The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1863-01-23

From the Sixteenth vermont Regiment.
.....-.. In CAMP NEAR FAIRFAX, Va,
January, 18th, 1862.
DEAR MESSENGER: We still find ourselve,
in camp, near the famed Court House, knowr
of old, in the history of Fairfax County
Not hing Of remarkable interest has tran
spired since our last writing. There have
been only slight alarms, and about tho usual
amount of camp rumors. The Fourteenth
regiment that was encamped near us, has
moved its encampment further on towards the
front and now occupies ground on the turnpike
leading from Fairfax to Centrevlle, near the
place known as the Chaatily battle ground
This we infer, is to enable them TO act more
directly in support of our picket lines.
We are all learning shat it is the soldiers
business to obey orders without asking rea-
sons, or requiring explanations. If required
to march, there is no alternative, but to pack
up and be off, let the season or weather, be
as it may If we are in camp, we must at
tend to the regular routine OF camp duty
without expecting to know why we do not
march upon the enemy, or change our loca-
ton. We have an idea that this being SOL
disr, comes harder upon the Yankees, than
almost any other class Of men, They are
very much inclined to know the " why's and
wherefOres," and above all, to be doing some
thing that will be telling rapidly on his OWL
interest, and the worlds destiny. Bnt here a
man does not know why he marches, or why
he halts, and he may DO obliged to content
himself in camp, without getting within gun
shot Of rebel, while this gigantic rebellion
is preying upon the vitais of bis country
Und er these circumstances, the very effort to
still his nerves, is liable to throw him into
q fever The truth is, that this is a fast age,
and We are driving through the world, with
the velocity of steam and lightning, with the
same alertness, We expect in day, with The
slow movement of armed forces, to crush a
rebellion that has been strengthened by the
growth Of scores OF years. This is emphat-
ically the time Of the nations trial, aud we
greatly need the grace Of patience, to wait
the unfolding Of those events that will vindl-
cate the ways Of Providence, and witness
the triumph Of truth aud liberty, over
falsehood aad oppression. 1t is still safe to
have confidence in God, and those principles
which shall net be changed, although the
heavens and earth pass away. The soldier
who for the time being, is undergoing the
sacrifices o. his peculiar calling for the good
'f his country, is peculiarly liable TO impa-
Hence and dissatisfaction with the progress
VIC are making
We are surprised to find among the Union
soldiers, such deep seated pref adce against
he negro. 1t is found TO a great extent,
wen among our Vermont trooSs, but there is
probably lese with us, than with those from
most. other states. Macy while they would
ike to have the rebellion crushed, cannot
cerate the idea, that the slaves Of the South
ire to be freed. We happened to be at Fair
AK Station. on the morning Of Jan. list.
Quite number Of soldiers, connected with
General Slocum's division, were standing
around fire in conversarion upon our nation
II affairs. One remarked " That by Lincoln's
PROCLAMATION the niggers is all free this morn