Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-12-11
From the Eleventh Regiment.
FORT SLEMMER, d. c., }
November 25th. 1868. I

DEAR OLD BOSS Two hours ago
got my writing materials and was about to
commence letter, when sod guards
fall in for skirmish drill' echoed through
the barracks. That meant me, for was
one, and was obliged to shut my port
folio and lower myself from my bunk 10
the floor. buckled on my straps, and
after getting a supply of blank cartridges,
| took my gun and fell in. We deployed
right and left, and secured the whole hog
pasture south of the Fort. We succeed
ed in driving from their favorite roofing
spot, three swine, who, when they saw US
advancing and heard the report of our
fusees, became terrified, and with their
ears and tails on a line with the north
pole, darted off like rabbits, and ran vio-
lently down the hill until out of view.
Having accomplished our object, we fell
back and waited until after dress parade,
when the whole company went out. The
line was extended alongside the rail fence,
but this time nary pig could we find.
The skirmish drill is new thing to US,
and we cared more for the drill than for
the hog activity. And again we with
drew, fully satisfied of having learned
something new.
November Goth.
To-day, if mistake not, is the day
appointed by Gov. Smith as thanksgiv-
ing day. We can imagine our friends,
at home, seated around the old family ia
BILE, feasting on the fatted turkey, plum
puddings and many other things OF deli
cious taste. we can wish ourselves there,
as many have, "just for today" but wish
ing will not carry us there. We shall
have to wait until the war is outlawed or
played out.
This morning the regiment met at Fort
Slommer where we had battalion drill,
ending in dress parade. The Govern
or's proclamation was read by Adjulant
Burrows, also the promotion of Captain
Hunsden Of battery B, to Major. This
leaves Capt. Rice the ranking Captain,
and battery F the ranking battery of the
regiment. The morning was one of the
keenest ones we have had, which caused
the boys to show signs of occasional slight
shivers. The Captain noticed this, and
said, " Never mind, boys, I've got a bar
rel of beer for you when we get home"
And so when we arrived home we drank
to the health of Capt. Rice, and long life
10 the American Union.
But, perhaps / ought not to speak of
he beer as matter ofimportdnce," for
fear that Peter the Great may STEEL it his
duty in justice to battery F." and to "cor-
rect false statement" TO send forth an
other of his four-faced, high-fown COM
Of harmless thunder, with
MS pen plunged into the essence of
'creech-owl, declaring me not only al
'eady son the road to ruin" but falsi,
ying counterfeiter of the truth, as he did
! few months ago, when made mention
# the fact that whiskey was issued to
he regiment, when he came down upon
ne like seven thunder-claps, bound to-
,ether with chains of blue lightning and
'olted together with maneuvering bolts.
Fiat justjtia rudt c0elum."
Richard Doying went out on picket.
his morning, and after arriving at the
lost, went a short distance to a house to
'rocure some water, when big dog
nade dive, and unfortunately for Doy-
ng, he dove directly towards bin, driving
is teeth deep in the flesh of his left leg.
'om Healy Immediately levelled his rifle
nd killed the cur. Doying managed to
ct into camp, though tie bite caused
i'm incessant pain. He is doing well
CIV, and will probably survive the ca
'strophe. Healy thinks the dog would
ave died anyhow, but as TO whether he
-ould or not, was mere matter OF sup
osition, he thought he would make sure
y matter of fact.
Good news has just arrived from Ro-
4crans, but as you probably get the news
lere nearly as soon as we do here,
Ill not dwell upon what would be an old
DRY before this could reach you. be-
eve our armies are accomplishing much
ore than many dream of; more than
lie newspapers are allowed TO publish,
I'd that the fire of rebellion is fast dying
way, the day not far distant when JEFF.
avis shall be strung up on "sour apple
ee," and that ere another Thanksgiving
~, peace and harmony will again be
stored to our once happy country.
Hoping that the old Green Mountain
tate will not be behind in producing her
iota for the next "three hundred thou
md more," and that the men will come
leerfully, and be like the veterans OF
e old brigade, ever ready, with their
YES and property, 10 defend the right
ID dut down the wrong, | subscribe my
If,
r r. WERsTFR.