Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-10-30
The Vermont Cavalry Horses wanted
from Vermont.

WASHINGTON, Oct. q, 1862.
Editor HERALD We are happy to be able
to announce that the War Department has re-
Gently issued an order permitting the purchase
of nine hundred horses in Vermont, to remount
our cavalry. Perhaps it is Not generally
known that this fine regiment, lately recruited
to maximum number of men, is almost en-
tirely inefficient for want Of being well and
properly mounted. The horses it took out
year ago, though equal and perhaps superior
to those furnished by any other state, have
been so far reduced by the ordinary casualties
of war, and the extraordinary events of the
past summers campaign. that, as we are all
informed, when an order was sent few days
since for detachment to go to the front on
reconnaissance, only one hundred and twenty
six serviceable horses could be reported, and
there were less than four hundred in the regi-
ment, although they have now nearly one
thousand men in the field, and expect soon to
number twelve hundred The result is, that
after having passed through twenty en-
gagements, led every advance and covered ev-
cry retreat Of the army with which it has
served, it is now compelled to retire to inglo-
rious inactivity on the banks of the otonac
and almost under the shadow of the Capitol, a
pitt ii remnant, so far as active service is con-
cerned of what it was when eight months ago
it first set foot upon the sacred soil of Virginia.
This is not as any Vermonter would wish,
whether in the regiment or out of it. Neither
does government wish it. 1t can i'll afford to
lose the services Of twelve hundred of it's most
efficient soldiers. To remount the regiment,
therefore, has become necessity But to re-
mount it from Vermont is a special favor,
though richly deserved one, and has been
obtained only at the urgent solicitation of its
officers, and the representation that the depart
ment will in this way secure better horses at
no greater cost, and make the regiment by so
much the more capable and efficient. II ought
alse to be considered a special favor to Yer
mont-not andeserved either. It will afford
market for large part Of our surplus stock
and in return will throw into the state nearly
500, 900 of ready funds. 1t is understood
that the purchase of the horses is to commence
at once. Lieut.. Col. Preston is already in the
state TO superintend the business, and will i'm
mediately set about it, Rendezvous will be
appointed in different parts of the state, and
days named when receiving and inspecting Of
hcers will be present. 1t is proposed as far
as possible, to buy at first hand, without the
intervention of specializing contractors or mid
dle-men of any sort, so as at once to secure to
the regiment the best horses that the govern
ment price will buy, and to the stock-raiser
the best price that his horses will bring. This
is as it should be. The superintendent of an
officer whose interests are permanently identi-
fed with those Of the regiment, and who has
Its welfare closely at heart, is sufficient guar
antee that the honor of the state or the reputa-
ton of its representatives in the field will not
be compromised by either inattention or Gu
pidity, while the manner of purchase promises
the breeder every security against speculation,
if he will avail himself of it. It strikes us
that farmers have an important duty in this
matter. A proper respect for the interests of
the state, and of her sons in the field, as well
as the suggestions Of wider patriotism, should
lead them to take the matter measurably into
their hands, and see that the agents are supplied
with our first class horses, and not put off with
such hacks as will barely pass inspection, but
will not endure the service of month,
and which spectators can undoubtedly buy
at a large discount, and sell at government
price, unless they bring in promptly such her
seS as our boys ought to be furnished with
They should be willing to make some sacrifice
to part with their best stock instead of sell
ling as they usually do, from the worst-to be
content with reasonable or even moderately
low prioe--in short, to do all they can--which
is much-to put the regiment Immediately on
good footing again, and send it out of its pres
emit retirement to its proper place in 'front.'
We mean n 1isl Iras ent of our infantry |