The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1863-12-28
From the Christian Messenger.
From the Army.


DhAND1 ClAIlON, va IeCs - 1000
DEAR MESSENGER We see it is ntimated,
by Northern papers, that this army is losing con-
fdence in General Meade since our recent CAM
paign across the Rapid,n, and hints are given
that he is not the man for the place he occupies
We are quite sure, if the matter were left to the
army in regard to change, they wolld be slow to
make it, for the reason alleged. General Meade
was never more popular with this army than at
the present time, and none the less so for the
reason that great battle was not risked with the
enemy during the recent advance. All the cir
cumstances strongly indicated that battle, fought
there, would have ended in comparatively use
less slaughter, and we honor the officer, who
would not do violence to his own judgment, nor
sacrifice his men, in Difference to the haste and
clamor of an ill-advised public opinion. The Sc
verify of the weather, the precarous state of the
travelling, and The limited supplies, rendered the
results of great battle too uncertain to warrant
the risk. 1t is true the men were willing to
fight, at all hazards, if the command had been
given, but they were equally willing to wait a
more favorable opportunity if the commander
should decide that to be the better part of vaor.
Since our return to our old encampmentS the
men have been very busy in preparing winter
quarters, and 10 this they have been very success
full. 1t has been remarked by some, who have
been with the army from the first, that they new.
er had mere comfortable quarters than now. This
has been effected upon very limited resources,
mainly by the skill and industry of the soldiers.
This work, however, involves the destruction of
vast amount of timber, and the present ndca-
needed supply of fuel.
On Tuesday, of this week, the Old Sixth Corps
were unexpectedly called out, late in the alter
noon, for grand review. General Meade was
present, and strangers who were thought to be
Russian naval officers. These foreigners, we
doubt not, would be more at home riding the
" bouncing biIlow" on we'll rugged vessel, than
riding on horseback, as here they presented rath-
er lubberly appearance, as though unskilled in
guiding the war steed. This old corps was in its
usual good trim, and made brilliant show o
men and munitions of war that must have i'm
pressed our visitors with favorable idea of our
military discipline and proves. We have since
learned that these officers made out short visit
to our army, spending here only the afternoon
above mentioned, and Witnessing only the review
of the Sixth Corps. We are glad, however, to
have Brother Jonathan " forming a more init.
mate acquaintance with friends ACROSS the waters
for, as they know him better, they will be more
likely to treat him with apprecatve Difference
and respect, for his honest intentions as well as
physical dimensions.
There IL rumor again of our changing our
camp, contracting our lines, nd taking position
nearer Washin. ton. As this is 20 near like the
lot of the soldier, we judge we may safely expect
it. As he express line has been run through
this part Of Virginia, by Meade e. Lee, between
Washington and Richmond, it would see TO be
our turn now to take the w lsbinglon route, but
| ii done now it will not be 20 much from Necessity
as matter OF choice, Nearer Washin ton we
can ind more timber than here. with much le,s
trouble 10 transport Supplies, aud less extended
line to defend. The recent storms have lndi.
Gated that our rainy season has commenced, and
the state of The road may render it needful soon
hat we remain for awhile in our present POSITION.
1t l. quite certain that extensive army movement,
10 Virginia must be suspended now until the
Spring opens