The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-04-18
From the Vermont Brigade.
HEADQUARTERS SMITHS DIVISION J
) mics west Warwick c. IL. :
Sunday, April 6, 1862. !

Sunday, April +, 1862.
To the Editor of The Calelonian:
l have delayed writing you for the last two
weeks as anything from here would be con-
sidered contraband,especially if it were news.
Before you can publish this there will be no
necessity of secresy.
We are encamped almost under the guns
Of rebel fort, or should be if we were not
protected by woods. The Vermont Brigade
is momentarily expecting to receive orders to
take it by storm, as i! is understood we take
the lead to-day. Yesterday, a little after
noon, firing was heard from our skirmishers
soon Kennedy's battery was sent forward
and the cannonading became quite spirited,
and was kept up till near sundown. The
New York 18th was sent out on the left to
prevent the rebels from burning bridge and
from flanking US. They were established
Just in the edge of the woods, and within a
short distance of the rebels. Here they laid
/ down ard commenced firing and woe to the
man that showed his head. Sc near were
they that if a man on either side showed his
head he was sure to get ball pretty nigh
him. Several were killed and wounded.
At dark all firing ceased, but commenced a.
gain early this morning by the skirmishers.
But one cannon has been fired up to this
time-nine o'clock.
/ The fort here is strong one, said to have
very strong force. 1t is where the rebels
will probably retreat from Yorktown, and if
! they have not already retreated,we shall have
them in trap if we succeed in taking it in
season.
AS far as l can learn-I do not write it for
truth Gen Porter advanced towards York
town Friday morning. Heavy firing was
heard in that direction Friday and Saturday.
Gen Smith advanced up the James river to
cut off their retreat. Heintzleman's division
in connection with gunboats, was to attack
Norfolk. The rebel steamer Merrimac is re-
ported sunk by the Monitor. Heavy firing
was heard in that direction yesterday. With
the exception of Smiths division and the fir
ing that has been heard, cannot vouch for
the truth. Certain it is that a great and
combined movement of the army is being
made up the York and James rivers. Wheth-
er commanded by Gen Mcclellan in person
or not, do not know. Gen Reyes division
(Smith's being parD is in this vicinity ard
on or near the James river.
| The possibility of taking this place is not
doubted by any. understand that the gen.
eral says he shall take it by storm to day, if
it does not surrender without. Why it is
that our batteries have not appeared this
morning, do not understand, but expect
that some strategic movement is going on
that we soldiers do not understand. Crhe
rebels have just fired a heavy gum
] will give short account of our wander,
ings since We left our camp above Alexar ria
Two weeks ago to-day We embarked On board
the New York steamer c. Vanderbilt, fol-
Fortress Monroe, where We arrived after a
very pleasant trip at six o'clock p. m. We
should have been there much sooner, but an.
CT red during the night. Tuesday noon We
lett the fort, passed through Hampton, once
beautiful village, but now mass of ruins
and encamped on the James river within foul
miles of Newport News. Thursday we went
up the liver some ten miles on ar.connois
ance. Gen Porter went to Big Bethel; the