Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-08-01
FROM THE NINTH REGIMENT.

CLOUDS MILLS, Va, July 2lst, 1862.
Dear Journal The Ninth Regiment Yer
mont Volunteer Militia is fairly encamped,
this 2lst Of July, on the sacred soil Of Vir-
ginia and men and officers are as busy az
tees, fixing their quarters for their comfort
Our tour since our departure from Camp Da-
Wis has been like all other passages in life.
'iuli of incident and motion only with rath-
q too much Of the motion for convenience
We left Brattleboro the morning of the
18Th in drenohing rain and proceeded to
Springfield, Mass, where the citizens by
Committee appointed for the purpose, furnish
ed us with sumptuous repast, the citizens
at the same time loaded us with presents, and
cheering salute Of 81 guns Springfield has
ever been noted for hospitalities, and may
God bless them for their kindness to soldiers.
From hence we proceeded to New Haven and
took the steamer Bay State for New York,
where we arrived at 5 A. NJ, the 10th, march
ed to Madison Square, where the boys were
furnished with breakfast and dinner by the
Sons OF Vermont, and the officers with a com
pdmentary at the 18th Avenue Hotel by the
Sons of Rhode Island.
At o'clock, z. NJ, the motion was made
by oar gallant Colonel that feasting be dis
pnsod with, and the march resumed, and
with his usual alacrity in fifteen minutes we
were on our way. We took the steamer At
las at Pier No. !, and crossed to New Jersey,
and took the cars for Philadelphia at 8 F. NJ
and arrived there the next morning at three
clock, where we were served with break fast
by the Soldiers Relief Association From
there we proceeded direct to BALTIMORE
Every where until we run into this city OF
negroes and pigs, we were greeted with can
non and acclamalion by the populace, as the
first Regiment under the new call of the Pres
lent Here the people looked sullen and to
every appearance would like to do something
naughty If it were not for the frowning guns
of that little joker, viz: Fort Henry. which
looks so thoroughly after their behavior
whether it be good OF evil. The Regiment
arrived in Washington Thursday night and
encampod in the barracks. Here the boys
first met with hard fare, and for the two DAYS
we remained here great many went hungry
rather than touch the miserable food furnish
ed them
Sabbath morn at an early hour we had or
ders to march, and were soon on our way to
Dixie. Our present encampment is IS miles
from Washington, which distance the Rcgi-
ment passed IN about six hours.
In this march, (Which was a long one for
raw recruits the Vermont Boys accomplish
GA d ieat Whlch mas never been performed by
any OF er regiment. That was of CARRYING
their knapsaoks and all other accoutrements.
Although other Regiments have performed
longer marches in the same time, it has been
without their load The march was well per-
formed 70 Alexandria perfect line being
kept from thence the heat and load over
came them and they began to fall out Then
ell were on common level. Comm ssioned
officers took guns and knapsacks one on each
arm and trudged along. Staff officers dis
mounted, loaded on the weak ones' and
shouldered their load. Even our Chaplain
took The position of common soldier enjoy
ing the iun hugely, Alter little rest and
supper the boys felt as well as before, which
shows their indomitabe pluck.
About ten Regiments are encamped here
comprising Gen. Shields Brigade Some
Regiments have been in s OF battles, and
do not number more than $50 or 200 men.-
There has been grand review to-day at the
fort under the supervision of the President
and Secretary Of War.
Those who have friends here must remain.
Der TO write to them often, for il is ali the
pleasure the have--To hear from home is
great treat. Recent items Of news which
would be of no interest to friends in other
place,--all and everything will be read with
ayidity. In directing letters direct to Alex
andria, or Washington. d. c., naming the
Regiment aud Company, then it will be all
SAFE j. q. l.