Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-07-11
Our Army Correspondence.
FROM THE FOURTH REGIMENT.
CAMr AnRAnAM LlNcoIN. juno 26

CAMP ABRAHAM LINCOLN, juno 26.
Mr.. EDITOR Although called by differ
ent name, we are still on our old ground
still before, and, ourselves, no nearer TO
Richmond-still going through our usual
round of duties. and passing the hot days as
best we can with the scanty shelter Of our
linen tents, waiting and watching for the
hour Of conflict and probable triumph, when
traitorous hosts are to dissolve before us, and
the wretched fabric OF secession be over
thrown. Our share in the tolls and vigils
incident to a siege, though perhaps compare
lively small, is by no means light, and yet far
from afordng reasonable ground for COM
plant. We were aroused and formed in battle
line at 3 o'clock each morn ny until increased
sick lists and general languor indicated the
injury this duty was doing us, since which
but one regiment in each brigade has been
called out, performing the service in regular
turn. An hour or two Of rest is thus secur-
ed four mornings out Of five, which is in
valuable in view of the annoyances that pre-
vent our obtaining much sleep during the
night, and the frequent alarms that bring us
10 arms from our slumbers at all hours. We
have as yet only sprung to arms, as our di-
vision line has not been assigned but the
nee ssity Of preparation while any point is
being attacked, is obvious, for our turn might
come the next moment, ia case Of general
night attack. We have worn our equipments
and kept our arms in stack several days,
while movements were being made on either
side of US, and in addition have twice receiy-
ed rations preparatory to moving forward in
light marching order but the time for doing
so has not yet come, though there is little
danger Of our failing to share IN the conflict
if it becomes general
or the casualties suffered and ground gain
ed on our extreme left yesterday, you will
probably learn by telegraph IL is said that
position has been won which commands
Richmond matter Of importance, and
which may poriend it's speedy fall The de-
sign seems apparent Of pushing forward the
wings Of the grand army, IN expectation Of
inducing an attack on the centre, or of draw
ing the rebels to this side of Richmond and
there surrounding them. Should they seize
the bait we might find it hard 10 hold them.
but II would cost them dear to turn our posi-.
ton, il, indeed, that were possible at least,
we are willing they should make the attempt.
Last night large force was engaged in
throwing up works outside our picket lines,
and to-day Instructions TO our batteries are
being removed so that they may sweep the
ranks of the rebel assalants most terribly.
These preparations, offensive and defensive,
render the re-enactment Of the scene at
Yorktown more and more probable, unless
desperation shall impe the foe to fight to the
last. And d" the last ditch " may be easily
reached if reports Of mu,iny and disafection
among them are true That these exist, more
or less, there is little doubt.
| A few days since quite familiar and
/ friendly intercourse was carried on between
our own and the rebel pickets Not only
was there an exchange Of newspapers and can
teens, aud our coffee for their whiskey, but
when met half way unarmed, to effect the
exchange, conversation was free and the sepa-
ration that Of friends. The Georgians thus
met seemed sick Of fighting, aud declared
themselves unwilling 10 fire upon our troops
except in self defence. II that is a genuine
OF general feeling it certainly augurs US we'll
For prudential reasons this intercourse has
since been forbidden by our commanders. aud
we are not allowed TO make the least sign Of
communication or answer one made by them
Our picket line is in belt Of woods skirt
ing field Of splendid oats and wheat now rip
ening A vidette Is thrown forward from
each post half way scross the field 10 the
woods where the rebels are posted, and IN
sue thAt line the oats nave been appropriated
for forage and bedding Perhaps as they are
used up the line will advance Tin the whole
field is foraged. As the pioke,s come in they
take up their bedding, it not their beds, and
march, presenting a comical and hardly mill
tary appearance with bundles of oats garnish-
ing their muskeis, carried AZ " right shoulder
shift, or any position not according 10 tao
tics but much comfort is thus secured in
this warm weather. This passage OF seccsh
oats to the Union camp is suggestive Of
When Brnan forest came 70 Duusinam,'
though probably Of no ominous portcnt.
Soon the blackberry hedges and peach Or
chards, with their .purpe and flushing
wealth, will invite raids from the soldiers
but how few they will be unless we should be
on the move, afording hardly mouthful to
each member Of the army.
Major Halsey made his appearance and
commenced discussing our pay for March and
April, yesterday. paying the Fourth this al
ternoon. Thus we receive our dues, though
somew hat tardiy.
close amid sound Of distant cannon,
marking, as usual, the wane Of the day, and
indicating the onward march of events We
shall probab lie on our arms to-night-if,
indeed we rest at alias something moro
than usual seems Transporting on our right.
I Vans