Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1862-07-18

| to do more than to tell you that the last named
Regiments met the enemy, had a severe battle and
! drove him at all points. The 9Th made a most
/ gallant charge led b. Gen. Brooks, who WAS
wounded BY ball through the calf Of
the lee, but continues 10 do duty,
/ refusing to leave his command, These
regiments suffered severely, as the list Of killed,
wounded and missing which I send you sadly
proves. The ith was not 10 this a. their position
On the left was not attacked. ~ II P. NJ, the
dead having been buried and the wounded col
lected and placed in charge Of DR.. sawin, Asst
Surgeon ofthe 2ni Vt, they we're left to take
their chances with the rebels, and the column re-
sumed its march.
terrible thunder storm had arisen, and the
I'd roar Of the muttering thunder mixed with
that of our artillery, while en- occasional fash Of
lightning revealed the columns struggling ever
tn. miserable roads. Keeping Up the dreary
rarch, through swamps emitting a deadly and
nauseous malarii, wet through and often in mud 20
cur knees. we pressed on an through that weary
night; many a brave fellow who had borne Up no.
bly, through previous fatigues, was obliged to fan
on, by the roadside, aad take the absolutely nc
ccsslry rest at the risk ofbeins made prisoner.
We crossed the creek Of White Oak Swamp over
broken, dilapidltel bridge at early daylight.
IT this bridge the scene defes description. Teams
foundered in the mire, and even the strong swear
ing Of the teamsters could no. extriclte them
Knap.aels, guns, blankets, camp e4uiplge and
valuable commissary stores were consigned to de-
struetion. Thousands Of stra-glers from almost
as many different regiments pressed up from the
rcar and crowded into the ranks of the Vermont
brigade, which had marched in splendid order.
At last We crossed the bridge AMI turning iato
an open field. threw ourselves upon the ground
wet and muddy as it was, a1d sought thar rest
which was yet for time to be denied usi for
scarcely had we dept ere VIC were again called up,
and marching i5 held where were collected hun
drcds Of teams ami SUPPLE, were placed to guard
the Greek from ;he passage Of the fast following
enemy. Soon Re made his appearance on ou- right
and left, and severe battles were being fought
Mott. battery was in front and the Yer
meat Brigade lay in position just
in the rear Of him. Quickly the enemy erected
his batteries or the opposite side OF the Creek un-
der cover of dense underground, AMI suddenly
opened a most terrible Ere from forty guns. The
elect was terrible forty mea and f.ty h0-sos were
killed in Notts Battery BY the drst dis;aarse.-
The shells fsv into our camps and burst. il.per-
feet deluge about as. Ncu were knocked down
eul horses aud mules were blown to pieces, mol th-
ing could iand such FIRE AMI the Brigade broke
and ia p for the woods. They were soon rallied
however and placed in position % repel tic ox-
rcctcd attack. The rou, snI confusion among The
teams was awful, but they were reduced 20 some
thing like order ami started for the River.
Tor twelve hours an artillery Igel was kept up
between the two forces Tue sebe' no, daring
60 attemp; the passage ot the Greek. Wei. maiuei
al. tlis time IN line o. battle ready flr them
should they come, and a; j p. u. the nlsca was
again resumed an all ri light until broad SUNRISE
Tuesday, we pressed on without a halt, with no
water, 10 food, and as weary Is men can be. No
peu con describe what wc endured. But at
cum rise thc welcome sisb- ec v4r asmy
rrs?7s.1- in security near tie River met
AaAle -aa4-
obtained when we were again under arms. and
marchins back 90 reqel an expected attack, fled
ia-o che woods. and klF. under arms with little
sleep, until Thursday morning o., O'Clock, when
We rcs1mei cur march.
I, commenced raining az 'hi. d-e. ana soon
-aiaeI as +, caa only rlia ia Virs MA. TIE heavy
teams and artillery produced perfect sea & mui
through which we Tlyiisi. The fatigue was sw-
slI B.; required the utnc-- resolution 90 keep u,
and hundreds we're unable TO do GO. But o.. night
we reached the riy,-. where cur weary ssI-
umn was O. rest. and drowning men
never hailed lel.yersncs with more joy tlu we
experienced at the sight o.. our Gun Boats and
transports. Throwing ourselves uuon the ground
all muddy as it was. we we're instantly asleep, but
the 4,h Vermont began 60 believe there was M
il-; f,r them. for 81 II P. N. we were called M
on picket and marched TO Wcstovcr, ,hs mss
nia;cut place Of Heary Seiden, E.g., where we
remained on picket for "a hour. This morning
vo overo marched TO this place. AMI here we hope
% rest
I have given you rapidly and under difficulties
a sketch Of our movement, during the past week
others must give you the details. There are thou
sand of instances Of iniiviiual bravery countless
theme. for eulcgy and praise, and I regret 90 add
f.r the seycres. ccn'ure. The result Of the whole
j.. to be summed ur. and regulations stand OF fall
on the decision. Vermont may we'll be proud Of
her sons, they have won fame for themselyes,
honor FOR her. smiths division a. the rear guard
hsv' covered themselves with glory. When the
history OF this movement unparalleled IN history
shall be fairly written, and the record Of its battles
By dag and narches by night shall he given to the
world, this will appear.
NJ. a national salute is being drsi. Gen.
Mcclellan is to review The army this afternoon.
We have gained our object, are concentrated on
new base, AMI "nous yerrens.
Yours,