The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1863-05-09
nltsrellanp.
A Soldiers Letter-No 90.
CAMP NEAR WHITE OAK CHURCH, Va,

April g.
EDITOR FREEMAN We have not moved from
our old camp yet although we came near it
once that we considered it foregone conclusion
Last week every possible preparation was made
for such an event; the usual orders were read,
some more stringent and particular than ever be-
fore. The order in regard to struggling was read
by the adjutant to each company separately, be-
sides being read, according to usual custom, on
dress parade twice. Great stress was laid upon
the importance of preventing practice so demor-
alizing and weakening 20 the army. Regimental
and Company officers were to be held responsible
and, besides other puuishments threatened leaves
of absence and furloughs would be withheld from
those regiments where struggling was permitted
The order in regard to rations informed US
that we must each of us carry eight days rations
of bread, coffee and sugar, three days ratons of
meat-the remaining five days ratons of meat
were to be taken along on the hoof. This was
making far greater provision for ourselves than
had ever before been required Of u.s. and seemed
to bode heavy, fatigung loads for our backs, or
else extreme destitution in the matter of blankets
and extra clothing. We were not exactly order
ed, but very strongly advised, to take only our
rubber blankets, and leave our woollen ones in
the care of the Quartermaster. Everything else
except change Of underclothing, must be left.
Once before we had been ordered to send off 10
Washington everything worth saving that could
possibly be dispensed with in a summer campaign.
We thought we had been remarkably self-sacri
hcng and had stinted ourselves to the lowest pos
slbe extreme, but this order pressed us down an
other notch. Some sent off their woollen blan-
kets and even their dress coats,-ther oyercoats
had beeh sent off before. They saved nothing
but their rubber blankets and their blouse coats.
or fatigue jackets. Others determined to keen
their wooen blankets at all hazards and if sorelv
weighed down on the march, they could throw
them away. lnasmuch as we didn't move these
saw the wisdom of their decision. Those that
sent OFT all their things console themselves with
the philosophy that they are as well off in Camp
without them, as they would be on the march.
But all OF our preparations were nothing, as
ing, though, to be in camp like ours on the eve
Of march, and hear the debates, suggestions, and
decisions in regard to a thousand little valuables
whether they should be left behind or carried.
Things OF no special merit, but which had contrib
uted to our comfort or convenience, were heed
IeSsly throw aside or destroyed. Many an article
that few days before would have been gladly
bought at high price, were at once valueless and
could not be given away. Often knapsack
would have to be unpacked and its contents sort
ed over and over again, and other articles select.
ed out and doomed to stay behind, TO the no small
'Sret of the wistful owner. No bigger articles
IAN can for butter, or frying-pan would be
made the subject OF earnest debate, but the ques-
Won, how can we get along without them P" was
confronted by one still more inexorable "How
can we carry themP" If we only knew where we
were going but we did not know that, and it
was wisdom to prepare for the worst That night
II ia'ned like deluge, and marching the next day
vas rendered impractcable. 1t would be the
mereSt guesswork, to undertake to tell when we
again.
Inc boys were never in better spirits or in
''''ef health than now, and they were never in
U'''ef condition to endure the fatigues of march
'1'n at the present time. But very few of the
''" are on the sick list and those that are are
m 'y recruits who are not yet fully acclimated.
tha;,