Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1863-07-28
Alisrellallp.
A Soldiers Letter No. 81.

0yfIE BATTLE-FIELD NEAR GETTYSBURG, Pa, !
July Sd, 1868.
HrJR FREEMAN; Once more we have met
tie tnemy, or oyertsken him, whichever you
pleas to have il, and once more issing shells
and histng bullets are filing the cir with their
dsa3s music. Gen Lee has transferred, as he said
hsxtald, the war from Virginia into Pennsylya MIA
| bu Il sheiher It will result in such overwhelming
ti2aer to US, and such triumphant success to him,
" predicted remains.to be seen. Perhaps
qsls the reverse will happen. Long before this
aa bach you the event will probably be decided,
end n the particulars generally known. While
vsu ue waiting here in position, in line Of battle
lHs no better way TO hurry off the time than to
VII ypa Of our long aud severe march from BEis'
sos Station to this place.
W. had staid there five days. All was quiet
lloug the lines during the time, afording US
smpk opportunity for leisure and rest more than
wreally needed. Herein is the great objection
pcamp life; when we rest we have more rest
hn we require, and when we are called upon to
b. have more action than any necessity OF
kphysioal being demands, decidedly more than
iDcnations ask for. Regular drills had be-
rn 10 be inaugurated al Brstow, and things
boxed little as il they were going to fall back
bio BE- old channel OF camp duties. Still, there
ksn<d to te an air Of mystery about our move
fsat and position that seemed little strange
6dkArd to account for. Teams came up there
ahlsupplies very shyly, and quickly retreated
Pdkio place of safety, Something evidently
nssrong. 1t really looked as # our Command
kg 0tneral had become bewiIdered at the bold
ni&y Of his adversary. and hardly knew what
dowith US. We saw no enemy, guarded no
Rifod, and why we're we here Drilling seemed
wr bad grace, and the boys would not inte-
M nemselyes in il. Gen. Howe drilled US by
b xhos division three hours Wednesday, the
g btore we left, but we failed to give him salts.
Asuor, and another division drill was ordered
aaufay, in place Of our drills by battalion but
Fngtse of more serious practical moment.
iM day orders were received to march at !
shA 7. NJ, and at o'clock we started. All
mNek it had been dry and hot; now it com.
rud to rain as we commenced our Journey
vHng US all the luxury Of another nights march
slippery mud. We made pretty good time
suer, and reached Cenireyille about o'clock
Wmornlng We spread down our blanket:
VI saturated ground aud soon forgot rain
A'chs and everything else 10 sound, refreshing
m~r. Our time for sleep was short, but we
otfhe most oft. As soon as the earliest day.
nappeared we we're ordered to pack up, and
'npI breakfast or Coffee started on in the d.
w OF Leesburg. The Second Vermont Brig.
~ camped that night but short distance
aCentresille, and as good luck would have il
Fessd directly by them. | never could ac'
'atof it exactly, but it actually so happened
shen we were opposite their camp the col
nhlied. giving us an excellent chance 10 see
Nqnain,anees in that brigade. 1t was the
dhe the two bngades had been together, and
stme there was a confused, noisy clatter o.
w. that might have iivaled Babel ITSELF
~ order, /" Forward march," put an end tc
andly greetings, and we left them with mu-
&"ings and wishes Of good luck in the cri
M seemed impending. They were to follow
'asy said, and join us in the next fight. Even
r. | write, the story Is being told Of theiI
'es aud success in yesterdays battle, and to
afy are engaged again. No doubt they vii
tgood account Of themselves.
NC not the time to write OF all saw, or tn,
ssteed march, and perhaps If had no on
take the trouble to read il. In order 10 SCI
4preeiate everything in beautiful country
Na'YIand, one needs 10 march through il viii
pA'y TO eighty pounds Of luggage strapped
oaek, and then everything that looks lik
or enjoyment stands out in bolder relic
efy contrast AT any rate, in such case
have realizing sense of distance, ina'
&c his transportation is SO dearly paid for.
H. reached Drainsve that night, hayln
d according to the best testimony Of tn
and guide boards, about thirty miles
tho mud asd rain, We camped ths
l. ''n the woods, and as soon as it was light "
'n our way again. Many fell out in thu
and had to be brought along in ambuai
who had always been equal to any cme
I oeiore. ! saw some feet there that nigh
they had been on me, should cOnsid'
. Pns their duty faithfully, and Il II lay b.