Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-11-27
From the t2th Regiment.

so may friends and relatives OF the patrons OF
the HERALD, Surely some one ought TO keep
our anxious friends at home informed OF
"things of noteh which occur in this camp OF
ours, on the "sacred soiln Of Virginia, be-
leve no one has yet ventured the undertaking,
and you will pardon me if | make myself the
humble medium of communication for the pres
ent time with those who have always taken such
a kind interest in the fortunes and welfare of
the "Light Guards" And let me ask Of oar
friends to always continue that interest, for |
assure them that nothing serves better to
strengthen the resolution, and encourage the
patriotism OF soldiers, than the kind and aztec
tomato remembrance of those at home. There
is always enough in soldiers life TO depress
and discourage him, and if it was not for the
thought of dear ones at home who were anx-
iously watching his course he Dootd become at
times disheartened, If you at home corfd see
with what eager interest all letters and papers
from home are perused, you would not fail TO
write often and long and interesting letters.
1t is beautiful morning. One OF the balmv
mornings of the sunny south. One can hardly
realize that the "melancholy days have come
the saddest of the year." and if it were not for
the withered verdure of the fields and the
changingIfolage ofthe forests, oGewould imagine
that spring had just opened and twas giving
rich promise of the coming summer" All is
busy about the camp, and in the happy coun-
tenances of the men, the privatons of a soldiers
life seem far off And indeed we ought to be
thankful that we are so comfortably situated,
with so good prospect of comfort for the win
ter. Our camp Is situated on ground gently
sloping south, and overlooking the camp of
the remainder of the brigade. 1t is elevated
ground 100 feet above the Potomac, should
judge. BY stepping few PAGES back of
camp, we have fine view of the river, and
the broad bottom or interval land upon its
banks. Alexandria may be seen situated on
the hill having the river for its base, only two
miles distant; and Washington some nine or
ten miles to the north, can easily be sean from
the hill behind our camp. | noticed when in
Washington that, be wherever | would, if
could look about, the capitol building was the
most prominent object to be seen. 1t seemed
| to overshadow all others, and forms the center
for all, It's the same when viewed at this
distance 1t appears of even more massive
dimensions than when viewing it from
under its walls. Mt Vernon is only FIVE miles
| from camp, and can be seen from our line of
pickets. 1t is only two miles from the line at
some stations, and many of the boys have al
ready availed themselves of the opportunity
of visiting 1t while doing picket duty. 1t
seems fit resting place for our National Faith
er--so calm and peaceful, and with fitting
respect for its memories both parties in this
unhappy war have left it undisturbed. The
visitor can pay his homage at the tomb Of
Washington unmolested by the clang and
clash of arms.
This must have been a beautiful section Of
Virginia before war had devastated it, As one
stands upon the upland aud looks down upon
the broad valley of the Potomac, stretching far
away southwark, with its rich and fertile soil
and adorned by the mansions of those who
were the F.F. VS., and thus perceives around
him the dwellings deserted and dsmantled
the large orchards, and avenues of ornamen.
tai shade trees all cut down and destroyed
large forests of magnificent growths of oak and
chestnut, Frustrated for army purposes, and
the whole country desolate and almost desert
ed, no one could desire worse retributior
for Virginia than he sees has already befaller
her from the march ofopposing armies.
| We visited few days since the former res
idence of Col. Kemper of the rebe. army. |
had been fine brick mansion, consisting o
two wings joined by long collonade. Thu
grounds had been tastefully adorned and com
manded fine view of the valley,-one o
the finest situations / have seen. Now it il
nothing but deserted ruin. The rooms have
all been despoled of their furniture and fix
lures. Even the doors, windows and flooring
have been taken away, and it looks sad ant
desolate enough. 1t has been thus with many
of the dwellings, and hardly plantation ha
escaped without more or less devastation.
The health of the regiment is remarkably
good, only few are in the hospital, and nom
from our company, Our camp is in health,
location, with good pure air, with goot
spring of water, and running stream besid
it. Our Colonel is beloved by all, and mos
worthlly SO, for he untes in himself those quail
tiles which make a commander loved and re
spected by his men. He is an excellent disci
plinarian, yet kind an attentive to the want
of his men. He is a perfect gentleman in ev
cry respect. The Major has already game
for him self the respect and affection of the reg
iment, and our company may well take prid
in having furnished so good field officer
Our company officers it is needless to say d
all they can to aid and improve us. Capt
Landon is always careful of our wants, an
and anxious to serve us in the best way posi-
BILE. He has the confidence OF us all Gu
other officers too are well fitted for their posi-
tons, and under their guidance the compan
progresses finely in the discipline and dutie
of soldiers life. The men are contented, an,
bear whatever privations they are called upo
to suffer, in patient, philosophical manner
knowing that it will do no good to complain
and having no disposition to do SO. We liv
upon "hard tack" part of the time, and it woul,
cause many smile from our kind friends a
home if they could see us ''munching" our hart
crackers and water
1t is almost Thanksgiving season in Yer
mont, and hear many wishes daily espresso,
that we conld be at home to enjoy it witt
friends. Our prospect of "salt beef and har,
tack" for Thanksgiving contrasts strangel,
with the bountifhl tables that are Away
| read upon that day in Vermont We trus
that you will all hold us in kindly remem
brance, as you gather around the family cir