Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1863-01-13
Correspondence.
Our War Correspondence.
Thirteenth Regiment, Vermont Volunteers
CAMP NEAR FAIRFAX COURT HOUSE, Va.
December 3lst. 1869.
Our war Correspondence

Ihirteentn Regiment vermont VOlQnteers
CAMP NEAR FAIRFAX Court House, Va.
December 5lst, 1862
FRIEND FREEMAN Since writing my last
have to inform you that the Vermont boys have
had some little excitement out Of the common
run. On Sunday, about o'clock ?. NJ, we were
ordered to take Two days rations, and be ready 10
fall i'm at moments notice, 10 light marching
order. The order soon came to all n, which we
accordingly dds and after marching some two
miles, we were filed to the left, and passed through
Fairfax Court House, until We came to some Id
enren ,hmenls thrown up to the right and let Of
the road leading to Alexandra. We we're drawn
up in line Of battle behind them, and, with Con-
neeticut battery in the center, awaited tn ap.
proach Of Stulrt's Rebel Cavalry in large force.
How they came there was mystery; but there
they were, and we were ready for them Tie
l3ih were on the Left of the road, and the 18th
still further to the right Of Us, the battery in the
center commanding the main road, and the l2lh
K 81 on the left. Two companies Of the 18th
were thrown out as skirmishers 10 the 'front.' and
took position in the woods near the road. Our
Colonel came along seon after, and called for
twenty good men from Go. II to support the
battery. Up sprung twenty Of our boys, under
command Of Capt. Peck and Lie1t. Slayton.
They were taken from the right Of the Company
With Sergeant Stowe, your humble servant act
ing as Orderly, our Orderly being quite sick in
camp. We waited some two hours, when the
seeesh made their appearance. They built large
hre, mlneuyered around it considerable when
Gen. Stoughton advanced to the front to recon-
noiter. On is return be told the boys TO drop
one shell right where they were seen. 1t Was
accordingly done, and from the ,kedaddling that
took place you would think their courage was not
up to the sticking point. Col. Randall rode along
the line, and cautioned the boys to keep quiet and
cool, and stand TO their guns, which they obeyed
to the letter. Three more shots were fired by
the battery Of Parrot guns, when all was still an
tIcipatiog a reply, but none came Previous to
opening with artillery, our pickets we're attacked
and they fred on body Of cavalry, who then
made charge, and with yell rushed on our re.
serve. But our boys met them, and fred vol.
ley that told, and made them abou, face and re.
treat.
In the morning, Capt Peck and several of the
boys went out TO learn the news, and see the
sights. They heard from man, in whose house
the rebel officers stopped some time, that the,
were part Of SIuarts cavalry, who had hoped to
make raid and surprise US, but missed it sadly
this time. A horse was found without an owner
anu some cloIhi &. Pistols, letters, and also
quantities Of blood, were seen in places show.
"'s saas sav,a iad maur sonu havoc amoss
them. In the morning we returned to our camp,
wear'ed and sleepy with our nights watching and
excitement.
/ have to report in Co. IL, on the sick list,
Russell Wheelock, Orderly White, Sergeant Nc.
Knight, Corporal White, and T.. Bailey. The
boys are to be mustered in for pay to-day, aud all
Is preparation accordingly. A thorough inspec-
lion is to be had Of each mans N, equipments,
clothing, tents, quarters, &c.
We had short sermon Thanksgiving day,
and also one on last Sabbath, which we're interest
ing and beneficial to the boys generally. We
enjoyed our Thanksgiving dinner of salt pork
and hard crackers, aud coffee without sugar.
Think OF that, all ye that dwell in Vermont at
the present time, and remember US at your mex,
holiday meal
TIE weather here is tolerably csol, and has
been pleasant for some little time, but now looks
as il preparing to rain, which will no doubt sup
ply us with mud such as Virginia only eau furnish
free gratis.
The 10th are doing picket duty near Centre.
vile, and we're in general good health at las, &C
counts, with but few sick in the hospital. The
lslh are near by, and also the l4,h.
SERGEANT Ii. G., Ce. II.