The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1863-01-06
Thirteenth Regiment, Vermont Volunteers.
CAMP NEAR FAIRFAX COURT HOUSE, Va.
December 3lst 1862

had some little excitement out of the common
run. On Sunday, about o'clock P. NJ, we we're
ordered to take two days rations, and be ready to
I" fall in" alta moments notice, 10 light marching
order. The order soon came to fall in, which we
accordingly did; and after marching some two
miles, we were filed to the left, and passed through
Fairfax Court House, until We came to some o id
entrsn .hmenis thrown up to the right and left Of
the road leading to Alexandra. We were drawn
up in line of battle behind them, and, with Con-
necticut battery in the center, awaited the ap.
proach OF Stuart's Rebel Cavalry in large force.
How they came there was mystery; but there
they were, and We we're ready for them The
18th were on the lef. OF the road, and the 18th
still further to the rgh. OF ~, the battery in the
center commanding the main road, and the 18th
RHg't on the left. Two companies of the 18th
were thrown out az skrmishers to the tront, and
took position in the woods near the road. Our
Colonel came along ssoa after, and called 70.
twenty good men from Co. H to support the
battery. Up sprung twenty Of our boys under
command Of Capt. Peck and Lie1t Slaytcn.
They were taken from the right of the Company
with Sergeant Stowe, your humble servant act.
ing as Orderly, our Orderly being quite sick in
camp. We waitca some two hours, when the
secesh made their appearances. They built a large
FIRE, unanswered around il considerable, when
Gen. Stouehton advanced to the front to recon-
noiter. On tbs return he told the boys to drop
one shell right where they were seen. 1t was
accordingly done, and from the skedaddling that
took place you would think their courage was not
up to the sticking-poir', Col. Randall rode along
the l.ney and cautioned the boys to keep quiet and
COOL. and stana to their guns, which they obeysd
TO the letter. Three more shots were fred by
the battery of Parrot guns, when oil was still an
tcipasing reply, but none came Previous 10
opening With artillery, our pickets were attacked
aud they fred on a body of cavalry, who then
made charge, and with yell rushed on our re.
serve. But our boys me. them, and fred vol
ssytnat told, and made them about face and re-
treat s-aras c.9v--5 tfn .a@ -ao5ks lol.ao 8a.
In-tAs morning, Capt. Peek and several of the
boys went out to learn the news, and see the
sigsa They heard from man, 10 whose house
shegebel officers stepped some time, tina. they
were a part Of Ssuarts cavalry, who had hoped to
make raid aud surprise W., but missed it sadly
this time. A horse was found without an owner,
and some clsthirg. Pistols, letters, and also
quantities Of blood we're seen in places show
Ing that our skots had made some havoc among
,hstn. In the morning We returned to our camp,
xssrisd and sleepy With our nights watching and
excitement. Do
Ihavc to report in Go. H, on the sick lst,
Russsil. Wkselock, Orderly White, Sergeant Me-
Knight, Corporal White, sud E. Bailey. The
toys are to be mustered in for pay to-day, and all
10 preparation accordingly. A thorough inspec-
zion is to be had of each mans IN. equipments,
clothing, tents, quarters, &c. ........5
We had q short sermon Thanksgiving day,
and also one On last Sabbath which were interest
isesud beneficial to the boys generally. We
enjoyed our Thanksgiving dinner of salt pork
and hard crackers, and coffee without sugar.
THabk qof that, al 'ye thar dwell in vermout at
che present time, and remember US at your next
AoKdsy msal. IlL2 III IHlLEaO
The ws.shsr here is .slerably eseb- and bag
been pleasant for some little time, bat now looks
q il preparing to rain, which will NO doubt sup
plxt, with mud such as Virgin. only can furnish
free gratis. .atae1aT ban
The d5th are doing picketduty near Centre,
vile, ard were in general good health at last &C.
counts, with but few sick IN tbs hospital. The
18th are near by, and also the l4th.