Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-10-09
Our Armp Gorresponnrnrr.
FROM THE FOURTH REGIMENT.
CAMP NEAR CUIPRPPER C. H., Va,
Annt OEAh 1879

Sept. 10th, 1868.
Dear journal After our visit to New
York, a pleasant episode in campaign life
which was well improved, our Brigade has
resumed it's old place in the Sixth Army
Corps, ready to repel or advance upon the foe
whenever and however ordered. Having
reached Alexandra by Transports and rail on
the 5th and 10th insts, on the morning of
the 18th we took up our line of march in
pelting rain storm, loaded well with the over
coats stored for US last spring, which proved
a welcome burden on account of the cold
nights we have since experienced. We guard
ed out train Of reftted teams and drove Of
cattle. or like other troops we might have
been transported hither but our march
was far from severe, since the weather was
comfortably COOL and the roads fine to march
upon, and we made good distances, coming
through in five days. No more emphatic les
son upon war is needed than the aspect Of
the whole country along our route,-natur-
ally fine AID capable, spite of Virginia culture,
it now lies almost desert, the soil all com
mon, enjoying long Sabbath, and often
nothing but chimnies or rough ruins marking
the site Of its homes nothing of life but the
railroad with its frequent trains and camps Of
guards near ruined stations.
sed the Rappahannock below the railroad
bridge camping beside it, and next morning
marched on to near Culpepper where we
halted to dine and turn over most of our
train; marched partly through the town aud
out four miles on the Madison turnpike to
our present position, hating in the Third
Corps beside the camp of the 10Th regiment,
with whom we had a pleasant visit; then
nd cd bapl bv ha ID
Brigade of our Division drawn up in proper
form with music by its band. On the fol-
lowing day detachment Of conscripts, which
came here before us. were assigned to the
Second and Third, and day before yesterday
another arrived for the Fourth, thus about
doubling our number, and perhaps efficiency
when they have been perfected by the four
hours daily drill now in vogue, and Injured to
service. We have three Quakers who are
under guard for conscientious refusal to serve
in any way as soldiers, even by commuta-
ton money. Their case will probably pug
gle some court martial at least. Yesterday.
we drew eight days rations, in haversacks
and knapsacks the day before, everything
was ordered in readiness to move, but the
order forward has not yet been given, and
things look now like stay Of some perform
ance. To lie idle in this fine Autumn weather,
Ia hardly right, but our weakness compes IT,
Shame on those who value property, home
and ease above the national welfare, who, in
littleness of soul could give three hundred
dollars for exemption from the post of honor
and danger, and send to I'll up our deoimat-
ed ranks few but hifelings, nor half enough
Of those even. Glad am | that any had
manhood enough to stand their lot their
names should be held in everlasting remem.
bersnce. May God in mercy spare them,
and few OF us veterans, or blood worthy of
Vermont will soon be extinct.
A gray haired rebel sinner lately returned
to Memphis after an absence Of .wo years, and
thus summed up his grievances. My farm
has been pillsged my cotton has been burn.
cd 4; my slaves have escaped three OF my
boys have died, and my old woman hasn't had
fine tooth comb for more than two years
Wac there ever eorfow like his
The rebel government stil threatens to
raise the black iaR inscribed with the skull
and crossbones. Well, skull and cross bone.
would be very expressive emblem Of the
Confederate government. as being about all
that's left Of IL.