Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1862-12-19


again took up our line of march and pro-
ceeded more leisurely on our way, passed
Fairfax Court House aad encamped for
the night at Fairfax Station on the Or
anse and Alexandria Railroad. The
next day we proceeded to Union Mills,
pitched our tents and commenced doing
guard duty, and on Friday commenced
doing picket duty along the banks of the
Bull Run stream. Oar lines extended
along the side and across a portion Of the
famous Bull Run battle field. Here we
had an opportunity to see something of
the destruction which is being brought
upon this portion of our country in con-
sequence of the war, and The price which
Virginia is paying for the part she is ia
king in the war for the dissolution of the
Union. On many Of the plantations the
fields are uneutivated, the fences de-
stroyed and the buildings fast going to
ruin, many of them being deserted by
their owners, the Union people having
fed on the approach of the rebel army,
while many of the traitors have deserted
their homes and may now be found
among the deluded followers of Slonewall
jackson. The rebel army passed by this
place in August last and destroyed Union
Mills, the Railroad Bridge and govern
ment supply train, but the road is now
used by our government with safety as
far as Union Mills. We had very
pleasant time during our stay in that Vi
entity, for we took advantage of our 10
cation and many relics of Bull Run were
brought away by our boys. Capt. Johns
ton and myself have each of US rebel
gun, which we intend TO carry with US to
Orleans county on our return from the
war. The old barracks remain just as
they were left by the rebel army last
spring, and we found the very rope sus-
pended from tree at Bull Run bridge, |
with which the rebels hung Gen. Sic
gels trasty spy last summer
We remained at Bull Run until Thurs
day, Dec. 4th, when we were ordered
back to Camp Vermont, and several re-
gments having arrived TO relieve US we
broke up our camp and took our depar-
ture towards our tents, knapsacks, and
various other articles which we had left
in Camp Vermont. Having been out
with Capt. Johnston nearly all the fore
noon visiting the picket lines, he being
the officer in charge Of the guard, we did
not feel very well prepared for long
march, but we bid adieu to Bull Run and
started. After the line was formed our
noble Col. Proctor rode along to the cen
ter Of the regiment, and turning to his
T6BiulCht Saiu1 . ""J 20 AhHi'h y ~ it'E
day in Vermont, and although we cannot
sit down to their thanksgiving dinner to
day, 1 will appoint one myself when we
get into camp"
After giving three cheers for their col
onel the boys started, and at dark we
stopped for refreshment, and Col. Groui
passed through the regiment and said we
could stop till morning if we thought
best, but the boys all shouted Let US
60 to Camp Vermont" Accordingly we
started on and as the moon sbone bright,
and the roads had become good, We found
everything as favorable as we could ask,
and we arrived safe aud sound, but very
tired, at Camp Vermont at midnight,
having made march Of thirty miles in
a little over eleven hours. Our men
were very tired, but we are Vermonters
and feel proud to think that we have ac-
that which no other regiment
would hardly think of doing. Colonel
Proctor, Col. Grout and others Of our
mounted officers gave up their horses to
tired soldiers and marched nearly all the
way from Fairfax Court House with
muskets on their shoulders. No wonder
it gives us courage when we see our off
GERS willing to share our hardships.
We are preparing for winter quarters.
Our company is generally healthy; only
one in the hospital and he is getting bet
ter. l have just heard of the death of
corporal Eaton of Coventry. He was
member of Co. H, and his loss will be !
deeply felt by his companions; he was '
beloved by both officers and men. Hav-
ing formed an acquaintance with him in
Orleans county, know him to have been ,
a worthy young man and a good soldier.
There have been several promotions in
our regiment since we left Vermont
Lieut.. Oaks Of Co. II has been made a
captain of Co. E in place of Noyes, re- !
signed Lieut.. Averill of Co. II has been ! !
made LIST Lieutenant of Co. l in place of t
Bean, resigned Lieut.. Noyes Of Co. E
ia IN he first Lieutenant of Co ID in Dlace