk, Centreville and Manas-
sas. His gass works are situated about four
| miles from Alexandria. When he ascends
in his balloon be is accompanied by an artist
who sketches everything ofimponance, which
is communicated to Gen. Mcclellan, and of
course kept secret am told that he re-
ceives every pay day the snug little sum of
one thousand dollars, or FIVE hundred every
month handsome remuneration, yet the
danger he is subject to entities him to every
dollar. Professor Lowe, who made preten-
tons to cross the big waters, attempted to
prove that no John LaMountan is employed
by government that he assumes fictitious
name but there are too many Orwell boys
in this sectionof the country, his acquaint an
ces, to be foiled by such attempts at gass
works. Proof sufficient.
The health of our regiment is a little bet
ter than when | last wrote you. Forty-on
have died out of the regiment. Yesterday
fifty-six were examined at the regimental
hospital who have applied for discharges, but
probably not one-ffth of them will get a
discharge. 1t seems as though that those who
have done no duty since they have been in
the service, and are not like to for months to
come, ought to be discharged from the U.
S. service, and not left here to die, without
even friend to mourn ones lonely fate.
February 12.-For the past two or three
weeks there has been a thin covering of snow
upon the ground, but not more than about
two inches at any one time. The mud free
yes up during the night, but thaws out again
in the course of the day.
We are now having battalion and compa-
ny skirmish drills. Col. Smalley, who by
the way is an active military man, leads us
out for an hour or so and then dismisses us
promptly. We are also pracicing target
shooting, and occasionally blank cartridges
are used.
\ Two or three weeks ago accidental shoot.
ing of the thumbs took place frequently
whilst on picket. I have kno wn of three
thumbs being shot off in a single night, two
of whom beloned to our regiment and one tc
New York or Pennsylvania regiment. Al
other times one and two have suffered The
tho lnes of thumb hut of Lotto tha ,no;jar+