The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1863-05-15
From the Christian Messenger
From the Sixteenth Vermont Regiment
UNION Mills Va, |
Nav 7th. 1868. (


mors of war, moving rumors of moving, and
repeated orders to be ready TO more, we still
as a Regiment, occupy our old camp at this
place. 1t is evident that the fates of war are
to affect our destiny, but at present the results
are so uncertain that we are kept in the bal
ance between moving, and tarrying where we
are. Just at the time of our writing the gaze
of the Nation seems to lie bent upon the old
army of the Potomac, and all are anxious in
regard to the desperate struggle between the
tried forces of Hooker and Lee. The facts
in the case, are as readily known in Vermont,
as here. AS far as we can learn, as yet, Gen.
Hooker is adding fresh laures to his growing
fame, and has really taken his wary antagonist
by surprised throwing forces Unexpectedly in
his rear. The distant roar of the heavy artil-
lery is heard here, that attends the bloody
fight at Fredericksburg, and through our camp,
there is an unspeakable anxiety to learn def
nitely in regard to the results. On Tuesday
evening there was great change in the wealth
er, from warm to COOL and very heavy rain
storm set in, which has been raging for twenty
four hours. The ground is very wet, and the
streams very much swollen What the results
will be upon the fighting forces at Fredericks-
burg, we do not know, but we conjecture that
it must discommode the rebels more than our
own forces, as it must make it more difficult
for them to move, while Hooker may gain
time to strengthen his lines. There would be
found in these regiments, in this section a
great willingness to 60 to Hookers aid, if
such movement should be required, as all
feel, that not little is staked upon the results
OF the present movement of the army of the
Potomac; and its success must greatly aid our
cause, while defeat would be aid and CON-
fort to our foes. But we have great confidence
that we shall not be defeated, although our
success may not be what we fondIy hope.
1t should not be inferred, that because this
brigade has not been under the fire Of the en-
envy, that they have either been INDECENT or
useless in the position they have been called
to occupy. 1t may be one reason why we
have not been attacked, that our active vigi-
lence has presented too formidable front to
the foe. We have learned at least, that it is
no sinecure to be soldier, in the land of our
enemies. We are obliged in this section, not
only to keep up our line Of pickets but to aid
in guarding this line of railroad The 18th
Regiment left this place on Saturday. to 90
out upon this railroad, as far as Warrenton
Junction. The 18th Regiment leave on this
Thursday morning for destination in that
section, and their place in the picket line,
will be supplied for the present, by this Reg
iment, which will throw double duty upon U.s..
The greatest care and vigilance is now re-
quired OF those doing duty on picket. AS no
fire is allowed to cook rations, or dry wet gar
ments, 1t is very unpleasant staying out forty
eight hours, in cold storm, like the one that
has now been upon US from Tuesday z. M.
until Thursday, with still a chilly atmosphere
and cloudy sky. The soldiers life has en-
phatically its lights and shadows" its hours
of deep sorrow, and moments more bright"
as he meets with frail defence. the changes
which minge with sunshine and storm, and
the tates that control the destinies of war