Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-01-02
TuEsnAY. Dec. 2a. 1862.

An item or two of army matters. Col. Lord
Of the 9th Vermont and Capt. Hope of the
ID Vermont were honorably discharged on
the goth inst. Both due to bad health un-
questionably, as both have been officers of
great energy and good reputation. am au-
thorized. officially, to say that the Vermont
brigade Smiths acquired great credit at the
late battle at Fredericksburg. It's movement
was witnessed with admiration by large part
Of the army. The ID and Sd Vermont we're
attacked by three rebel regiments, but this
superiority in numbers on the part Of 'he
rebels was of no avail. They were beaten.
The fact is that our brigade performed its
share Of work for decisive victory but 9TH
er portions of the army were not so fortunate.
Gen. Bunside's report Of the affair at Fred
erioksburg is manly, frank and satisfactory
So far as satisfaction in any want Of success
is possible-and ! trust you have ere this
given it to the readers of the Journal lie
assumes the respous ,bllliy Of the movement
entirely and justifes it as being ground
ed in a reasonable prospect Of success The
failure was due to delay on account Of fog
and rain, which of course could not be avoid
ed, and that delay in the attack enabled the
enemy to concentrate his forces at the point
Of attack. The Government here, including
Gen. Haleck and the officers entrusted with
the duty Of furnishing supplies, it will be
seen. are free from all responsibility for the
affair. The supplies were up ahead OF the time
anticipated. and the advance was made earlier
than had been designed by the military au-
thorities here.
The cabinet is as it wasi nobody hurt
The President declined to accept the resigna-
tions, and Messrs. Seward and Chase resum-
ed their desks Ry the way, Secretary Chase
was under peculiar temptation to resign
personal attractions of the most powerful
sort. Intention of marriage by Salmon +.
Chase and the widow of the late Stephen A.
Louglas, was publish on Sunday last at
least so | have heen informed, This event
has been expected. Who would not prefer
tho honey -mouu 90 the homogeneous Of the
Treasury Department? What but patriotism
duty to the public can overcome the at
actions of domestic felicity Where is the
man who would not prefer, nay how many
who would not insist upon relief from
public cares, fol at least one year, as was the
custom in ancient days; But the Secretary
is true to the s,untry, and for that he deserves
good wife. l suspect that injustice was done
to Secretary Seward in the statement of the
first vote in the Senate caucus. The state
ment was that by 6 to IS the resignation o
the Secretary was asked. Its now said that the
reverse was the fact the resolution was neg
atiyed by that vote, when it was unanimously
agreed to suggest reconstruction oil the CAB
met. Another correction is due The Sen
Der Of the cabinet, nor revolution to cor
respond with the Democratic victories in The
late elections. l could not possibly conceive
how the last idea could be entertained b.
anybody, and am sure that no Republican
Senator ever entertained it. What was anC
is wanted was unity IN The cGbinet-a wei
defined and vigorous policy, vigorously ant
unanimously ana oersstently sustained. Tha
am persuaded is wat the Senate was after
and that hope will be secured. The Presi
dent, the cabinet, and the Senate now under
stand each other, and let us Sope that gooC
will come of it, Since am Oh the topic o
resignations, will add that there is grount
for believing that Gen. Burnside rendered hi
resignation with his admirable report, an,