Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1864-01-15
Cur army Correspondence.
vRoM THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.



BRANDY STATION, Dec. 81, 1853.
Mr.. Edtor.--I propose to give YOU few
items from this Post occasionly, thinking per-
haps they may be acceptable
This place is Of no Importance whatever,
only as it derives its notoriety from the fact
OF being The principal Supply Depot for the
entire Army of the Potomac" Supplies are
run over the Railroad from here down as far
as Mitchers switch five miles beyond Cnlpep-
per, which is FIVE miles from here. There
were, and are now, but very few buildings
aud th@se, as they should be, are made useful
! by " Uncle Sans boys" for various purposes
The ground, in the immediate vicinity Of the
Station is rather low and wet, and now, since
the rain, which began last Sabbath and has
continued nearly every day SINCE appears only
like a sea Of mud, without shore or bottom,
through which, such teams and men as can
not sum can only make their way upon cor
duory roads.
The disagrceable monotony Of this mud
blockade was varied last evening by ludi-
crous scene oocasioned by the drumming out
Of camp member Of the 67th Penn, a man
about 60 years old, labeled on his back, " ut
terly worthless" with head shaved smooth as
a child's face Many thought it very light
punishment for desertion, and even the old
chap himself seemed to care but little about
it; soon as the guard left him upon the Rail-
road track, he sat down and opened trade with
those collected around, in iewelry and other
trinkets he had for sale.
Jan. lst, lsG4.--Not being able to close
this letter yesterday, have to note a change
Of weather that fully equals Vermont for sud-
denness and intensity, being froze hard enough
to bear the heaviest teams.
II any one fails to see the difference or adj
vantage OF situations as posted up from week
to week in the papers, he certainly could not
by taking observations from the same stand
] point, after the lapse of one year, particularly
as regards this army. Then the men were
dissatisfied, homesick and discouraged, the
discomfort amounting almost to open revolt,
| Now, all are confident of success, and full of
/ hope and courage, thousands are re-enlistiDg,
feeling assured that they see the beginning
OF the end, and being naturally and justly ann
bilious to participate in the closing scenes Of
this war, in which thus far they have borne
so conspicuous and honorable part.
Jur Vermont boys are in good condition,
strong and hearty, very few sick, many re-en-
listing. The Veterans OF the 9Th Regiment
| suppose are now enjoying a " Happy New
Year with their friends in old Vermont. A
large number are about going also from the
4th Regiment. 1t seems pity that arrange
ments could not have been made in season to
secure more men from our Brigade. | under
stand that many more would have gone into
the Veteran Corps, if they could have had
their futloughs in season to spend Christmas
and New Year at home, but the orders we're
so numerous and varying they could not sat.
isfy themselves, so many gave up the idea.
Capt. Pitkin, the very popular Quarter
master from your place, is in charge Of all the
transportation at this end Of the celebrated
" Express Line of Meade 81 Lee" running
several through trains daily now, to Wash
ington. BY the way, the Capt. received
very hatterng compliment the other day in .
the form Of superb gold watch, valued at
$500, presented by the Clerks Of his Depart .
ment as a slight knowledgment of their I
gratitude, and appreciation Of his uniform
kindness and regard for their welfare while in
his employ.
Some excitement prevails here in conse-
quence of moving troops, Infantry and Caval-
ny to Harper's Ferry from this pla e, to as
sis, in heading and classifying the rebels, who.
it is understood, are crowiing up the Valley
again Perhaps rumor greatly exaggerales:
hope she does, it is useless to repeat, as |
presume you have the same before this time.
Our men send in from the front OCCASIONAL,
gang of rebel prisoners; a squad OF fifty cam,
in yesterday and were Immediately forward
ed to Washington on the Express Line.
most miserable squalid looking SET they
ought to be thankful for their capture, for
their condition could not be worse, and the
chances must certainly be for improving it in
our prisons even. They bad no uniform, only
what they had stolen from " Uncle sam"
Truly Yours,
OBSERVER.