Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-11-07
Our armp Correspondence.
FROM THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT


CAuP CAsBr, BAsr CAPITOL HtLI.
WAsHfSoroN. ID. c.. Oct n 1862.
DEAR JOURNAL Since the Thirteenth
Regiment encsmped here, many familiar faces
of old Vermont friends have visited IA, call
ing to remembrance the pleasant homes that
we have left behind, and almost making the
camp. for the instant, seem like as though
we we're in the streets Of Montpelier The
impression, however, is but momentary, as
the military surroundings Immediately dispel
any such vagaries, and we greet our old ac-
quaintsnces as though they we're especial
messengers from our far of homes--onrselves
really the latest arrivals. But there is one
daily visitor to my tent that can greet as an
old friend, and almost as an express messen-
ger from home Wdlton's Daily Journal. Its
old familiar face cheers many lonely hour in
camp, and recalls TO memory the many, many
hours | have spent over it, by daylight
and by lamp-light; and ! fancy | can hear
the click Of the types as the many composit-
ors I'LL "stickful" after "siickful" and column
after column, until the sound Of the ''sheeps-
foot" and "plainer" announce il ready for the
press. | look for its daily visitstions with as
much solici;ude as | have heretofore been &C
customed to watch after its various interests
and can shake hands with it as cordially
as with an intimate and loved frit nd. May
the richest Of Heavens blessings attend it,
its proprietor and all connected with it.
Since my last letter, little of interest has
transpired TO relieve the monotony OF camp
life, save the constant arrival of new regi-
ments Of troops. Two regiments from Maine
and one from New Hampshire have pitched
their tents near us. within day or two and
from q e journal ! learn that the l4th, 18th
and 10th Vermont regiments are soon to be
on the ground, Our daily drills are begin
ming to show with what rapidty new recruits
can be transformed into soldiers Company
drills in the forenoon, reeimental drills in the
afternoon, and brigade drills aud reviews
twice a week, serve to I'll up the time and
perfect the men in the art Of war though as
yet we have seen comparatively little OF moth
ing OF the realities of war. The nearest we
have come to it was in brigade drill to-day
Our brigade was drawn up in line of battle
der the instruction OF Gen. Casey, whose
pleasant and fatherly bearing is fast gaining
for him the love Of all the boys--and we were
wheeling into column by company, prepara-
tory 10 marching off, when the report of
gun was heard, and whiz-z went Minnie
ball directly over the heads of our regiment,
singing not very pleasant song to those Of
us not accustomed to such sound Scarcely
had the sound died away when second re-
port was heard, and whiz -z-z-z went another
Minnie this time apparently nearer and
louder than the frat. Not few Of the boys
involuntarily practiced little "ducking," and
! cannot say but your correspondent did the
same. We were not expecting such sounds
where we supposed we were surrounded by
friends But, as if not satisfied with trying
twice, third report was heard, and third
Minnie came singing through the air, and
struck the ground only two or three feet in
the rear of my horse. began to think by
this time that it meant me some. Adjutant
Whitney, who was but few feet from me,
thought one or the other Of us must have
been spoken for while Col. Randall, who |
was riding at the head of his regiment. cool !
ly turned in his saddle and remarked THAT
sounds natural, boys" An aid of Gen. Ca
sey's was now seen to ride at break neck |
speed towards the encampment Of the 18th
New Hampshire regiment, which had been
but two days in camp, and we heard no more
reports of guns, and no more songs from
Minnie bals-much to the qualification OF all
Interested 1t proved to be the reN kless fr-
ing of some careless target practicer. As
good luck would have it, no one was hurt
though one ball struck guard few rods
from where our regiment stood, doing no
other damage than tearing hole in the leg
of his pants. The guilty parties, learn, are
now doing penance for their recklessness by
a confinement in the guard-house. They
ought to be kept there until they can be
brought face to face with the rebels, and even
then a long wsys in advance Of the rest of
their regiment.
On Saturday we are to have another brig
ade drill. though it is to be hoped it will be
minus he MIME balls, unless we of the 1 9Th
can have the privilege OF exchanging compli-
ments with those who see fit to deal in that
commodity. Give US fair Geld and rebels
for targets, and we think we know our duty,
and knowing dare to do it.
The general health of the regiment is
good. But few are in the hospital, though
am not able to give their names tonight.
Speaking of the hospital, must not fail to
mention the indebtedness of the regimen,
to the kindness Of Mira. j. +. Fales. sister
believe, OF Mrs. Senator Harlan, OF Iowa
for large supply of delicaces for the sick
together with supply of books for those
who are able to read. Tie patriotism anC
devotion OF Mrs. Fales is worthy of emula
ton. Her good works have extended through
period of about eighteen months, and tn
armies of the West as well as the army o
the Potomac can testify to her faithful watch
care over the sick of the Union army. AL
honor to the self-denial of such Good Sam
aritans." Any contributions sent prepaid
from Vermont to her will be sure to fnt
their way to their appropriate sphere of use
fulness. Direct to Mrs. I, Fales, 4l3
Street, Washington, d. c." The ladies o
Vermont owe it to her and to their friend
in the field, TO do all in their power that sh,
is well supplied with the necesssries to &C
oomplish the good work she has undertaken
May God bless her, and raise up many NOR
TO go and do likewise. More anon.
A.cB.
CAMP CASEY. Oct. 2S, 1862.