Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-02-13
Letter from Dixie Land.
Otu oKHIUil INtgKuIoHtI
Dixie, Feb. 4th, 1862.

Dixie, Feb. 4th, 1862.
EDITOR OF THE HERALD Life in camp
has of late had some of its trials here. Rain,
sleet, snow, freezes and thaws-mud in guam
titles and to almost any depth, Thus it has
been for the past two or three weeks. No
drill, yet our lite is busy one. 1t costs
something and requires labor to eat, sleep
and keep warm; especially if on picket.
At this juncture of the crisis every heart
beats high, in anticipation Of stir. Five or
six months picketing without any essential
change in affairs, is rather dull monotony
with the soldier. AS every one has an ear
nest desire TO see their native land, and be-
hold the once familiar faces, it is not at all
strange that we become little uneasy, for
our present situation is a disagreeabe one.
Notwithstanding this, our enemy are none
the better off in this respect; therefore we
may as we'll eat, drink, and be merry for to-
morrow we may gam the victory. ..
Those who have thorough knowledge of
the book of books, are aware that there was
once rebellion IN Heaven; and by such a
rebellion should break out in world of beau
tilted spirits is beyond my comprehension. AT
any rate there was certain angel now
known as the Devil, who rebelled against the
kingdom of heaven and was driven down to
hell. Thus should the traitors of the South
be served. This glorious government tram
Piled upon by such a band of rebels, who fain
would destroy, or attempt to destroy the
throne of heaven, had they wings or means
of getting there, should be dealt with rough
ly. Mr. Editor, you must not judge me too
harshly, but. | am of the opinion of Gen.
Lane. t8aE
Our regiment awhile ago, in addition to
their regular uniform, wore new kind of an
overcoat, called the Virginia overcoat. 1t
consisted of barrel with hole cut through
one end Just large enough to thrust the head
through, the other end being entirely open.
1t was not very convenient article of cloth
ing however, many wore it, until at length
the story comes that Mcclellan finds it out,
and sends word that he wants no more of his
men barrelled up alive, but wait until they
are dead. The coat has since been thrown
off.
Speaking of the comfort of our pickets,
would add that for the past few days the vii
lage ofLewinsvlle has been occupied as a re-
serve, making 1t quite comfortable, especially
for officers.
The health Of our regiment Is not as good
as when wrote you before. The long con-
continued rain, the now and then fall of
snow, have converted Old Virginia into a
mortar bed. And our present camp ground
being but a little better than "Dysentery
| Hollow" Camp Advance is very destructive
| to ones health. Being a little greasy too,
the position / occupy in writing cannot be
compared favorably to an editors sanctum
And the setting of type differing so widely
| from handling the musket can never be ap.
preciated by your humble servant. But oui
country must be protected. The sword mus
be a substitute for the pen. We have I'M
sheathed it, and thus let it remain until the
victory is gained.
| sour country now and ever!
| Land of the good and free
l What daring hand would sever
| The ties of Liberty
Il Let him be known as traitor, ..
| And traitor shall he be; -..r..
Who would insult this nation
Must first himself be free.
/ "For sach arc slaves and towards
| Their names q thing of shame;
To endless time our Union
| Will but increase in fame
Fight, comrades, for our Nation,
Il For Freedoms holy light;
In union is salvation;
II God will protect the right" o.