The dollar weekly bulletin. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1862-1864, 1863-02-26
From the Hunting County IN. J.) Democratic
Our Army Correspondence.
29TH NEW JERSEY VOLUNTEERS.
BELLE PLAINS, Va, Jan. 27. ,63,

/ a
,-.-.r BELLE PLAINS. Va, Jan. 27, '63. .
Again can pen you few lines from th
"Army of the Potomac" without fear @
n samenessj in composition, if it should no
prove of much Interest to the reader. It will
D be my eudeayor ih this letter to impart in,
formation by relating few facts from fot
days experience on the march to the bank
! OF the Rappahannock, in another endeavo
J to snbdue johnny Reb,' and force him from
his strongholds. A rest of some five or six
weeks-a period of the finest weather ex-
perieDced in this latitude for years-in which
time was occupied in recupersting the dy-
ing energies of the army, consequent upon
the defeat at Fredericksburg-and also to
sum up the losses of that disaster has had
an effect to remedy in a measure the dis
satisfaction apparent, and to make the men
tofeel that there may yet be chance to re-
trieve lost reputation, and render Burnside
immortal in the annals of this rebellion. -
Like a. thunder bolt, all at once the fact
stared our leaders in the face, that time rolled
Oh, never checked-and that we nine
months's and two years men would soon
step out of the fight, and that there must be
another onward to return again.. Conse-
quent upon this discovery orders were issued
for immediate preparation, and this, with
the other jersey regiments, were brigaded
under Brig. Gen. Paul, and known az the
3rd Brigade, in 1st Division, and 1st Army
Corps. AS soon as matters were satisfactorily
arranged, we took up our line of march on
Tuesday last, with three days prepared ra-
tons in haversacks, and five days to 90 by
trans sportation. The morning was one in
dicating everything but pleasant journey.
| The sky was o'ercssT with heavy clouds,
wind strong and cold from N. E., with fair
| lT1FO - IL
said, as it always is no consequence to the
soldier what may turn up to mar future
prospects, or deter him from accomplishing
the object sought after. A great part of the
day was consumed in a six miles tramp,
when the army. was halted and each Brigade
informed of the prospects ahead. This was
to be the ''grand fight of the war" Just
ahead. on the margin of a river, soon to be
crossed by the Union Army. was horde of
lawless ruffians; but it had become known
that recently. for defensive purposes in other
parts, their force had been greatly weak ened,
and now, if ever, was the opportunity offer
ed for their utter annihilation- The an
nouncement was listened to with marked
silence; peculiar Indifference pervsded the
whole army, owing in a measure to a lack Of
confidence 10 the management However,
without cheer or comment, the various de-
tachments were stationed for the night, and
soon the whole country for miles around, W
illumined with camp-fres. Hardly had the
blaze sent forth its cheering effects, both in
warmth and preparing coffee for the inner
man, when rain set in. II we had it dis
agreeable before, how it was doubly so.--
The ground became thoroughly saturated
before we had time to pitch our shelter tents.
the night was Intensely dark, the only guide
being the reflection of burning piles of wood.
Grumbliug, growing, diseOntent and suffer-
ing-'tis past the conception of the mex
perieDced-this life Of soldier. My COM
rade and /, with hearts stout in the emsr-
gency, not caring for triAes so long as the
body felt right, settled down fat in low
spoDgY spot. and with a thin covering of
army blankets, were seen wrapped in the
embraces of Morpheus. l slept near six
hours, when the chilled state of my system
soused me, and found myself completely
wet through, with two inches of water be-
meath the clothing. a fire soon made every
thing right, aud although all were situated
soon we were again on the march for the
scene OF conflict. The storm still continued,
and with it we experienced the depths of
Virginia mud. Slowly the men plodded
ahead, with .cursiBgs upon all and good
word for no one. Noon arrived--rain still,
with prospects of continuance for week.
=
wond erful falling out by the way side. At
8 O'Clock, Wednesday, were oriered to en-
camp in large cedar forest, near the banks
of the Rappahanuock, four miles above Fal-
mouth. 1t was now ascertained that much
difficulty would be experienced in supply
ing ratioDs, as the amount relied upon to
come by teams. was not on band, nor would
it arrive on account of the state Of the roads.
This day however, there was short allow
ance in the hands of the men and by divi-
sion. no trouble was experienced. Slept as
on previous night, and slept in good spirits.
Thursday morning mounted my horse, by
orders from Headquarters, and proceeded
back to ascertain the position" of the train,
aud what were the prospects. Had not pro-
ceeded far when my noble charger mired;
had to aiight; excavate his remains, and take
a drink of good jersey whiskey, which a
friend near at hand loaned me! All aboard,
proceeded. and travelling four miles in as
many hours. learned that the train was
stuck )" and could not possibly come up
with the regiment. Dispatched one wagon,
with twelve mules attached, with one half
barrel of sugar, one half barrel Of coffee. ten
boxes hard bread, and little pork. They
started, but mired about mile out. Return
ed in the night, and learned that at day
lightthe "Army of the Potomac would re-
treat. Friday orniDg the bugle called "toll
arms" and in short time all were en- route
back to the old camping grounds from
whence they came.
Thus it will soon be known to the world !
that this Second attempt has utterly failed,
and now the prospect is that at least two
months more will be consumed in. idleness
onnaccount Of the state Of the weather and
roads. Back in eur old quarters again, with
respectable lodgings for soldier, your cor
respondent can draw full breath, and listen
to the various omments upon the late un-
for.pnata ttap1r,of our men From what /