The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-10-10
From the 18th Regiment.
FORT LINCOLN, d. c.,
not = 1900

To the Editor of the CALIFORNIAN
Believing that the numerous friends of the
18th in Caledonia and the adjoining counties
will read with interest anything concerning
those with whom they have lately parted, -
and bearing in mind the many favors for
which myself and the members of company
A are indebted to the ladies and gentlemen
of St Johnsbury, | hope you will excuse this
intrusion, and for myself and the whole CON-
pany publish to all that the remembrance of
those kind friends We have left behind, shall
ever stimulate us to act our part in consisten-
cy and honor, so that when the time comes
that We meet again it shall be with our char
acters fair and unsullied as when We parted !;
with credit to ourselves and with conscious
ness of having performed the duties devolv-
ing upon us.
Space would fail me were to endeavor
to portray the manner in which our progress
from Vermont to this place was marked; the
enthusiasm, the shouts of joy from the gath
cred multitudes wherever We stopped; the
lieu and farewells said the huzzas for the
Union and liberty; the supplies of cake, fruit
and flowers provided for US by the ladies'
Indeed, looking back over those two days
ridet seems more like pleasant dream than
reality, in these heart troubled times. The
country through which we travelled is beau
tiful one land it was only after our departure
from Philadel phia and as We neared Balti-
more that one could suppose that war was
raging or that our trip was for aught but
pleasure. Upon nearing the latter city, how
ever, it was plain to be seen that the peaceful
employments Of the inhabitants had been
disturbed, and that we were approaching the
place where at any moment might be enacted
those scenes of strife and horror which have
made our country miserable, and of which we
were accustomed to think with adherence.
And SO it is from thence all the way to Wash
ington, at which place We arrived all safe
There we found such multitudes of recruits
arriving and departing such whistling and
putting of railway engines such running
hither and thither of the officers, the anxious
looks and enquiries of the new arrivals, the
din and noise; altogether the only thing l
can describe it as, is confusion confused. But
as the night drew on all became quoted the
regiments marched in good order to supper,
in spacious hall fitted up for the purpose of
victualling the troops, and afterwards to a
large and we'll ventilated warehouse, where
We stacked our arms, unpacked our blankets,
and laid US down to rest and believe me, we
all slept too, as we'll as ever did king on bed
of down. The next morning we marched to
our present camp ground, which we all like
very much. There is plentiful supply OF
water adjacent, and for postal and other ar.
engagements is convenient one. Since that
time up to Saturday, the 9th ult, the regi.
ment has been employed digging riae-pits
drilling, doing guard duty, &c. On tina. day
orders were received to divide the regiment
and several Of the companies have been sent
to other forts in this neighborhood;two CA and
g. remaining here. We were all pleased to
be kept at headquarters, for it saved us a
march and all the trouble of striking and
pitching tents anew. The forts are not far
apart, and we have opportunities of visiting
each other occasionally. Six miles think is
the farthest any Of our companies have been
sent from here. We may probably remain
as We now are during the Winter, but we may
be ordered to change our station at any mo.
ment, and We are always prepared to march
in quick time. l am glad to say that the
men, with few exceptions, are all in good
health shall from time to time advise YOU
of anything concerning the company which ]
think will at all interest our friends in Yer.
mont,
! Yours truly, ELM.