Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-11-21
FROM THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT
NEAR ALEXANDRIA, Va,
November Z.

DEAR JOURNAL You have heard that
we had passed into Virginia, to camp Seward,
situated on Georgetown heights. Here our
camp was between two hills. Through the
little vale, stream of water ran, pure and
cold as that which flows among Vermont
hills. A forest Of oak and cedar enclosed us
on all sides but one, and that fronting the
East Here we bad hoped and expected to
remain for a while. Nov. LIST came. The sun
rose bright; the morning fair and warm
summers morning in June. At an early hour
we were ordered to be ready for brigade re-
view at nine o'clock. Accordingly we started
at the appointed time for the review, having
rubbed the rust from our guns, and the dust
from our clothes. We had marched about a
mile, when, most unexpectedly to us, we
were ordered to return to our camp. As
soon as we had arrived, the Colonel told us
to throw away all things that we didn't ac-
tually need. and to pack the rest as soon as
we could The boys began to ask each 9TH
er, where are we goingi Some said this
way; some that way, but no one knew where.
There is a stir, hustle in all the camp. The
knapsacks are all packed; the haversacks
filed the sick cared for; the tents "struck, -
and bv noon we are off. We marched south
erly, starting with quick, prompt step
The whole regiment halted after going about
two miles, Cor fifteen minutes The drum
beats. All the soldiers promptly rise, and
again start off in fine spirits. There
plenty Of little hills for us to go up and
down and every now and then we pass
stream Of running water. One would almos
think, from what he see by going through
that, before the commencement of the war
there was one great forest between Wash
ington and Alexandra. Now many Of tn
trees are cut down; brush and stumps ar
every where seen.
We reached Alexandra at half past three
The ground around this city is white wit
tents. What attracted my attention here a
much as any thing, was this sign, dealers
Slaves on the front Of high, brick build
ing.
Nea- sun down, we halted for the night
two miles south of the city, by the side
Hunters Creek. We pitched our little tent
using guns for stakes, aud bayonets for pin
to fasten them down The tents of Co.
had got scattered about during the march, s
some lay on the ground with nothing bt
their blankets over them. Among these wei
their fine officers, Capt. Wilder and Lieu
McEroy, who refused to sleep under ii
tents, whilst one of the boys couldn't. w
the next day. Long before daylight, man
are up hunting the fields for wood to stai
fires. They succeed, and soon the camp
all lit up, The boys gather around the fire.
being more comfortable than their moist bed
1t is Sunday, but seems none like qui,
New England Sabbath. By nine o'clock "
have ate breakfast, packed our things, an
started for our camp ground, mile and
half away Our Col. is always most watch
ful to get good location for our camp. w
soon arrive on the spot, near a good strea
of water. 1t ia covered with brush. Som
use the axe, some the spade, some set fires
We spend the day in clearing the groun
and pitching tents. In the afternoon Il
roar Of cannon came from Centervile II
Col. said fight was was going on near ther
and that we might be called into it. III
Vermont boys bite their lips, and ache
take part against their country's foes. b
the day and night passed off, and no ord
came We have remained here since, abo
mile west Of the Potomac, and betwe,
three and four miles south Of Alexandria
Where we shall 60 next, is more than yo
correspondent will attempt to conjecture.
4. y. Z.