Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-01-03
eHatcbmau & State 5nurnal.
BY P. WALTON.
MONTPELIER, JANUARY 8, 1862.
FROM WASHINGTON.


OF matters particularly interesting to Yer
montsis Major Lynde is now in Washing
ton to make last effort to obtain court
martial. He demanded this in New Mexico,
again in St. Louis, aud finally at head quar-
ters here, but was dismissed from the service
without trial To get a trial, he must first
be restored.
The last report from the Vermont brigade
is favorable. As whole, the brigade is i'm
proving in health, though among recent re-
cruits sickness is increasing. Until yester-
day, the weather for three weeks has been ex-
ceodiogly fine; but nov cold rain has set
in, which will perhaps serve to fill up the
c-mTnospiJas The fine weather, however,
has been well improved by the soldiers in
pcffecting camp arrangements Tor comfort, ana
they are now much better prepared for rigor
Gus weather than they were during the au-
tumn rains. You nave of course had the sto-
~ Of the brilliant affair at Drainsville on Fri
day. Our boys received orders at p. m. to
reinforce McCal's division and they were
off at once, made forced march of eight
miles, found the victory won, and returned at
Z. y s,evening. 1t was nearly days work
~ in half day The boys were greatly
.opointed in not having a chance at the
lemy.
The Vermont Cavalry, l am sorry to say,
has had very uncomfortable time No ar
rangemeuts were made for them in advance,
and no proper and necessary ones for some
days after their arrival. The horses suffered
more than the men, and up to Friday night
five horses Lad died. do not know who is
responsible 1t is a bad introduction to army
Iio, but officers and men take their discom-
forts as well as they can. The New York
black horse cavalry has been ordered back
to Elmira, n Y, to winter there, and l
shall not be surprised if like fate awaits
the Vermont regiment What we're they ac-
cepted for and why have they been ordered
to Washington? To-day, learn, there is an
expectation that the regiment will be ordered
to join the Vermont brigade. That will do.
Another instance of what appears to be
extraordinary mismanagement Berdan's reg
iment Of Sharpshooters has been here more
than two months. Among the men, you
know, are good men as Vermont could pro-
duce for such &ervice This regiment has
not yet receiged arms and it is reported that
the ordnance officer is of the opinion that the
regiment ought mt 10 have any arms better
than those furnished to infantry. In word,
tharo to be no work for Sharpsbooters
To unmlitary men, these are strange things.
Cert inly they are past my comprehension,
and can imagine no apology for them.
Dr. Phelps of Windsor has arrived, and
doubtless will, after examination, Gin his case
merely formal, presume, assume the duties
Of Brigade Surgeon, Vermont brigade.
Mai Gen Butler has made his report on
Gen Phelps He heartily approved of Gen
Phelps military movements, but disapproved
of the proclamation, saying that in his opin'
ion no proclamation at all should have beer
issued A fair bit at all proclamations On
Generals have not been very brilliant in tina
line. Gen. Butler also seems disposed to is
more speech-making by Generals. He wa
serenaded on Saturday evening, and respond
ed as follows:
" Gentlemen: | thank you but will no
make a speech until have fight
1t is the best speech Of the season.
On Saturday, Congress not being in ses
sion, l made another visit to the army in Vr
ginia, especially the Wisconsin eth IN whie
are MAY. nonters, and amos@ ssss
couple Of Young corporais natives of NJ
pnlipr-IIONea and T,tobins The buyl
doing WELL The encampment is on b
plain in the rear of the Arlington Hous
plain dotted for miles with camps, and !
ing like large city of white houses.
observed signs of winter quarters 7
more complete than in the Vermont.
tents are supplied with large stoves Of b
covered with sheet iron, and furnished
constructed brick chimneys This 10, ks
permanent work, and so do handsomely
structed hospitals and stables of wood.
camp of the 7th Wisconsin is the most
ful | have vet seen. 1t is laid out in rel
streets, with the roads well turnpked
drained. The camp is surrounded with d
of evergreen trees to break the wind
each street is handsome arch connectin
line OF trees, aud from the centre OF each
is suspended ring, bearing the letter {
company which inhabts the street No
it is a little city, with its streets all nj
From the Wisconsin camp passed ST
forts and earlhworks, and finally by
and well worked military road to Han
the encampment Of Gen. Porter's div
which was reviewed by Gen. Mcclellan.
three brgades Of infantry were drawn
three lines. with two regiments OF oaya
fourth line, and four batteries of ar
on the extreme right 1t was sp
show, and the evolutions indicated th
men are prepared for splendid work
shall we have it
The report of the committee to inye'
army contracts is ust now creating
ton, It exposes enormous swindle
improydent expenditures which can
fail of iniuring officials in high station
committee applies the knife without +