Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1863-11-26
From tho First yerm ons Artillery.
CAMP NEAR WASHINGTON, d. G. }
Nov. Goth, 1868. (


EDITOR RUTLAND HERALD:-We have
our new barracks nearly completed and
are now quartered in them. They are 100
20 feet and each building will accom-
modate $50 men. Each company has also
a large mess room and kitchen, which,
with our comfortable quarters, makes sol
diering in the LIST Vt. Artillery rather
pleasant business. The hospital has been
enlarged, and our sick are as comfortable
as they could be at home. The health of
the regiment is good, and our new surgeon
proves to be the "right man in the right
place."
Recruits are arriving quite fast, and we
begin to believe that the regiment will
soon be filled to the maximum, Between
thirty and forty joined Capt. Walkers
battery 3D. last week.
Several deserters have recently returned
to the regiment, some of them voluntarily,
and others have been arrested and brought
back to be tried for desertion. One who
deserted from Battery B several months
ago, was brought back under guard last
week. A Battery G man who was SEN
fenced last April to three years hard la
Dor on the Government works, without
pay, and escaped, has been pardoned by
the President, and is now doing duty with
! his company. He obtained pardon
through the interoession of his wife.
About two weeks since the commission
ed and non-commissioued officers of the
regiment presented Lieut.. Col. r. G. Ben
ton beautiful sash belt and sabre valued
at $3.50. The presentation speech was
made by Capt. Aldace F. Walker, to which
Col. B. responded in an eloquent and feel
ing manner. s .-..s
Among the notables who have recently
visited the regiment, is MAJ. Gen. Augsr,
commanding the department duriag the
absence of Gen. Heistlelman. The forts
occupied by ear regiment are kept in such
order that we are not ashamed to have
them Inspected at any time and by any
officer. -
/ suppose active Preparations are gong
| on in Vermont TO resist the draft, by vol
pnteering, hope Vermont viii raise her
quota BY the frst Of JANUARY and avoid
the necessity of draft in our noble little
State. The young men who remain at
home at such time as this, when
the country is struggling for its very life,
are taking upon themselves fearful re-
sponsibility. Our existence as nation
depends upon our young men, and it is the
sacred duty of every young man to give
himself to his country in this hour Of peril.
The cause of liberty and humanity de-
mands the sacrifice. The Government has
made every reasonable provision for vol
unteers. The poor man can leave his FAM
lily in better circumstances, pecuniarily,
than he can place them in by remaining
at home, and the bounties paid for volun-
teers are sufficient to give a young man a
good start in life. 1t is therefore for the
pecuniary interest of every young man to
lend a hand in crushing this attempt to
destroy the liberties of a nation.
The recent Union victories at the ballot
box, in several states, have inspired the
hearts of our soldiers with new hopes and
courage. Our army is encouraged to see
those at home display the Union colors.
We think, however, that 100000 more
can be spared to reinforce the army, with
out seriouslyimpairing our chances to elect
a loyal man for our next President. The war
must go on till we can gain peace which
shall secure to every man his rights. War
may cripple our industry, decimate our
cities, cost hundreds of thousands of brave
lives, and hundreds of millions of dollars,
yet the cry of every truly loyal man will
be, Onward to victory. This is the voice
that reaches US from every camp in our
army; ii is the cry that comes up from