Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1863-09-03
The Vermont Brigade.
New York, Aug. 81, 1S6


New York, Aug, 81, 1868.
EDITOR RUTLAND HERALD.-The fact
of the First Vermont Brigade being now
in this city affords an opportunity, which
many will be likely to embrace, of visit
ing their sons, brothers and husbands
therein. At any rate some such are
here, and it is not for pens of ordina-
ry metal or even the most precious, to des-
cribe the scenes of reunion which are not
unfrequently occurring in these days.
Brave and rough looking soldiers, who are
not accustomed to the melting mood, are
by no means proof against the surprises
which are sprung upon them. What es-
pecially to be notedis that the assailants
in such cases are as completely overpow-
cred as the assailed.
The regiments of the brigade are en-
camped as follows: The Second and
Fourth regiments are in Washington
Square the Third and Sixth in Tomkin's
Square; and the Fifth in Madison Square.
Nothing could be more dehghtfnl-the
trees, the fountains, the walks, and the
green grass. 1t is true the grass will
be terribly defaced, but the trees are not
injured and ifthe Gothamtes dislike to have
their beautiful parks disfgured, they must
learn to behave themselves.
The soldiers are having good time
They live well, their labors are light, con-
sisting principally in performing guard
duty, that is, keeping their fellow soldiers
in the squares, and being detailed in squads
to be sent by the Provost Marshal to
watch the draft.
1t may not be generally known that the
ministers of New York nearly all take
vacation during the month of August, and
consequently every man has to do his own
worshipplng Or leave It'all undone for the
time being. After finding two magnificent
houses of worship, ,''empty, swept aud gar
nished" on Sunday morning, as | passed
by the Washington square some of the
notes of old Balerma caught my ear, and
| found that goodly number of soldiers
had gathered around one of the vice presi-
dents of the Young Mems Christian Asso-
citation, layman, who after singing and
prayer, spoke twenty minutes from Jere-
miah so, 81, "Ye that have escaped the
sword &c.
Rev. Mr. Meecher also addressed few
words of exhortation, to all of which the
soldiers paid the most respectful attention.
At the close of the services the question
was put to vote whether they would. like
to have meeting again in the afternoon,
and all hands were raised. Chaplains,
however, seem to be at discount. At
present there is not chaplain in the bri-
gade. But | have yet to be convinced
that a devoted man of the Tiqbt kind
would not be very acceptable and very
useful in every camp. A great many of
the men have not attended any kind of
religious service for months till yesterday,
but no preacher could ask for better
audience.
There is to be muster of the soldiers
to-day, it beng the last day of the
month. This ceremony takes place regu-
larly all over the United States on the
last day of every other month unless there
is fight. ANY absentee not satisfactorily
accounted for at this time is regarded as
deserter, and at feast loses two mouths
pay.
The draft goes quietly on, although
there are some mutterlngs and hints OF |
terrible things to happen when the attempt |
is made to remove the conscripts from the |
city. OF one thing everybody may rest
assurred-that the soldiers Of the First
Vermont Brigade have not been trained
n the use OF blank cartridges, and terri
Die III 'ugs Will be apt to happen if dog
moves his .ongue in a rebellious way.
NJ. b.
- Two rebel ,feserters who have
lrrived at Washington tel a big story