Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-07-10
From the Eighth Regiment.
In THE FIELD, CAMP NEAR !
PORT HUDSON, JUNE l6. {

(
Putnam of Albany, for the following let
ter written by bis son Ora, a member o
the 9Th regiment, and now before Porl
Hudson ED.
Ny Dear ParentS-Again through the
blessing of God am able to write you
that | am alive and enjoying usual health.
| know you have been waiting anxiously
for word from me, but since ! arrived
here I've been expecting every day that
we should take the fort and have delayed
writing because | knew you would feel
just as anxious as before, unless you
knew | was out of danger. But the reb-
els hold out SO long that have concluded
to write.
We arrived here three weeks ago yes
terday; the next day we lay idle but on
Wednesday general advance was or
dered and the fight commenced in good
earnest. In front of US we could see no
thing but works, and none appeared to
know in what direction Port Hudson lay,
or the distance Ga Monday General
1wights brigade had spirited fight for
the possession Of this field and drove
them into the woods about half mile,
where they lay until this morning. Two
brigades were in front of US when We
started, and they soon came upon the re-
beIs posted behind log breastwork.-
They poured destructive volley upon
us and | think would have driven US
back, as the two regiments in front had
already stopped-had not the 8th Yer
mont broke through and cleared The logs.
which they did n handsome style. They
were now fairly routed and retreated as
asst as possible. They had masked bat
cries, but our regiment had nothing, I'M
il they came suddenly out of the woods
n full view of the stronghold. Indeed,
most Of cur boys supposed that we were
going ahead, and rushed out in sight,
while the rebels were hurrying behind
heir brea5tworks as fast as possible. If
hey had had a support and pushed right
head as they would have done in that
ase, Port Hudson would have been ours
Without doubt. They were so close on
BEN that they could not have fired their
uns, loaded with grape, without shooting
Ieir own men. Here was where most
cur boys were killed and wounded
hiding they were not supported they
alted aud fred as fast as pos5ible-one
ian in our company firing three times
efore they returned the fire. They soon
pened, and Of course our boys had 20
all back into the woods. There was also
steep bank just at the edge of the woods
'hich protected them most efectually,
nd where they have remained until now.
We lost about fifty men killed and woun-
ed--ten killed in all | think. We are
n the right as you stand facing the river,
My the two negro regiments between us
nd the river. The negroes fought no.
ly that day, losing largely, and estab-
shing without a doubt the fact that col
red troops aoiR fight. Thus ended the
rst day on the right, and we have re-
aimed there until now, or until last Sun
~, but we have been ordered back
,ain.
A merciful Providence protected me
rough the day. | was not in the ranks, :
F it was not my place, but did my du.
q. Balls few around me merrily, and
ter cur boys got their position we who s
ere carrying stretcbers were in the most
anger by all odds, but l did not receive
scratch, thank God. l was sick for t
veral days after in consequence Of that
ly's exerlion.
The second assault was made on last
lnday, but we did not succeed in carry
g the works. We took strong posi-.
IN close to their breastworks and held
Our brigade moved to the left before 4
,ht in the morning, but the attack was :.
Vt made until after light. Think it was +
ell planned, but some Of the troops who r
ID an important duty TO perform failed
do it. To describe it to you would
ke a long time. Suffice it to say that
were repulsed. Here company B
It its first man killed. Out Of 40 in the L
,rning we had % killed and wounded 9
three killed-Jason Farwell, and Geo. n
own of Canada. Lieut.. Spalding was c.
% killed, although acting ACQUAINTANCE d
wing been with the company since we q
rted. We lost about IS from the reg
ent.
NJ
How long the rebels will hold out =,
mot tell, but | think there is not much r
ibt about our taking the place finally. "
have them completely hemmed in on
sides, and unless they have very b.
IVY achievements we shall certainly su
th