Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-02-06

VIC uNOhc AnS utAt uiOIulnS bIVh'lJ
refreshed, though somewhat old We
learned that we were again TO picket on
the Potomac, the place assigned TO our
regiment being the right of the brigade,
was from the mouth Of the Monocacy TO
Conrad's Ferry--companies A, F and
D, Of the right wing, under command OF
Lieut.. Col. Henry, going to the former,
and companies B and c, of the left wing,
going to the latter place under command
of Maj. Chandler. The remaining com
panies set out for Whites Ford, point
Of considerable military importance, be-
tween the two above named places. AL
though the country through which we
passed is decidedly superior to anything
we have seen heretofore in Maryland,
yet everywhere fenceless farms and va
Gated camp grounds told the painful sto-
ry that the armies had been there, aud
that the devastation and luin Of war had
been felt by the inhabitants.
The first night after arriving at the
ford, We were aroused by the cry of Cav
airy crossing-fall into line ? The truth
of the matter was small squad of cav
airy attempted TO cross, but seeing our
pickets and reserve, which had been du-
~ stationed at the ford, turned back and
disappeared. This was doubtless de-
tachment from Major Whites cavalry,
or rather, a guerrilla band of mounted
men who have been so famous for their
frequent raids over this side Of the river,
plundering and taking prisoners, to such
an extent as to demand attention. The
Major has very fine looking farm and
residence in plain view of our encamp-
ment. Our company stayed there day
or two and then came to this place. We
are nicely encanped in beautiful piece
of wood, about half mile from the river.
We have been called out once since com
ing to this place by an alarm similar to
the one we had at the ford. The enemy
were supposed to be crossing, as the
pickets could hear the splasbing 10 the
water. The night was dark and of course
il was impossible to ascertain how large
a force might be concentrating on Har-
rison's Landing, the upper end of which
is opposite to this place. Although it
was rather exciting times, yet | am hap
Ply to state that great GOODNESS Was ex-
bibited by both officers and men in ma
king preparations to resist the expected
attack. Information was sent TO the
headquarters of the brigade { Poolsville,)
of our position, which was promptly re.
sponded to by sending three companies
of men, and q section of the battery sta,
toned there to our relief Skrmisher.
were sent out, and everything promised
the long wished for opportunity of bring
ing US face to face with the hated enemy
But when daylight appeared the enemy
were no where to be seen. Whether
there had been any rebels, or whether
they had seen fit TO decamp, was merely
matter Of conjecture. At oil event:
we have seen nothing Of them since, tho
we have been very vigilant.
We are now quietly doing picket du.
ty, digging rife-pits, and completing
stockades that have been commenced in
this vicinity since the war broke out
We do not picket as we did last fal
when we guarded the whole line of canal
but merely guard the various fords, fer
ries and outposts at this place. Bali;
Bluff, the place where the rashly cour-
ageo1s Col. Baker fell, and where bis
blood still cries for vengeance, 10 IN full
view from our lookouts.
There has been considerable change
in our regiment among officers, by resig'
nation and promotion. Lieut.. Hopkins,
of company A, resigned on account Of
i'll health, and has since died in the re-
, gimental hospital. Col. Jewette is now
in command of the brigade. The health
of our company is now very good, bav-
ing but two or three men off duty, aside
, from two that have been sent to the gen.
eral hospital.
/ have been very sorry to learn, as
have from various sources, that there is,
: even in our company, confirmed grum.
: blers who are constantly causing theiI
friends trouble and anxiety by writing
exaggerated accounts of our work and
fare here. True, we have done consid.
cradle hard work but nothing but hard
j labor will ever impart the vigor and
! stamina essential to make an efficient
soldier. Our fare consists of an album