The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-12-19


camp and OF course, even if they are the
best OF men, it would be impossible for them
to attend to all. 1t is almost an impossibility
to see doctor ard hundreds have lain here
for weeks trying to be examined for dis
charge. Here these poor fellows lie from day
to day, unable to get wood, or cook their ra-
tions, even if they had fire. Bread and wa
ter is their living until they are relieved of
their sufferings by death. With such in
decency are things conducted, that man
was carried into the ead-house as dead ;
when the next morning, a lady went in to
c,mb his hair and prepare him for burial, to
her surprise he was alive.
Much more might be written but it is
too sad even to think of. There is soon
to be change for the better. One word in
regard to our Sergeant. Under the circum.
stances of which have written, he went to
tie quartermaster day after day to get cloth
ing for his men, and although piles of it Law
there, it was impossible to get any. After
trying in vain, he wrote to the agent of the
Sanitary Commission and after thanking
them for some vegetables they had sent his
men, he calls their attention to the condition
Of the men here, and requested them, if they
have it on hand, to send him some clothing
The next day the agent comes over to see
why the clothing they had already sent, and
which was lying in the quartermaster's de-
partment, had not been given out. The Col
was caught, and to throw the blame on some
one else he called for Sergt. Collins, told him
he was liar, rascal &c, and that he hal
never called for the clothing, and told him he
was relieved Of his command The agent
inquired into the matter and then demanded
that the sergeant should be returned to his
command. 1t was done the next day, and as
the order was read to the men for his rein.
station, three hearty cheers and tiger was
given in earnest. By means of this letter
several members of congress learned some
thing Of the state of things and some of then
are here nearly every day. Senator Wilson
Of Mass, was here yesterday, and it would
have done one good to see his face as he saw
the condition of the Camp. Doctor Belknap
one Of the Surgeons here has been rount
through the camp to day ascertaning its ex
act condition for the purpose of reporting tc
congress. Something will be done; sucl
things as these would shame the most tyranni
cal officer in the British army during the rev
oiation. The democracy lay it all to the re
publican party and do not wonder at tn,
ascendency of that party-the democrats.
am staunch republican, but such things a
these are what ruin a party in power. Mel
also do and will loose their patriotism ant
to day if a vote was taken in this camp
have no doubt nine-tenths would say the,
cared but little which way the war was ende,
only it be done soon.
Perhaps some may think I have put or
rather high coloring but if they could Sc
for themselves, they would say as thousand
have sal l and are saying daily. A few Of u
, have money, plenty of clothing and plent
good health under such circumstances W
need suffer but little, but it is hard to Sc
others suffering, yes dying in the tent mex
your own, and can't help them.
God grant this blot, this stain upon tn
character of our government, may soon b
removed; that our armies may be triumphar
! and this cruel war soon be terminated.
= &.