The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1863-01-30
From Convalescent Camp.
New CONvALEsCENT CAMP, Va, }
Jan %. 1863.

NEW CONEALESCENT CAMP, Va, (
Jan %, 1868.
Mr. EDITOR Il have Just received the
Caledonian of the 10th inst, in which l no.
tice letter flom G. S. in relation to this
camp, who is DESTROYS of information. Per-
haps was not sufficiently explicit in my for
mer letters, and if | had been a little more
personal in regard to the officers of this
camp, l might have given better satisfaction.
But if any who are DESTROYS to know why
did not give the names of officers wao are
blamable, if he will read the 9th Article OF
War perhaps he can guess.
l will answer few of G. SIS questions as
they are such as many might ask with good
reason. The reason why list Of men with
what they needed, could not be given, is, the
men would rather, suffer than have it pub
lished all over the state, that he had no
socks, pair of drawers or shirt. The
thing was tried, but as soon as the men found
what it was for, they utterly refused to tell
what they wanted. Men that will not tell
their intimate friends what they want,
wouldn't be very likely to wish the public to
know it.
In regard to men selling their clothing TO
" satisfy greedy desire for pie l would
say it was not really for the want Of food
but because, with the exception OF bread
their rations were delivered to them uncook-
ed and they had no wood to cook them with.
Why men should sell clothing and then
freeze, can answer only by asking the ques-
ton, Why will men spend every cent 0!
their wages when there IS apparently nI
need for it ? get trusted what they can? in a
word, why are there SO many thoughtles'
men, not to use harsher term, say fools fol-
instance, in the world Some mems appe-
tites are stronger than everything else. if not
why do We have so many drunkards?: men
that will sell the last morsel OF food cut OF
their childrens mouths to crafty appetite
My statement in regard to the wants Of the
men were not colored in the least.
Ii regard to Col Beknap, think he is q
man that means to do his duty whether
Sergt Collins ever expressed a different
opinion. cannot say, bat have heard hin
say the same thing that have said and think
he will now Ia regard to the officers over
him. it would not be pro?er or safe for me &c
name them, being soldier ard subject tC
the rules and regulations Of tie army,
should be very glad to do 50 # it was real,
my duty as an obedient soldier.
There are many reasons why men suffer ir
camp; soUue men are tyranical, and care
nothing for the sutier.nss of others. Som,
are Incompetent for the position which the!
fill, and of course 90 their duty imperfect!
OF worse than If they di,. not 90 i at all
others are thougLtess an! careless, and ap
parently seem to care bat little only for then
own comfort and enjoyment Then. ask:
some one. why are not these men removed
and new ones put in their places? For tn.
reason that the commanding officer cannot
remove men from idle rumor, Oh complaint.
Of the men. Either the men must get up {
proper petition signed by Sufficient numbe!
which By officers in the regular army anC
many of the volunteer army, would be treat
ed as design to set up an Instruction
( and then the commanding officer must call ;
board Of inquiry and have it investigated
Everything in the army has 70 80 through
50 macy forms that it deters many from do
ing that, which, If it promised quicker anC
more Just decision in The end, would be Of
tene, resorted 10.
VI present Col Beknap is away or fur
Tough, and Lent Saml. Mckelrey of Gen
Ilientzeman'> staff is in command. Whe,h
er he is better man toan Col Belknlp,
cannot tell at present.
While write this. the Vermont boys mos
of them. who were in this camp are now il
! their own state where they can be we'll caret
/ for g.