Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-01-09

little to show save successful resistance W
a threatened attack from a large force OF reb-
ell cavalry, variously stated at from 1000 to
$500. The force which charged upon our
pickets could have been nothing more than
an advance guard, or party sent out to pro-
tect the left flank Of the main force which
was evidently making its way around through
Vienna towards Warrenton, as alternate red
and white rockets sent up occasionally by
them, showed their progress. Their object
seemed to be not so much to attack our posi-
tons as to capture suffers and other scores.
When at Burke's Station--on the railroad
from Fairfax Station to Aloxandria--the reb-
els took the telegraph operator prisoner be-
fore he could notify any one that they we're
upon him, and, putting an operator of their
own into the office, teegraphed to the officer
in charge of the stores at Fairfax Station that
the rebels were coming to cut him off, and
that he better load up his stores at once and
run them down to Alexandria, thinking pro-
badly to capture the train at Burke's Station.
The officer at Fairfax Station "smelt the rat,
and immed ately replied that he had a small
supply OF stores with him, but that he had
force enough to hold them. 1t is rumored
that other dispatches we're sent "to Washing
ton" as though it was not known that the
wires we're cut and in the hands of the enc
my; but Of this | can give you only the ru-
NOR.
Altogether Sunday night was one of ex-
perionce to the soldiers of this, the Second
Brigade They learned something Of the
manner they were to be handled in case of an
attack, and saw just enough, or at least were
brought Just near enough to, an engagement
a l.. -. s.. haA h.
come somewhat dissatisfied with their APP
parent inactivity, but are now satisfied that
they are doing efficient service IN holding pos
session Of this place. They were slow to be-
lieve that any attack in this direction would
be attempted by the rebels; but now that it
has really been made, and that too from the
direction of Washington, where it was least
of all looked for, they can see ttat they are
doing real service in their country's cause
Another good has resulted from it they can
but see that in Gen. Stoughton we have a
skillul and experienced leader, one who is
ever watchful and ready for an attack, come
from whichever direction it may. The ad-
mirable manner in which the troops were
posted, and their positions changed during
the night, to meet the various demonstrations
which we're made by the rebels, is praised by
those in the brigade who have seen service
before. The soldiers of this brigade have
now renewed their confidence in their COM
mani and we hope that our commander
has proved that he can place confidence in
the soldiers of his brigade.
will not repeat to you the various rumors
that have prevailed in camp since that Sunday
uight,--it is now Saturday afternoon--for as
a general rule very little confidence can be
placed in camp rumors. This much, how
ever, | will say we have been almost con-
stantly under orders to be ready to march at
a minute 5 notice. Officers and men, have
had their things packed or in readiness to
pack, and two days rations in readiness for
any emergency but there has been no occa-
sions for calling us out. A cavalry force is
constantly scouting the country around TO
guard against any surprise but whether
they have discovered the enemy in any con-
siderable force, ytnHor only makes answer, and,
the telegraph gives you as much of rumOrs
as of truth, will not add to the " stock in
trade which you already possess. l suspect
that there is r,o very large rebel force near
us, but that the cavalry force which passed
around in our rear has made its way out in
the direction or NNarrenton, though Of this |
cannot speak from actual knowledge.
The health OF the regiment is generally
good, though there are few cases in the hospi-
tai. quite ss,,r,,,-~, -, ,h'- -,-s--- ------
from duty by the surgeon, or oh light duty,
by reason of colds and other causes which
arc probably but temporary. The men are
all in good spirits and ready for every duty.
few have been obliged to make application
for discharges by reason OF disabilities pro-
euced by the long and latiguing marches to
which we have subjected, but | have yet to
find one who does not regret that be is oblig-
ed to leave his company
The morning after the regiment left Camp
Vermont for this place, company q. from
Berkshire,) met with serious loss in the
death Of their Captain-Capt. Marvin White
Of West Enosbuygh. This Company has,
from some cause, been particularly unfortu-
nate in the amount OF sickness and number
of deaths that have occurred in it. Their
Second Lieut.. was left sick in the hospital at
Brattleboro' when the regiment left Vermont,
and has since been mustered out Of service.
The death Of Capt White leaves but one
commissioned officer in the Company-First
Lieut. Williams. The vacancies have not yet
been filed. Company b, from Waitsheld)
have also lost another member by death
Carlos Reed Of Watsfeld. 70 those who
knew young Reed | need not say one word in
bis praise. He was universally respected and
loved by all who knew him, and his loss is
one that can but be felt by his company, and
by the community in which he had lived. A
bright and shining light has been called to its
long home. Happy will be those who prac-
tice his precepts and follow his examples.
You have already noticed the resignation Of
Quartermaster Aldrich. We all regretted his
loss for he had proved himself capable and
efficient officer, and the boys all appreciated
his untiring labors for their comforts aud
90 strictly scrupulous was he as to their
rights and needs that he was Familiarity known
among them as "Old Honesty" His loss,
however, is compensated for as far as it is
possible, by the promotion Of QUartermaster
Sergeant n A. Taylor to the position of
Quartermaster, and also Of Commissary Ser
geant Guy Smith to be Quartermaster Ser
geant. James G.. Lamb has been appointed
Commissary Sergeant in place of Guy Smith
promoted.
had thought to give you an account of a
visit to the Bull Run battlefield, where our
armies met with their decisive repulse, but
the length of this letter compels me to defer
it until the next time write. Ii not ordered
to march again soon, you may look for it in
a few days. A.o.B.