The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1863-11-19


lined the Rappahannock, in the section of the
Station. They had intrenched themselves here,
in strong position, with forts and rife pits.
For nearly mile onr men were obliged to
pass over plain in face Of the rebel fire. But
they kept steadily on, not even needing the
discharge of the rebel musketry, that opened
upon them deadly fire at their near approach,
but with double quick charged upon the works,
and carried them with such celebrity as to give
the rebels no time to leave upon the bridge,
that connected them with the other side of the
river To prevent any chance Of the escape
of the enemy, the Fifth Maine Regiment, upon
breaking through the rebel lines, forced their
way to the bridge and took position that de-
fed any efforts of the enemy to escape. The
result Of this energetic movement, was the
capture of some sixteen hundred prisoners,
seven stands of colors aud seven pieces Of ar
tillery. The regiments mainly engaged In
this brilliant achievement, we're the Fifth and
Sixth Maine, and the Fifth Wisconsin. All
circumstances taken into the account, it must
be regarded as. an achievement which has not
been surpassed during the war. The enemy
had the advantage of position and intrench-
ments, but their works were carried and they
taken prisoners, by one half their number.
The troops taken, were mostly from Ewells
corps, and some of the colors taken had eight
battles inscribed upon them. Fr2m appear
ances we should Judge that our loss was over
estimated in the Washington papers, in giving
Is killed, aud $50 wounded. Iu passing over
the field, the next morning. we saw 30 bodies
of the Maine regiments, arranged Tor burial
side by side, in the same grave. Peace to the
slumbers of these brave and noble men. They
are worthy Of monument, and such patriot
ic dead should not be forgotten by a CRATE
full posteri y. We saw also quite number
of rebel dead collected for burial. The dead
under such circumstances present horrld
sight, and the painful realities of war, cannot
be pictured by the imagnations of those who
have never looked upon its scenes Of blood and
DEATH
A portion of our army that passed the riv-
er below this station, at Kelley's ford. took
several hundred prisoners, making in all, over
two thousand captured in this recent forward
movement. This intended advance was evil
deOtly carefully kept secret from the foe,
and they were taken by surprise.
We were under arms and ready for for
ward movement, a, daylight on Sabbath morn
ing, but did not cross the Rappahannock, un-
til afternoon, when we marched as far as
Brandy Station. The enemy had retreateed
in great haste at our advance. In this section,
they had built very extensive winter quarters,
and were evidently anticipating to hold an
undisturbed possession of this side of the riv-
in the knapsack of one of the skedadliDg Iebs
written for friends at home, states they were
building winter quarters here, and the Yam
KEGS in the section of Bull Run and Manassas
Junction. They had their quarters here in
a very comfortable condition, with fre-places
we'll arranged, from wood and Virginia mud.
1t must be great disappointment to them, to
be so suddenly routed From present appear
ancos they have gone with their main force
across the Rapidan. The railroad in our rear
is fast being repaired. The rebels had made
complete destruction of it, between Warren
ton junction and Rappahaonock station
They had carted away the rails and burned
up the ties. But between us and the Kappa
hammock, the road has not been disturbed
The night after our fight the 7th inst, they
were busy running the cars in efecting their
retreat. From appearances some Of their
tents were burned and one of our boys found
a carpet bag containing clothing and papers,
which purpOrted to belong to one Captain
Lowe oil Company B. 9Th Florida Regiment.
The rebels here had recently been supplied
with portion Of their winter clothing, among
which. were grey oyercoats of an English
ma nufactnra fnr uh ich thav were IN n How COS