The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1863-12-18
From the Christian Messenger
From the Army.
CAMP NEAR BRANDY STATION Va, !
Dec. l0th, 1868. {

Dec. l0th, 1868.
DEAR MESSENGER Our former letter
was brought to an abrupt close, by the call
lug Of the carrier OF the mail, and we sent it
adritt without any arrangements for con-
usIon. But letters are not the only things
that come to an unexpected close Such we
judge, was the conclusion Of our recent cam
paign across the Rapidao 1t is not to be
presumed that it terminated as its projectors
anticipated, and tondly hoped, and still it was
attended with no serious disaster, when we
contemplate the perks Of the movement Of
such vast army IN au enemy couatry. The
Slight rain which we had made it almost I'M
possible for q portion Of the distance, to
transport our baggage, aud vast amount Of
extra lifting and tugglDg at the wheels, by
the soldiers was required as it was. A few
teams were lost by guerilias, but nothing hap
pened to deplete the real strength, and vlgor
OF the army.
1t may be mystery to many, that the en-
envy was not engaged and if possible driven
from their strong mold, but we are inclined to
think that it was the dictate of wisdom and
prudence to delay attack. II under the cir
cumstances battle had been fought it must
have resulted IL an immense loss of life, with
but doubtful prospect OF any decided advan-
tage to Us. If they had been driven from
one strong position, 1t would have been to
have fallen back up-n another, where they
would still have had decided advantage, and
with the present precarious state of the wealth
! md I b., IL,
Richmond taken at less expense ard peril, at
subsequent opportunity. Il is true the PEG
/ pie may be impatient, as well as the soldiers
TO nave this pai9iul war ended, but IN ii, Prov
ldence has some designs 70 accomplish, which
might not be in keeping with a hasty term-
nation Of the war. Thus far during this ma
tlonli strife, we are constrained to acknowl-
edge, that
- Go moves in mysterious way
Ills wul ders 10 perform.
Ii the present army Of the Potomac can
hold here the large rebel army required for
the defense Of Richmond, while the great army
OF the Cumberland carries III triumph the old
fay through the interior of the rebe. state,
openiDgln the heart Of slavery, recruiting OIL
fees or the enlistment Of c0lored soldiers, we
Shall soon be in d position to DO our own pleas,
ure with the army and capital Of the bogus
conodericy. We can hardly afford, evea 10
our haste Tor the termination Of the war, to
be prodigal Of humou life.
Since our return, soue OF the regiments
have changed their eacampments, ana with
out any definite knowledge IL reference TO the
permauency OF our stay here, nave been IT.
ting up their quarters With reference 70 com
fore u ne lnciement season. Winter qua =
ters have been in good demaud for week
past. Although the weather has been pleas.
an', Il has been extremely cold. Every night
the ground has frozen, aul shelter and f,C
have been Indispensable, even for soldier
comfort.
Ii our men here are only allowed the time
1t is surprising how soon they will make them
selves comfortable winter quarters. Tnel
lay the whole country under contribution t.
administer to their comfort. Ii is sometime
$ the case that splendid mansions are lett her
: without tenant. Ii IS supposed that tbei
owners are with the southern army. or d