The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1862-11-20
From the Christian Messenger.

DEAR MESSENGER We were called upon
very suddenly to leave camp Seward, upon
Arlington flights. The regiment including
The remainder Of our brigade, left this en-
on the 2. NJ. of tho ID inst, and
marched for our present encampment, which
is located 2 II miles below Alexandria.
The place nos occupied by our brigade was
filed with the brigade under Gen. SacSles,
The recent rebel raid in the section Of Cen
trevile, called his command from these quar-
Lcrs, and we were thrown in to fill the place
thus loft vacant, At this time, in a southcrly
direction, there are DO union troops between
US and the rebels. This brigade is now doing
picket duty on an extensive line, some seven
or eight miles below Alexandra. At this
place we are surrounded with those who to
greater or less extent, sympathisc with the
rebels. We encampsd upon the Mason estate,
the plantation oc.1Picd by a brother Of Sen
ator Mason, who has au uao1via5lo notoricty
ia doe history Of this djsgraco,uI rebellion.
His residence and property are row guarded
by our soldiers. We have named cur ioea-
ton camp Vermont, aad We have had it
gracad with q2ico = sprinkhns OF Vermont
weather. Ga Friday morning of the 7th
inst, it commenced showing and blowing
smartly, and the storm continued through the
day, covering the ground to the depth Of
some three iochos with snow. This dash OF
winter, took us by surprise, and we were un-
prepared to meet it. We frequently heard
the remark by soldiers passing our tent, that
We never experienced such weather as this
in Old Vermont The boys had been dream
ing of sunshine and flowers as throwing their
smiles upon these southern plains, but it was
freezing reality, to fnd themselves shaking
with chills, and covered with snow. But very
few of the tents were provided with stoves,
and the mea soon gathered about their camp
fires, resorting to various expedents to keep
themselves comfortable. Our poor horses
were obliged to weather the storm without a
shelter, and one of them has just fallen vic
tim to hard usage and this premature winter
This war is death upon horses as well as men
As we are in Caseys division, it is thought
we may be retained among the troops, reserved
for the defence of Washington. We have al
ready had orders 10 prepare for winter quarter
Somc Of our officers who have spent a previ
Gus winter in this section, do not appear to be
pleased with the idea o. staying nero, and VI,
hear some whisperlngs OF an efIor. to obtai
the privilege of doing service elsewhere. w
infer that some Of our officers may prefer
to have place in the command Of Genera
Banks, and spend the winter in Texas Blu
what shall be our lot, time on can develope
This plan may not appear to be field c
great promise to those who are promoted o
ambitious designs for military distinction, bu
the men who must do The work, and share th
peril, with no flattering prospect Of fam
will not be likely to complain, if they ca
efficiently serve the country, among the FEY
troops who may ba needed to defcud the car
tal. 1t is likely that we can enjoy as man
privileges here, and be as we'll furnished
. ia any other department Of the service.
we are not obliged to be upon the move, v
1 shall have much better opportunity for relig
: Gus services, and can much better afford to
provided with chapel tent, which is great
:, needed by every regiment
G We are over mile south of Fort Lyon.
c short distance in the direction Of our encam
: ment from Fort Lyon, another Fort is bel
y constructed on which men from our brigac
/. are daily detailed to labor. This digging
% the dirt to defend the country, does not 81
" the genius of Vcrmonters, quite as well
the idea of quickly using up the rebellion
Il as to preclude the necessity OF any such labc
e for our protection.
n The work Of procuring and furnishing a
' VS. pie accommodation, for our hospital departing
m has progressed slowly, but under tho persev
p" ing efforts of our laborious surgeon, this VIC
rs is now done. and our sick are being well p
Mt vided for. We ere remarkably fortunate
bo having none at the present time, who are VI