The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1863-04-24
The First Vermont Brigade.
From our Special Correspondent.


BELLE PLAIN, Va,
April -, 1862.
FRIEND STONE: In the absence Of news
to write, | thought would tell you how We
get along here with the delay of army move
ments We submit ourselves to it like the
Yankee philosopher white and guess and
think We can see some advantages gained by
it, which remedy we cheerfully and confident
ly recommend u all l1calities. as much more
beneficial and satisfactory, than fautfnding,
and scoliing about the generals, the bad
weather, and the administration Some of
the benefits arising from the delay | will
mention. The courage and hopes of the
troops were greatly strengthened by the
knowledge they gained of their own num-
bers and oyerpowering strength, at the va
rious reviews held last week by the President
and Gen Hooker.
Thousands of soldiers had never seen
President Lincoln; these reviews gave them
the desired opportunity. and when they came
to see him, they saw in his benignant coun-
tenance, that calm and settled determination,
that gave them the assurance they had not,
nor should they offer themselves living sac
ritices upon the altar Of their country in
vain.
Again, when Gen Hooker was promoted to
the command of the " army of the Potomac 3"
all acknowledged his fighting qualities good,
bat feared his bravery was reckless; but the
strategic qualities already developed by him
in the preparation merely for campaign has
greatly increased the confidence OF all in him
and we confidently believe his caution and
skill in the execution of his plans will be
equal to the high trust reposed in him.
Most of this army is now under marching Or
ders. One corps moved up the river above
Falmouth to Hrleys Ford. where large
body OF oar cavalry crossed Monday night
The sixth corps in which is the Vermont first
brigade. was to move this morning AZ } O.
cock, but hard rain storm commenced ear
~ this morning, abnu. ; o'clock, and it is un-
Ie.s;ood from the Vermont brigade they did
not march 1t rained quite fast and steadily
through the day till 4 o'clock p. M, and has
net Yet cleared up.
Q o'clock Thursday morning The storm is
over, in few hours the ground will be as
Try as before. Rumor has it this morning
that our cavalry have possession of the rail
road - miles south o: Frederick burg. The
prospect is, we shall have stirring times, hard
Sighting, and the possession OF Fredericks-
fury III 4 few days. Our soldiers say the
rebels fght harlr On half rarions than
whole Cnes, nevertheless, they are entirely
confident of success this time Capt Pitkin
has been notified that he will be withdrawn
from this post, and will go forward with the
army. AS they need live, practical men for
such places, he is one of them. We have
Just htaro 'hat our troops nave captured two
or three thousand rebels. at Kellrv's Ford
and many other rumors that We know not
whether to credit or not Thousands of
troops are passing down the Potomac daily
from Washington. This army seems to be
moving to-day, We can see but very little,
and learn but very little definitely. We have
jdst heard with sorrow of the death of 1t
Col T.. A. kimball at the hand of Gen Cor
coran. He was a brave and faithful officer
lis men said he knew no fear, and they were
always ready to fulloy him. His death is
greatly lamentsd here, where he was well
known, having let, here with the 9lh army
corps about two months ago.
Hopefully Yours,