The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1862-12-18
Fioln the Christian Ne euGer.

| Dec 9th, 1oO-.
DEAR MESSENGER AS We take our pen
to write word to report our slow progress
here in the great enterprise that is now absorb
ing the attention OF The nation, We look out
upon the surface of the ground, whitened with
the fast descending snow.
Yesterday was Thanksgiving in Camp Yer
mont, for VIC regard ourselves still as citizens
of the Green Mountain State, and reverence its
laws aud recognize its authorities. All of the
Vermont Brigade who were here, by gen
eral order appropriately observed the Alta inst.
as a day Of public Thanksgiving. The proc
iamation Of the Governor was read, remark S
were made, and prayer offered We even had
all the chicken Gxings that the circumstan,
ces would permi', and the disposition was good
even for more. Some had made arrangements
for tho turkey, and some were supplied by the
unwcarcd kindness Of thoughtful friends at
home. We have just mad pleasant set down
with the Officers of Co K, whose well filled
box of provisions did not get to cau2 until
the 9Th, but its contents had not lost the Yer
mont flavor, which is highly relishod by the
soldiers here, The 4th here was Que Of the
loveliest days we have seen in Old Virginia.
We should have enjoyed the pubic services
more fully, but for the absence OF SO many of
our regiment, on picket duty, 1t was day
when ali remembered absent friends, aud the
gathering Of the home circle. There were
many thro5bng hearts, and fearful eyes, as
the proclamation was ea1, especially, as that
por ton was listened TO which referred to the
" vacant chair and those who were absent on
the tented field" We we're certain here that
upon this day, We missed our homes and tcs-
tive boards in Ncrmont, and certain feeling
came over US that they missed us at houe.
Our Brigade is getting together again. The
! 18th came III last night, having marched dir.
ty miles in twelve hours to reach their old
quarters. Tne 18th and l4th are expect,
in soon and . portion have already arrived.
We hope we may be kept together uati the
conclusion OF our time Of service.
We arc Watching here with great interest
the movements Of the grond army 81 the Po-
tomuc, aud the new phases that are being dc
vcloped III our national affairs. We have diff
e.ent explanations for the apparent delay of
the onward movement of Burnside : one re.
port is, that his supplies are not duly forward
ed, and another. that his pontoon bridges were
kept back by the criminal neglect OF the OH
Ger who had them in charge, much to the an
uoy ance OF the Geuera who was anxiousIy
waiting to cross the river aud move in force
upon the rebels. There have been some Tears
that there might be Some delay, with the
hopes Of compromise that might give to us
An lnglorious and transient peace. A ap year
to be more strongly than ever c,nirned, in
the opinion, that We cannot have peace ia this
country, while we cherish, or tolerate, 10 our
midst two coutending elements OF slavery and
freedom. Slavery mast become en,hronsd in
power and sway Its scepre over the land, aud
control our destiny and dictate our policy, or
else it must give place to freedom, and bow
to its bshests We are q lite sure that the
South, are not willing, as yet to yield the con.
test and acknowod 20 the Supremacy Of free,
dom, and the right Of the laooring man, to
scf goversmcut.
The President in his message presents a
liberal plan to end tho controversy, and give
slavery tlr'e for an easy and quiet death
Hut M ter,ns will ho IN ely IN s,,;sr. N. IN