The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1863-11-27

regiment where there is an open chance for
promotion, than an old one where the Of
fees will be claimed by those who have serv-
ed faithfully during the war. Ii is, therefore,
mainly from this class that we must hope to
fill the new regiment and battery. If we
can accomplish this We shall have the old
regiments filled with new recruits, who, by
the side of the veterans, vii in very short
time become themselves veterans, and thus
We shall efectually promote the efficiency Of
both old and new regiments.
There are in every town in the state, a
sufficient number of returned nine months
men to fill the quota of the town for deGc:en-
cy under the draft. But regret to say that
that class of men seem reluctant to re-eDlist.
And yet, in some way they must be induced
to do SO. The country needs their services
The state requires them for filling up the
18th regim mt and the battery, and if they
hold back and refuse to respond to the call
of the country, and of the state, the honor
of the state will be furnished by disgraceful
IA lure to accomplish what t has undertaken.
have no fear but that in two weeks from
this time the people of the state will be
aroused to the necessity Of raising men, and
degree of excitement will exist which will
ensure the raising of the quota under the
100000. When that state of public feeling
exists it will be infinitely easier for the towns
to make up also their deficiency under the
draft, than it will be at later day, after the
excitement shall have subsidized. If they re-
gard their own interest they will "strike
while the iron is hot
| wish you to present these views and such
others as may occur to you, fully and explic-
lily to the selectmen and loyal citizens of the
several towns within you district. Impress
upon them the duty, and absolute necessity
of raising their several quotas of the 100000
required. 1t is idle to say, that with six
weeks before US, in which to work, We cannot
do voluntarily, what we know We can be and
shall be compelled to do at the expiration of
that time. But also impress upon them the
duty and Importance Of filling their entire
quotas, of taking advantage of the present
opportunity and placing themselves again in
aposition where they can rest from their la
Dor, with the satisfaction of knowing that
they have accomplished all that is required
Of them. Urge them to impress upon
those of the returned nine months soldiers.
who can, and should re-enlist, the duty of re-
enlisting at the present time. 1t is but very
little more work to raise 5000 men than to
laise 5000. l believe it can be accomplished
and most earnestly desire that i, may be.
To do it will require the active labor and CO.
operation of the superintendent of recruit
ing, of the recruiting officers now in commits
sion, of the selectmen of the several towns
and of the loyal and patriotic citizens gener-
ally. Use your utmost effort to accomplish
it in your district. Hold meetings in towns,
and, if necessary in school districts. Avail
yourself of the services of the local speakers
III your districts. Appeal to the women for
their help. Their assistance will be most
cogent, and is seldom wan ting in a good
cause.
We are fighting with a most determined
enemy; and when we are as deeply impress
ed with the feeling that we wiU succeed as
they appear to be, when we can cheerfully
make the sacrifices for upholdins the best
government that ever existed that they make
for its destruction, when every man and wo-
man is impressed with the necessity of the
utmost exertion if we would have the right
prevail, then, and l fear not till then, We
shall succeed and crush this rebellion
Every man has his duty to perform-a most
important duty is entrusted to you; l have
no doubt that it will be faithfully executed.
Yours, with much respect,
PETER 7. WASHBURN,
Adj't and Ins General.