The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1863-04-03
From the Fifteenth Regiment.
FAIRFAX STATION, Va, !
March %, 1868. {

! FAIRFAX STATION, Va,
March %, 1868.
/ DEAR EDITOR Having noticed in the
New Eng land papers many gross misstate-
ments respecting the recent capture of our
General, (E. H. Stousht1n) and knowing
that anything concerning the welfare Of the
Vermont Brigade is eagerly possessed by the
friends at home, permit me to give through
your columns brief statement of the facts.
Without wishing to cast any undeserved
reflections upon the General-the brigade
feel that in justice to themselves, the facts
should be known, as they were not in the
least responsible for the unfortunate occur,
renee.
On the Goth of January, our brigade NOV
ed from Fairfax Court House; the 18th.
10Th and 10th regiments being ordered to
Fairfax Station, three and half miles from
the Court House, and the 18th and 18th to
Wolf Run Shoals Ito guard the pases of the
Occoquan river J six miles further away
Instead of accompanying his brigade, where
he would have to occupy a tent or rough
board house, the General preferred to retain
his prirate residence at the Court House in
an elegant brick house where his friends
could be better accommodated and enjoy all
the comforts and conveniences of cicH life.
After the departure Of our brigade the
Court House was comparatively defenseless,
there being but removal Of an old Penn
sylvania reg iment of infantry, numbering less
than two hunored, stationed nearly mileIaway,
and force of cavalry out about mile and
half. Without known exception, the in
habitants of the place were openly secesh
and rebel spies came and went almost at
pleasure. 1t is fact, known to the General
himself, that about week previous to his
capture the rebel Captain Mosely himself
was in the place, and visited the General
quarters, and conversed with his orderles-
The General and his staff were all away at
the time.
To the norrh hw est there was several miles
that was not pick eted, and consequently moth
ing to prevent an incursion from tnat direc-
ton. After repeated warnings and one or
two timely discovered attempts, the long fear
ed if not expected event occurred. A dark
stormy night, a sudden dash of rebel cavalry
lead by the notorious Capt Mosely-the sur
prise and capture Of a few careless and slee-
py guards, captured General and hasty
retreat with their prize tells the whole story.
If tie general had been with his brigade
he would have been with US now instead of
occupying cell in the old Libby prison.
Immediately upon the facts being known
in Washington, Col Blunt received teIe-
graphic OIL der to take command of the brig
ade and make his headquarters at the Sta
ion" which he did at once, pitching his tent
modestly in our midst. When you hear of
his capture you may be assured that the brig
ade has shared his captivity. Soon alter
his arrival We received intelligence of the
robbery Of Lieut. Lewis Graham of Spring
rebels having crossed the Kappahaanock in
forceat Kel.ey's Ford, making in our direction
At once detail of six hundred men were
at work throwing up rifle pits; which has
been continued each day til, now the place
is nearly surrounded by entertainments -
which in case of an attack will give US a
powerful advantage.
Wherever Col Blunt is placed, he identi
fes himself with his men and shares theii
lot and their fare. As a consequence, he il
universally loved throughout the brigade a.
man,and respected as a SOLDIER; aye, more
he is especially esteemed by his division and
corps commanders. :" | speak of that which
| know and testify to that which | have seen
when l say that nothing would so inspire anc
delight this brigade as the assurance that ht
is to remain in command. Whether he does
or not it is settled fact, as certain as an,
event of the future which is dependent upor
human agency that he will be the next briga
dier appointed from Vermont and those o
US who have accompanied him in the field
and have seen the development of his ster
ling qualities as a soldier, can assure ou
friends at home that no better selection cal
be made.
The brigade has been especially favored
since first entering the service; having ha,
but very little hard duty to perform-a nj
Notwithstanding one or two removals W
have been able to provide ourselves wit
very comfortable, and what old campaigner
would esteem as luxurious quarters. Gu
rations are abundant and of excellent quail
ty and the men generally are in good healt
and spirits and never more so than whe
there is an alarm and prospect of fghr
If We have the privilege before our retur
of crossing steel with the rebels, you NAV b
assured that Vermont will have no occasio
for being ashamed of her "second brigade
Truly Yours, &c.
A Maine e1itor, having been elected fenc