Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-06-12
Our arutu Correspondence.
IRON THE EI0HTH REGIMENT.
In THE FIELD, ALExANDRrA,LA.,
Nav 18th. 1868.

MAY num- 1910.
Editor Wdtchmdn We receive your pa
per regularly, but see no correspondence from
this portion of Dixie. From the commence
ment this has been the most full De-
partment in the Country, and the Govern
ment has received greater benefits and at the
least expense than in any other. Under
Gen. Buffers regime, when he with stern rule
crushed out the accession malaria in New
Orleans, and with few troops held sway
over a large portion Of Louisiana; almost
innumerablo benefits accrued to our Govern
ment and many Golfers fell into the Treasury
The country appreciates Gen Buffers course,
and can assure you his old troops would
respond with laundering welcome, if he
could return to US
We have noticed a congratuatory address
of Gen. Banks, issued after the battles at
Camp Birland and Indian Bend. on the Tcohe
In this order or address, he carries the idea
that the new troops which he brought out
with him, accomplished the work and routed
the rebels in the above engagements, for he
says " in three months you have be-
come soldiers" &c. Now | wish to say that
the brigades which fought the rebels were
not his troops, but were troops that came out
with Gen. Butler, and who by years ser
vice in this Department, amid the dangers,
lsbors and trials, had made them the best and
most disciplined troops here. Look at the
battle at Camp Birland. Gen. Weitzel's
forces did the work here. His brigade con-
sists of the Sth VT. 18th New York. 10Th
Connecticut, and l60th New York, all But
ler's men but the last. At the fight at In
dian Bend the 18th Connecticut, LIST Louisa
ma, and one or two other old regiments did
the fighting. ! don't wish to find fault or de-
preciate the men who composed Banks Ex-
petition, by no means, for they are good men
and will make good soldiers. But wish no
injustice done the old troops, for ! believe
"honor should be given to whom honor is
due The old troops have performed good
work, and ali ask Is to give them the credit
that they have won
The 9Th Vermont has the post of honor in
Gen. Weitzer brigade, and has held the right
and advance, throughout the triumphant
march from Brashear City to Alexandria
Col Thomas. has been acting Brig Gen. for
the last few days, and Gen. Weitzel, acting
Maj. Gen. The Colonel has shown himself
brave and cool commander, throughout the
several skirmishes and engagements, we have
been in, and star would set gracefully upor
his shoulders.
We are now nearly 800 miles from New
orleans ana nave opened the garden OF Louis
ina, so it is now travelled by Union soldiers
We have secured millions Of dollars worth o.
cotton, and large amount of sugar, which
Gen. Banks has confscated for the benefit o
the Government, also large stock Of cattle
horses and mules. We leave here in a da
or two and are going down the Red river, t
Port Hudson, to take part in the attack OF
that place. 1t is strong place to attack an,
bloody battle must insue before we cal
take the place, and have serious doubts a
bout our being able to reduce the fortress a
all. The natural defences are almost insur
mountable. Yet we shall move on with th
best Of intentions.
The health Of our regiment is as good a
could be expected. We have about hundred
and fifty on sick list,-but few dangerousl
however. We are all eager to return to on
homes but not as long as secession holds nj
it's head. When the rebellion dies then W
shall be ready to bid adeu to Dixie, and re
turn to those we love, until then, conside
us as humble servants of good Uncle Sam
Yours, g.