Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-07-17

and the transition from one TO the opposite
May the new Regiment be composed OF like
stuff, and the high position the Green Mountain
State now holds will be well sustained.
We are Just paid of to the Isl of May, and
the allotment system works admirably, the men
being saved from waste and vice, to the meal
culable advantage of themselves and their fam
lilies. There is but one point of complaint
Assurance was given repeatedly that we could
draw every dollar allotted, here, at the time Of
payment, if we saw fit. 1t was an important
condition; for sickness or necessity might
make all his pay essential to soldiers comfort
But il is not so. The Paymaster refuses TO hare
anything of tie kind done; and no man can
touch his allotted money under any circumstan-
ces, although he we're approved by his captain
in his demand. This is the only fault of the
system, if it be fault. 1t is certainly slight
compared with the many advantages of the
general plan. But the men complain that the
distinct assurances given them are not carried
out.
We remain inactive as yet, Except the slight
est possible skrmish with no one hurt on either
sde,) but ready to do our part at the time of
need. W.
ALGIERs, La, June 20, 1862.
EDITOR PnGNIx Since l last wrote you
we have come for the first time in contact with
the reality of war. A skirmish took place last
Sunday, between a party from Co. II, of the
Sh VT. Regiment and some rebels in ambush.
The main body of the regiment was here at
Algiers, one company, II, was placed at sta.
ton thirty miles up the railroad. The road
(the New Orleans, Opelousos and Great West
ternl is laid out Southwest into Texas; it is
finished however only about fifty miles to q
bayou occupied for some days by our troops
They however, were all withdrawn recently and
Co. ii, alone left at the station twenty miles
this side that terminus. The rebels have beer
very troublesome in tearing up the track and
breaking the telegraph wire, never showing
themselver within reach, but dividing theil
number (supposed to be some 1000 into small
parties TO annoy and harrass our men, till the,
should have opportunity to attack with over
powering numbers or with great advantage 0
, position. On Sunday the occasion came.
detachment from Co. II, Of thirty men, led b.
Lieuls Franklin and Holton, went with trail
consisting of the engine, tender and one cal
up the road beyond their station to reconnoitel
= Having proceeded five or six miles with grea
J. caution-men going ahead to examine the trac
they were suddenly fred upon from tn
h bushes by wholly hidden enemies. Corporal
!, Mcclure and Saunders and private Wellmn
we're killed-Iieut Franklin and Holton wei
- both seriously wounded, Clark Akeley Of We
i Brattleboro mortally, and five others-slightI
i So The engine was at once reversed, and Il
- party returned to the company station. ii
fireman was killed instantly, and the engire,
(bolh cit;zens) had narrow escape. Relu
Of family the bodies of the two corporals and
l. one private, who were in advance were left b
i hind. Entirely exposed to 4 concealed fire I
1t sistancc was impossible and immediate retire
le imperative.
e. Capt Dutton of Co. II, Immediately fo
/. warded his wounded and dead to this place. al
Up having fortified his position with hastily rails
IN breastworks, awaited with his fifty remainil
is men the attack Of the advancing rebels. b
is the open field was not to their taste, and
n. yond frequent alarms to the tickets, 10 d
turbance took place through the day and nigl
Three companies were sent next day as rel
be forcements, and others were aboard on Tuesdt
tn The wounded men have the tenderest care a
y, sympathy in the hospital, and without exec
tion they show perfect frmness and composu
The war in this neighboihood has been CT
ried on by us thus far with brotherly appe
ing gentleness which these rebels mistake
cowardicc. We trust a more positive spirit
to characterize our progress henceforh.
W.
We extract the following from letter in
New York Herald, dated New Orleans Ju
of ODD.
A SKIUNIISU AT AIGIERS,