Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-10-30
Wednesday morning we again started

tuheNudy mOrnlng we aSain otaileu
towards Bull Run, and as usual the reb-
els commenced operations in our rear
but this time they skirmished with the
ID corps which came in from Brandy
Station and camped about three mile:
from Greenwich Tuesday night. The
lighting on this day was the most impor-
tant and decisive of anything we had as
the rebels seemed to redouble their ef
forts to cut off our trains as we neared
the Qualifications about Manassas juno
ton and Bull Run. We forded Broad
Run and Bull Run ID safety and encamp-
ed for the night in as good condition as
could be expected after so much march
ing, and yesterday our division came to
this place, the remainder of the corps
proceeding to Fairfax Station. A few
stray shells burst near US when we first
arrived here yesterday, but to day all is
quiet and we are making ourselves as
comfortable as possible in a rain storm.
Our regiment has not as yet been en-
gagged, in fact there has been no general
engagement. There is one thing / think
Gen. Meade fully capable Of, that is,
conducting a retreat if retreat il must be
called We kept quietly on our way,
stopping for our meals and rest as uncon-
oernedly as though all was right and at
no time was there any confusion or rush,
AT one time when we were near Manas-
sas junction our brigade was called back
about two miles to assist the rear guard
but did not reach the scene of strife, as
the enemy was repulsed and we were or.
dercd on again.
l have conversed with several who
were in action Monday and Tuesday,
and as near as can learn Fitzpatrick
succeeded in capturing 600 prisoners on
Monday. have also learned that in the
previously mentioned charge on The first
division fifteen rebels were killed and as
many left on the field wounded, and that
but one Union soldier was killed and six
wounded. The result of Tuesdays fight
ing was capturing from the enemy ten
pieces of cannon and several hundred
prisoners. The killed and wounded was
heavier on both sides than either of the
days previous. | have heard nothing
from that portion of the army that was
near the Rapidan; only hope that they
have got through "a safely as this portion
has.
The time hiss now doubtless come when
another great responsibility rests upon
this army, and l hope and trust that it
will be equal to the emergency. Prison
ers state that Lee has advanced with a
heavy force and is determined to conquer
or perish in the attempt. | think the
reasoning contained in an article pub
lished in the Standard few weeks ago
was correct, and that Lee is now doing
what was then predicted he would do
Time will only show the result.
The health of the regiment is now
quite good, the boys standing the march
ing much better than they did in August,
those long suItry days. The jadel step.
and wan, tired countenance, is now sup
planted by the firm, elastic step and keen
eye so essential in a soldier. There are
now three men from our company una
bic to march who are carried in an am
buIance; they are not seriously i'll.
If in the course Of future events any
thing transpires that will be likely to in
terest, l will try and write again.
Yours truly,
j, N. DAGGETT.