The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-07-25
From the Eighth Regiment.

ALGIERs, La, July 9TH, 1862.
To the Editor of The Coledonian:
Since writing my last letter, the Sth regi
ment has experienced some of wars real SER
vice, and though the numbers in combat were
comparative ely few, and the action apparently
unimportant, its influence and effect is valua-
bic to us. Some in every company have been
more or less engaged under fire, and in every
instance have borne true soldiers deport-
ment. We most cheerfully accord to Go H,
Capt Dutton, the honor of being the princi-
pal combatants, and by their resolute and no.
BILE action of giving to the regiment great
share of the character we assume. We are
all ambitious, and should an opportunity be
given Ohere may be soon) the soul Of the StL
will indicate as much patriotism, courage and
fo,titude as any in the army. Our moral
conduct and general reputation is good, and
We mean to be soldiers worthy the good State
We represent.
We are in the very midst of enemies, whose
malice is rendered more apparent by every
false report of success at Richmond and 9TH
er important points. They acknowledge No
defeat, and appropriate every repulse as a
victory. Their ears are tickled with pleasing
recitals from flying correspondents and living
presses. They see England and France stri.
king hands in acknowledging their independ-
ence, and with wonderfully keen edged sa,
Der, Lord Palmerston backed by Napoleon
III, and supported by their feet off Mexico
stand ready with arm raised high to cut the
cord that makes US zone and inseparable." y
Their conceived future is glorious one, hav
ing a perfect realization of the most splendid
sayeocracy the world ever saw. No hate(
Yankee to talk about their rights and plivi
leges, and no aboltionist Uhe concentrated
sin of al human evils) to trouble their inal
ienabe rights in property. The picture i
eng,aven upon their hearts as deeply as ha
tired and prejudice can impress it. Remov
from US the mortar fleet, take from the rive
our gunboats, and the heroic little army her
would soon be "biting the dust" Might
our only defense.
When the Union tide is in, or some grea
favor wanted, they are good Unionists, an
~ ., L., ., - a.
is, they are silent as the grave in our pre-:
ence, and active rebels among their kith an
kin. There are exceptions, of course, pc
haps many; but if l can read character, c
actions, with any degree Of accuracy, but yer
few residents would have to suffer for havin
given US aid and comfort, should every Yal
kee soldier be driven from rebel soil.
The health of the regiment is good-be
ter than We could have expected. The woun,
ed are convalescent, and most of them wi
. soon report for duty.
The Fourth-th the glorious, me-honcre
Fourth of July-passed off very quietly her
Not drum was beaten, not gun fired, NJ
y a flag raised, except by our hands.
As the sun climbed up from the gulf v
hailed her with an appropriate salute, ar
unfurled large, beautiful flag, upon sple
" did pole that had been raised by the rebe
y for other colors and fewer stars. AS the hou
of this day ran out, the emblem of Unity al
> Freedom laved the breezes of those turb
", waters and dropped tears ofgrief (hard sho
- ers) upon this desolate and neglected soil.
~ o! the sweet memories of happy al
). prosperous past. 0! the anguish of this 81
." fering ard mourning present! Methough
~ could read tn, heart of the citizen as he pa
:" ed those beautifully waving folds, as tn
'e gracefully melted out the lessons of polite
90 economy he so much needed. His he
4 would incline upon his shoulder ard his e,
gaze upward as lie strove to pass without ;
pearing to see it. There was occasionally
u passer-by whose sympathies were with US,
he dared not to be of US. He iabored hi
', to write scowl upon his brow as he fon,
~ looked upon the freed old flag, but a sn
=" romd sit there And there was-tho'
. heard-a prayer upon his tongue, that
l: good old Union might be restored and
N government OF his fathers be preserved.
y The boys Of Co X were unwilling to
this day pass without some recognition of
Importance and observance of some ho
customs. We had committee appointed
he select suitable place for the meeting,
he purchase lemons, water and musk meio
nd warm the maple sugar good friends had S
is, US, and otherwise provide for the repast
gi About q o'clock p NJ, we fell into line :
L. marched to large, airy room, where
tut things were ready and we'll prepared. 7
h sick and the we'll me: there, and we wan
N, - 10 ;.,-c,l ~. broro ooporo1oc nm, Iars+,