Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-07-31
From the Eighth Regiment.
BEFORE PoRT HUDSON, J
July G, 1868. {

before this, ana fondly expected TO hav
celebrated the GLORIOUS 4th" there. BIZ
we still remain in our entrenchment
around the Notifications, yet near enoug
so that we have frequent talks with GU
rebel neighbors, and the boys take ever
occasion to ''crack the friendly joke" wit
them, which is in great contrast with tn
more frequent communication in the form
Of minnie ball. .....#...
The fourth passed off with less of hi
larity, fun and excitement, which so char
acterized former days, when "peace helC
her gentle sway" A salute in the NOR
ming opened the day, at sunrise, but no
thing else indicated an unusual day. Our
boys still kept up their sharp,hooting with
the enemy, and now and then the cannon
would send forth its Screaming SHELF or
solid shot, among the enemy, they in turn
returning the compliment by a similar
message.
There was a lull in the firing about
noon, for Col. Thomas who commands
our brigade, bad the 9Th Vermont Band
at his headquarters, and as the sweet
tones of the "Star Spangled Banner" re-
verberated throughout the wood, and even
TO the fort, our boys ceased firing, and
the rebels, as if influenced by the inspi-
ring notes of our national air, or else mo
we'd by the memory of othec and better
days, also were quiet 1t was an impress
sive and suggestive moment, but of short
duration, for scarce had the last sound
died away when the sharp crack of the
sharpshooters rifles told the contest was
renewed.
The situation of things changes daily,
and we are approaching gradually to-
wards the rebel works. On the left at
one point we have approached to within
fifty feet Of the Notifications, and at other
points we are making advances, but the
work goes slowly forward and we some
times get very impatient. The original
plan OF storming the works has been Civ
en- up for the present, for the experience
of our last attempt was too sad and Sc
we're to desire another, unless we could be
sure of success. We are now TO advance
by means of parallel lines, which is the
safest and surest way, and bad General '
Banks adopted this plan in the outset, be- b
ore this time Port Hudson would have v
been ours and the flag of the Union wo'd Fl
be waving over its bulwarks. Y
The prospect we think is favorable, Il
and ere long we hope TO chronicle the b
downfall of this stronghold. From de- C
'erters who come in nearly every night, 2
We learn that the garrison is suffering al r
'eady on account Of the scarcity of food, tt
and that large part of the force would n
surrender were they not prevented by a
heir officers. They have nothing but "
,orn and corn meal now, destitute of all O
neat and salt, and for the last few days G
rave been in great want. | should not Il
give much credence TO this story, were it k
lot the universal testimony of all who
escape. Our men though reduced in 6
numbers from death, wounds and sick RI
Tess, and all more or less debilltated by &c
o long time in the trenches and such ri,
onstant labor, yet are full of enthusiasm he
nd feel confident of taking this Maakof ri
'hus far our brigade has suffered severe i,
Y and our regiment has lost large num- "a
er in killed and wounded. The total .,
oss iii our regiment | am unable to give, 10
ut probably over 160 thus far. Among j.
ne killed in the last charge is Lieut. S. q
'. Spalding of Derby Line. He was RI
citing Adjutant at the time Of his death. 7,
lie was an officer of much ability, and E.,
) disciplinarian had few superiors in .,
ur regiment He graduated at the Uni e,
ersity of Vermont in 1860, and posses ..
ID that culture which education gives.
nd those qualities which so distinguish h.
lie gentleman. His loss is deeply felt in -.
ir regiment.
M
Some changes have taken place in our -
giment which may command interest u,
Vermont. COL Thomas has command
Gen. Weitzel's famous brigade, the D.
tier having command of division
$ an Acting Brigadier General, the
olorel gives universal satisfaction, and
all hope ere long he may wear star ~ y.
ION his shoulders. "
1t. Col. Dillingham; has command of OF
e regiment and has shown himself the ga'
lght man" in the several battles we lho
we been engaged in. He is a popular. ,o'
icient officer. Capt. j. L. Barstow. -
'meriy an Adjulant, is COL Thomas's cap
citing Assistant Adjutant General, and Jay
his thorough knowledge of Regula. s'aI
ms, he is very great assistant to the 0u
'lonel