The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1864-02-12
From the Old Vermont Brigade.
BRANDY, Va, Feb. l, 1854.

BRANDY, Va, Feb. l, 1854.
To the Editor of The Caledonian 1t
seemed very odd and unnatural for YER
monter to be compelled to seek the shade tor
comfort in the month of January, yet such
was the case here for few days last week,
strongly reminding one of the time when
there ras sunny South" Having no
therm ometer at hand we had no means Of
telling the degree Of heat, but certainly much
warmer than at last year at this time. The
frost is all out of the ground and it is so dry
that brigade drills and reviews are held very
comfortably.
This Station now presents quite the ap-
pearance of business place. Taking the
railroad track for the principal street, besides
the extensive and commodious platforms and
sheds erected for the protection of forage, it
is lined for long distance upon each side
with offices, depots for ordinance, quarter
masters and subsistence stores, ETC., suffers
shops, stores for the sale of watches, jewelry,
military goods of all kinds, eating houses,
together with many private residences of
clerks, laborers, guards, etc. Hundreds
gather every day on the arrival and dspart-
ure of the regular passenger train, to take
leave of their veteran comrades, or welcome
their return.
TIE indications are that the army will not
soon, nor hastily, abandon this locality. tx
tensive and permanent Improvements are
every day being made, such as the construc-
ton of coduroy roads, the arrival Of heavy
stores of army supplies of all kinds, the
thorough reconstruction of the railroad
bridge at Rappahannock Station and forts to
protect All these circumstances incline one
to surmise that there will be strong and
aceighty objections urged against another
+" grand advance" as ARENAS says, by our
army upon Washington. The veteran SOL
diers are looking forward for the most san
culinary and obstinate struggle in the COM
pagn, perhaps, of the whole war; but they
are fully prepared to NEE: it, trusting in the
righteousness of their cause, with strong
right arms, and settled purpose "to bear
back their shields, or be borne back upon
them"
Our old brigade is expecting soon the re-
turn of their comrades from Vermont with
the additional numbers to fill up their regi-
ments to the maximum. The general health
of the men continues good. DIR. Goodwin,
who was appointed asst surgeon of the Sd
regiment, at your place, is now the acting
brigade surgeon. The camps of the various
regiments, with their regular streets and
neatly polced grounds, present truly pleas
ant and picturesque appearance. They have
very good stockade chapels, covered with
canvass, in which to hold their public meet
ings, and understand they are not entirely
without religious interest.
The army fairly established in winter quar-
tiers, with ten days rations in camp, are now
prepared to make some suitable observance
of the Sabbath, accordingly yesterday was
a day of rest to man and beast. Not sup
ply train was seer at the station, very few
people about and very little business of any
kind done. 1t seemed really great priv
lege to be relieved from the whirl of con-
fusion that has almost constantly, day and
night, been ringing in our ears.
Capt. Pitkin, post quartermaster at this
place, short time since, was presented by a
few of the clerks in his employ with valua-
bic gold watch, and more recently with a
splendid and entire outfit of horse equpage
for field service, made to order in Baltimore,
costing nearly $500. This may be reckon
ed among the incidents Of camp life in win
ter quarters. Truly yours,
+.