Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1863-06-23

there was but one brigade besides our division.
We had batteries placed in position in front Oi
Us. ALI this time the rebels remained perfectly
quiet, except now and then random shot on
picket. No doubt the rebels had batteries that
could have annihlatsd as il they had seen it to
have opened on our men, but Tor some reason
they remsined quiet 1t was strange move
II we were going to attack, why waltz II not,
what were we going to do The best solution
we could get Of /" the situation " was sha. we
were only feeling to soc II the rebel forco was
still there, and il not, pitch into them; if We
found they were, va meant 10 keep them there
to watch us. The Richmond Sentinel Of day
before yesterday, that we borrowed Of rebel
picket, says that tho whole affair is probably
rass, bat II says II we advance, we shall surely
be driven back n
Sunday night We fell into line, and after wait
ing for long column to come up from the river
who were to relieve us, wo crossed back again
to this side. We pitched our tents on the high
bluffs that overlook the plain on both sides Of
the river--ths Stafford Hills, and remained in
easy supporting distance Of our troops across
the river. The rebels took pains yesterday to
demonstrate that even this place Is not out Of
their range, by sending few shots pluDging
through the camp IN manner quite the reverse
Of pleasant Idslike occupying camp where
our safety depends upon the magnonimouS for
bearance Of our foe. Bot we have artillery
further up toward the city that is capable of
teaching thom wholesome lesson any time their
actions may call for it, fd
Monday night We were ordered to 90 on pick
ct. We we're to be posted away down the river,
nobody knew where's bu. long before midnight
We found the right place and got duly posted.
The rebels occupy one bank and We the other.
Yesterday was on post, and We held long
conversation with them. They were frank and
candid in their talk, and expressed feelings in
regard to the war very similar to those expressed
BY our boys on this side They were tired Of it
they said and our boys responded an amen. The
corporal suggested in an oa-hand kind Of way
that wc privates got together and pare of,
each one going to his own home. and let the
war take care of itself. The idea tickled them
amazingly. As far as they were concerned they
would willingly do 30, but they supposed there
was no other way but to fight it out as things
were now. They told us II we would use GER
tain Sign when We met on the battlefield, they
would spare US. They asked what regiments
we belonged to, and when we told them they
sid they had befsd Of Us before they were
North Csrolnians Some South Carolinians
came down to the river and we asked them what
they were fighting for. They said We ought to
know, and refused to give direct answer. Is
was in vain to repeat the question, the reply
was the same" you ought to know" We
told them they were Sighting 10 save their mig
gers, which they seemed ~ resent little. The
niggeu might 90 TO h., it wssn's them they
werc fighting for.
They wanted 10 know why We didn't sd-
vance. We told them they ought TO advance
on US. They said they did the last time, sad now
il was our turn. They ssid when We FRS, crossed
over, Friday night, We might have taken the
nights, as there was bot few men there the
main army under Lee having gene down the
river to counteracsa movement they supposed
We were making in that direction. Butn sosn
As they heard We were moving here they hur-
risd up their men with al possible dispatch and
now IL would be impossible to take them. Thsy
had some papers which they were very anxious
to exchange. We asked them the news from
yicksburg, and they replied that il WAS very "a
vorable for their side. They said Pemberton
would hold it till he had eaten his last dog be.
fore hs would surrender. They said Grant and
Banks had los! nearly 10000 men trying TO
storm the works at vcksburs and Port Hudson.
They held the newspaper in their hand that had
an account Of il. | had in my pocket the Sun
day Morning Chronicle (wsshiDgsoD) and a
Fireman week old which offered 10 give them
If they would come across with their papers
and, besides this, other boys offered to give them
a. much cofee.ss they could carry back. We
would lot them 90 back in good faith. One fel.
low started, but the whole thing was spoiled by
Lieut. woostsr's coming along JUS. then aud
ordering him back. II vas against the orden
on both rides 10 talk across the river, much less
to swim across We told him to wait awhile
till the officers got out Of sisht, Il hope Lieut..
Wooster won's SEQ this lcttsr)snd then he could
come across, but no favorable opportunity offer
cd. FATHER down the rivera fellow crossed,
exchanged papers with shem and had friendly
chat. They shook hands cordially, and Cns Of
Tered TO 20 and get q blsnke, to cover him while
he stayed ths, be nigh, not take cold. After
he had stayed there as long as he thought
proper these aiiec.iouate enemies shook hands,
bld each other good BY and parted. Thsmorn-
ing corporal went over and got paper which
was printed yesterday in Richmond. He car
red over N. Y. Herald, the Boston Post. and
las, week'sWindsor Journal. The rebels have
been respectful and courteous, ready to talk sen
, sbly on any subject, and they are ready, too
, to backguard and 6ght II We choose. wa
highly pleased With our social visit couldn'
> help thinking hs great pity that We should
have to shoe, such good hearted fellows.
I -sms,,r IA fe.B rgsn sl. ASrrRsssL.
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