The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1863-12-31

incur the infamy and crime of its desertion.
DesertiOns have become so frequent among US,
that it is evidently unwise for government to
suffer it longer to be done with impunity, and
it is hoped that these painful infections will
have a saIutary influence in preventing the
crime.
\ friend has just called at our quarters.
who is evidently disposed to draw valuable
practical lesson from this execution, which
has left deep impression upon his mind, and
inquiries if men are thus punished for the
crime of deserving the service of their coun-
try, what will be the punishment of those who
desert the cause of Christ, and 20 over to the
ranks of his enemies? We answered him by
quoting Heb 10, 2S-29, which we would
advise every backslider to read and ponder.
The position Of the army remains IN.
changed. We have recently had some win.
ter weather, that wonld not disgrace ermont,
at this season of the year, The ground has
/ llOA~us puV We hafC ~ DuOh uClCb bub Cdu oS0
it upon the mountains in the distance.
At our recent chaplains' meeting, the lady
of the house, where it was held, with her
children, asked the privilege Of attending to
hear the sermon, and enjoy the exercises. We
are told that many families here for some two
years past, have not had the opportunity of
hearing sermon, or of attending religious
meeting. There is fearful desolaton that
is reigning around us, in this portion of Vir-
ginia. A chaplain in referring to this, said
that recently lady in this section of Viz
ginia, gave this, to him, unlocked FIR reason.
for this infection upon the Old Dominion,
y that they had refused to obey the command
OF God, in letting the oppressed go free The
people Of this state may be slow TO acknowI-
edge this truth, but as the brethren of Joseph,
10 the hour of their distress thought of the
agonzlng cry of their brother in the anguish
: which they inflicted, and would not relieve.
so we doubt not, amid the poverty and ruin
of this hour, many who once lived in splendor
upon the unrequitted toll of slaves, no,0 think
Of the clanking letters, bleeding backs, and
stihed sobs Of the bondman, to which sordid
avarice and worldly prosperity made them
once Indifferent. God has design in the
chastisements which he allows to overtake us,
and those who feel the rcd, will be likely to
) know the reason Of its infiction.
We are making some progress in regard to
the prospect of obtaining turloughs, by regi-
ments for the purpose OF spending at least,
thirty days in Vermont. 1t is now under
stood that recruits, who have ttoo years more
to serve can be turoughed, with the re-enlist-
ed veterans, by d pledge to the government
that when their two years of service have ex-
pired, if required, they wien list for three
years more, on the same terms OF the old vet
Grams, that now re-enlist. This appears to be
rather taking proposition among our men,
especially that portion that gives promise OF
, a long turIough at tome. There has been
some delay and may be still more, ingettug the
requisite papers to consummate this arrange
ment. 1t is now understood that some repi-
ments Of the Vermont Brigade, are ready to
take the War Department at their offer, and
all that remains to be done, is to have them
duly mustered and paid aud they are ready
to start for Vermont. The fifth and sixth
regiments are hoping to get away this week
The sixth desires to be allowed to report at
Montpelier, the place where they rendezyoused
at the time of their organization. The men
are very anxious, if possible, to be able to
spend New Y ears at home. Whatever NAV
be the result in regard to regiments, as such,
it is quite certain, that many of our men here
: will ro-enist, and spend portion of the pre-
sent winter, with their families in Vermont.
, The men are evidently in good spirits, and
/ this excitement about going home, is doing
them good. When they get there they will
help the recruiting service, if Vermont should
then need, any help in this department.
$ W