The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1863-12-31
From the Christian Messenger.
From The Christian Messenger.
From the Army.
CAMP NEAR BRANDY STATION Va. !
Dec. 22nd, 1868. J

DEAR MESSENGER:-1herel Is qulIe mo-
notony attending camp life. The daily rOu-
tine of duty is nearly the same, but soldiers
will have something new, and marvellous, as
topics of humor and conversation. and events
are occasionally transporting quite out OF the
ordinary course On the afternoon OF Friday
our division was called out to witness the
painful spectacle, of seeing two men shot 1t
was matter of regret to US, that both OF
these unfortunate men were from the State OF
Vermont. T1e crime for which they were
executed was that OF desertion, their names
were John Tague, of the 9th Vermont, and
George E. Blowers, Of the 2ud Vt. Regi-
ment.
When we repaired to the place of ezocu-
ton, we found that their graves were already
dug, and most of the Division were present,
drawn up in square, in due form, waiting
the arrival of the prisoners. There seemed
to be some delay, and it was rumored that
efforts were then being made TO procure their
pardon. which it was hoped might prove sue
cessful, as all appeared anxious to be spared
the scene But soon two ambulances were
seen approaching, and the troops were called
to attention, and the band commenced play
inc dirge. Each prisoner occupied an am
1
bulance containing the coffin IN which he was
to be inferred, surrounded by guard OF armed
men. and followed by their respective chap
laiDs. They made a halt at the open graves
and the prisoners and collins were removed.
As these were arranged in due order, each
prisoner, as he was marched few steps IN
front with head uncovered, listened to the
reading of the alleged offence, and the finding
of the court. The prisoners were then asked
if they had anything to say, but they had no
remarks to make save Blowers, who asked to
sec his brother who belonged to the same
regiment and company with himself, but it
was found, on enquiry, that he was not pres
|
ent. The chaplains were then allowed to
proceed with their services As the 2nd
regiment is destitute Of chaplain, Rev. ID
A. Mack, the efficient Chaplain Of the Third
Regiment, had given careful attention to the
spiritual interests of the prisoner from that
regiment, and In connection with Chaplain
Hale, of the 9th regiment, oficiated on this
occasion. The prisoners reyerently knelt as
Chaplain Hale, followed by Chaplain Mack,
offered fervent prayer imploring in their be-
half, the pardoning mercies of God, through
the merits Of cruci6ed Redeemer. AS
these exercises closed, few words passed be-
tween the chaplains and the prisoners, the
former shaking hands and taking final leave
of them The prisoners then walked, each
to his coffin on which he knelt supported by
a stake. which had been driven there for the
purpose, on which he hung his hat, and to
which he held by his right hand. The guard
were marched to position in front of them,
an officer stepped forward and adjusted tar
get upon the bosom of each of the prisoners,
and then returned to his command. The
guard as directed, then made ready, took aim
and fired, and both prisoners fell at the dis
charge, pitching forward upon the ground.
The division marched around the spot where
thew Law and were afterward inferred, as it
was found upon due examination, that in each
case the shots we're fatal.
There was marked difference in the APP
pearance OF the prisoners, as they passed the
irving scene connected with their execution
Tague, appeared naughty and defiant. When
removing his hat to hear the reading Of his
sentence he threw it Indignantly upon the
ground, holding up his head with great appa-
rent frmness and bravado, and this spirit he
exhibited to the last, aud as soldier, we learn
be had been disobedient and troublesome.
Blowers appeared detected and sorrowful
but still bore up under the circumstances, with
manly fortitude We learn from his Chap
lain that he manifested during his confine-
ment, spirit of penitence and commendablC
anxiety for his spiritual interests. He was