Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1864-03-11
For the Journal
FROM THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
BRANDY STATION, Va, /
Feb. 9th, 1864. (


Feb. 9th. 1864. !
Dear old Watchman Dc Journal--Since
wrote you last we have had beautiful dry
weather, unusually so for this country even,
| am told by many citizens, and it has been
mos, industriously improved throughout the
entire army in drilling recruits, with inspec-
tions and reviews, Gen. Meade reviewing by
Corps and Divisions. The army is fast filling
up with men, horses, artillery, DC. Old wag-
ons with new canvas and paint are made to
shine like nei0, and old harnesses by oiling,
made plisble again, and those past recovery
by these means, are condemned, turned in,
and their places supplied with new ones.
While the Veterans are rejuvenated by
thirty days visit on furlough at home,
those remaining in camp find amusement in
balls, soirees and theatres, extemporized for
the purpose.
While witnessing review by Gen. Meade
a few days since, OF the first corps, Including
Gen. Kilpatrick's division Of cavalry, perhaps
] could not Judge impsrtially, but tried to,
still could not avoid the impression that the
lst VI. was the best looking regiment on re-
view, officers, men and horses appeared the
best marching, wheeling, and in all their evo-
lutions. 1t was the first upon the field, and
was easily distinguished by its two beautiful
hags, State and National--and was command
ed by 1t. Col. Preston and Maj. Wells. Col.
Sawyer being temporarily in command Of the
Brigade in the Absence OF Gen. Custer, who
has since returned, and the Col. will again
join his regiment, perhaps to lead them soon
in more gallant exploits than ever. Though
it is evident that the elements Of strife and
dissatisfaction in this unfortunate regiment
are not entirely eradcated, and that the germ
of confidence has taken but slight root and is
of very slow growth"
The 9th Corps, Gen. Sedgwick, passed this
Station this morning towards the Rapid Ann,
with five or six days ratious, leaving behind
only a camp guard. 1t is thought Gen. Kill
patrick's division Of cavalry is to accompany
them. So you may look for stirring news in
a few days, perhaps from different directions,
as these moves are seldom made only from
one point, as we saw in the last reconnaissance.
This move may develop circumstances that
will induce a movement OF the entire army,
and bring general engagement, though it
may not be contemplated, but they are with
out doubt in a most complete state of prepar-
alton for such an event. and the roads in the
best condition for moving the heaviest trains
of artillery.
1t is generally very healthy in this locality
this winter, few cases Of smallpox have ap-
peared among the black laborers, which have
been successfully treated by the surgeon of
the Post, DR.. Templeton of Montpelier. There
are now no cases remaining in the hospital,
II is understood here that the army is to be
Te-organized into three grand divisions again,
right, left and centre, and Madam Rumor as
signs as commanders Of these respectively, y,
Gems. Sedgwick, Hancock and Couch.
Capt. Pitkin of this Depot has been for
some time discharging the duties of Quarter
Master General OF the Army of the Potomac,
in the absence of Gen. ingalls,, while Lieut..
Clarke is acting Depot QuartATmaster here.
Although far removed from home, and in
the midst of the scenes of war, yet the boys
do not forget thst they are Vermontsrs. and
have an hereditary interest in the old State,
and many frequently express heir satisfaction
at the measures adopted by Gov Smith to Sc
cure suitable and comfortable quarters for
them, if they should be so unfortunate as to
fall into the hospital, at the Capitol, equally
central and accessible to all, where they may
have the attention of friends without impo-
sing upon them journey the entire length OF
the State. The boys like live men, such as
are awake TO their interests and up to the
spirit of the times, and would consider it a
privilege to vote for the Governor next fall.
Yours truly,
OBsERvoR.
p. 5. The boys were happy to welcome
the Governor In camp, at the front to-day.
Sunday Morning, Feb. 28.---The weather
continues propitious, and we are hoping for
favorable reports from over the river soon.