The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1863-02-17
Jour War Correspondence. !
A Brilliant Exploit.

MR. LblIO6 -LO1T nave long dgt
learnt that the 10Th ard 18th Vt. Regiment
were in advance, being posted at Wolf ruI
Shoals, on the Occoquan river. There is n
place on the face of the earth better calculates
60 remind one of murder, robbery and variou
other dark deeds than this. The river is tn,
line bOyo2d which we do not go, and horrible
arprehensions creep over the mind as we stan,
on our side, or on Uncle Sans side, and TOOL
far away in the forest whore the minions 0
treason are said to practice thsre vacations Oh
any untOrtunat- sutier, soldier or citizen whc
may, by i'll luck, Gnd himself III that region
Indeed, the boys often see, as they imagine
while peering into the distance among thu
gloomy pines, ropes dangling from limbs which
were used by the yllIainous seCesh to relieve
some poor unfortunate Of this void S trouble
or, perhaps, they hear the victims shrek as
che b0wle-knite does its work. On the higi
biuhs opposite to our camps, for some time re.
doubts and ria3-pte have been developing them
selves IN the distance, Wl;ah seemed to bode US
no g0od These works of defense or ofense,
whichever might have been their design, were
pretty well masked by woods, yet, here and
there, they made their appearance through the
openings. For several days ominous looking
characters had been seen fitting about them
and our picket line had been very mnch dis
'turbed BY them or something else for a number
of nights. Oar General came up from head
quarters and on examination it was decided to
reduce these works at all hazards. But several
days DELAY was unavoidable on account of high
water, the ford here being impossible, even for
mounted men. Yesterday, however, the water
having somewhat subsidized, it was determined
to attempt the hazardous enterprise and party
of IN n were detailed from each regiment, a
portion armed with spades and picks preceded
by strong guard OF infantry. A crossing was
effected for the troops at tie ford by use of the
army wagons, which piled back and forth until
a sufficient number had been landed on the Oh
poSite bank. This maneuvre was covered by
the 2nd Com. Battery, Capt. Sterling, posted
on al eminence on this side the stream. and
just out Of rifle range, and Co. A, of the 18th
and Is, Of the 18th Regiments, supporting,
ready to burl death and destruction into any
force that might appear Great cred
IL is due to Capt. Sterling and his command us
we'll as to Capt Louergan Of Co. A, 18th Reg-
ment, and the Captain of Co. b, 18th Regiment
and their gallant men.
The balance of the two regiments waited 10
breathless anxiety, ready to cooperate with their
on the opposite bank if need be !
Just as the party reached landing on the op-
posite shore, sharp firing was heard, which |!
brought Col. Blunt, who was in command. ,
promptly to the scene. At this point of time
Col Randall received orders to forward more
aen from bic command, which was done The
route Of the storming party now led up the hill
partially through woods in winding direction
a distance Of about half mile, 10 reach the reb- !
ell main works. Everything being ready, the or !
der to advance was given by the gallant Maj
Kingsly, of the 18th, who commanded the [
ssorming party, assisted by Capt. Thacher, Co.
1, 18th Regiment Forward went the devoted
party, disregsrding the crack of musketry or
che difficulty of the ascent. On they went un-
Gil they reached the abattis surrounding the
main works and this presented no serious i'm
pediment to the enthusiastic hearts and stalwait
arms that opposed them. A shout of exuitaton
reached our ears, and il an Instant the Stars and
Stripes were seen to 60 up over the rebel works.
ALI the rebels that were there, undoubtedly see
ing the furious manner 10 which the advance was
made, concluded discretion the better part O,