The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1863-01-09
(From the Messenger.)
The Sixteenth Vermont Regiment.
In CAMP NEAR FAIRFAX

marked that this world is constant in nothing but
change. This is more emphatiealy true of those
who are doomed to the vicisstudes of camp life.
1t may be said in regard to us all, that we know
not what day may bring forth, but here in Vir-
GINA, we are learning this truth with an empha-
sis, to which those in ordinary life are strangers.
Here we have sudden changes and we know not
for what reasons, and we start upon marches, not
knowing Vhither Toe go. We have changed our
encampment since our last writing, but we still
remain in the same section, and the headquarters
of our brigade remains at Fairfax Court House
This old building is now but mere she'll, and
nothing interior indicates the purpose for which
it has been SO long used in the history of Fair
fax County. The upper story and inside petitions
have been torn out, and the large space there
made is frequently filled with quartermaster's
stores.
Our Lieut. Col: Cummings is now acting as
Provost Marshal at this place, and the building
DE occupies near the Court House contains large
deposit of county records and papers. From
this we con ecture, was stolen the Will of Wash
ington, which has recently turned up in an Eng
lish Museum as rare trophy. Many of those
papers which we infer are regarded as of little
value, are now promiscuously piled in the hall, and
some are being secured as relics of antiquity, by
some Of eur boys We have seen some dated
more than century ago.
Our present camping ground is very pleasant
1t was pine grove when selected, with dry soil
and warm location, giving US great security from
the bleak winds which rudely rake this section at
this season Of the year. The trees have been
Trimmed out leaving only few to ornament our
streets. If we remain here only a short time
longer we shall have very comfortable quarters
prepared, as the men improving all their
easure time in stockadlng their tents, and improv-
ing their quarters. Every day we spend here, so
far as we know, may be our last. At the check
Of Burnsine some of the troops en- route to rein,
force him. fell back as faras Fairfax station and we
were informed that it was probable that this place
might again be filled with Sigel's troops, and we
might be ordered to some other position, but ru-
NOR says that reserves are again on the move and
if the weather tavors, there may still be an advance
our check at Fredericksburgh.
There is nothing In the weather, at the present
time, to render the movement Of troops impracti
cable. The rainy season seems to be delayed,
and if the time is vigorously improved, our army
may yet make their winter quarters at Rich
mond. The troops have not lost in the least,
t heir anxiety for an onward movement by this re-
cent disaster, but they still seem more anxious
to make another trial of their strength with the
foe where they can have an open field and fair
fight. They conjecture that there is way to
which does not obige them to pass
through the entertainments at Frederick burgh.
The great trial Of the soldier here is state of in
activity in which he is spelling for chance to
serve his country in active conflict with its treach-
erous foes. 1t is true that we are meeting with
fevsrses, and our fondest hopes in regard to our
success, seem to be strangely deferred, bat still
we have the right i'll the cause, and all the means
to prosecute this war to successful issue. Our
misforunes will prove our national blessings, i'll
we make right improvement upon them. There
are some national lessons which we still need to
learn, and shall be more likely to imbibe them in
adversely than prosperity.
Our pickets here are occasionally reminded of
their proximity to the foe by some dash of the
rebel cavalry. A few days since number of gov.
eminent wagons, laden with provisions were
bounced upon but few miles from this and taxi en-
by the enemy. 1t is not presumed that there is
force enough near here to do more than occasion.