Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-10-10
Our arnu Correspondence.
FROM THE FIRST VT. CAVALRY.
VAMf NEAR AIbNANDRfA, VA,
Sent. 25. 1862.

Sept 25, 1862
Mn. Enron BY request take the pen
10 relate few particulars pertaining to the
last battle, in which the lst Vermont Cavalry
was engaged On Saturday, the 2lst. the
best Of three regiments of Cavalry, viz: the
9th New York, lst Michigan and LIST YER
mont. started on a reconnaissance toward the
Blue Ridge, accompanied by two brass twelve
pound field pieces As we started late in the
afternoon. we only marched to the outside
picket station, about 8 miles from camp.on the
Alexandria and Fairfax turnpike. Early next
morning Sunday we continued the march,
passing Fairfax c. II. and Alexandria, camp
ing about two miles beyond the latter place,
having travelled about 80 miles that day.
At Adds we found large number Of re-
bel sick and wounded, together with their
nurses, most Of whom we paroled, applying
the exception to those only who were the
least likely soon to take the field If we had
gone a few miles further to the next village,
the name Of which have forgotten, we could
have taken 800 prisoners in the hospitals,
as the rebels did for us at Warrenton and
Frederick City. As it was 1000 Of the rebels
got out Of the way.
At o'clock in the morning Monday we
were again on the move, parolling those ofthe
enemy we found on the road. The LIST Yer
mont Cavalry, as is almost invariably the
case. was in front and did all the fighting
hat go Tba balg
which we soon came upon, were spunky and
fought we'll. Early in the forenoon we drove
in the oncmy's pickets and took one prisoner.
Following close upon them we soon took two
four mule teams complete with their drivers;
and here commenced the running fight.
Lieut.. Col. Preston formerly Captain Of
co. d, lied the light Cavalry in the road, while
the carbners, on each side of the road, sus-
tanned their old and wol-earned reputation
Ter GOODNESS and bravery AS my company
were in the rear OF the Regiment, | did not
join much in the actual fgbt-but the bullets
whistlng over our heads put us in mind Of
Culpepper and Orange, while the blanchod
cheek aud firmly compressed lips. showed
that while the men did not consider fighting
a pastime, they were not towards, and could
be depended upon to the last. Col. Preston,
with Characteristic bravery, led charge
which carried him into the midst of the enc
my, who could not stand the charge, though
numbering more than twice the little squad
that changed upon them-but in their usual
oil oh vrtt 81 81 I
Colonel's horse, Col Preston only escaped by
dsmounting in the confusion. 1t was here
that he was wounded in the sword arm by
pistol ball. When passed him be stood be-
side the road swaying his sabre above his
head, his hand and sword hilt covered with
gore, cheering the men as they passed. tel !
ling them to Give it to the Rebs, and the |
answering shout and sabre flourish, told in |
language palmer than words what might be |
expected If we overlook the retreating foe.
Capt Perkins, while leading his men for
ward with great courage, was shot through |
the head. Lieut. Adams was wounded in the .
breast. Several others were wounded. only
one thought mortally. The enemy lost six
prisoners, besides II wounded and dead |
that fell into our hands. When we gave up
the pursuit we were near Ashby's Gap. The
expedition returned by the same road it went
arriving in camp Tuesday night. Col. K
b. Price, of the "a Pennsylvania Cavalry,
commanded the expedition, but his regiment,
or any part of it. was not with us, as he sta
ted in the papers.
My health continues good, and unless
jackson is more successful than he has been
for the past few days, we shall soon be at
home. am inclined to think the Rebels in
vaslon into Mary land was the best thing they
could have done for us. ! will not repeat
the war news, for you already have it--but it
is glorious. Yours respectfully, W.D.