Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1865-02-24
For the journal.
FROM BOYS ON TIE ROAD TO THE
FRONT.
BEDLoE's Isle, N. Y. Harbor,
tonE 4


Feb. l3, 1865.
Here we are, what there is left Of us. Bed
loe is derived from the American word bed
lam, signifying devilish, or something where
stripes, straps or contractors preside with the
dignity of masters over slaves. We had a
pleasant trip from Montpelier TO New York,
accompanied by the humane and gentlemsnly
surgeon, ]. b. Crandall, and four guards,
whom we treated with much respect, and
who, upon further acquaintance, proved quite
agreeable companions. We notified them at
first that we were the brave defenders of the
contractors, whereby we expected to get our
bread and butter, and so long as they behaved
themselves, and did not desert US in some Of
the principal places on the route, such as
Montgomeryville or Mount Vernon, where
they make whisky, they would have our re-
CARDS and safe conduct TO the tug-boat at
Castle Garden. They obeyed orders, aud all
things went as merry as a marriage bell. Not
having trans portation right through, we could
not take them on farther, so with many in.
functions to beware Of the soldiers. &c., &c,
in New York, we bado them an affectionate
,arewell. When We had put things all right,
we embarked aboard the Great American Tug
Boat All our party, with our band and glee
club, ascenJed to her spacious deck pack
ing with the carcasses Of what were once
sheep for the brave defenders,) it full +!
You should have seen the rush and con.
gratulations upon our departure--(rush Of
ice around the tug Soon tie great bell OF
the boat pealed out her thunder-toues upon
the air aud we were off for-for-Bedlam.
have not space TO tell you Of the grand and
imposing reception on our arrival here after
a ten minutes voyage. Suffice it to say that
we we're met at the log way by Col. Merchant
and multitude of straps. After many con-
gratulstions on our safe arrival, we were con-
Quoted to the spacious quarters we now oc-
cupy-by several men who carried swords
and bayonets, selected from the first citizens
Of the place for our especial benefit. Passing
through the principal streets Of the city, tired
and hungry, we arrived at the spacious quar-.
ters erected for our especial advent. They
were some forty by sixty feet, with lofty cell
ing-six feet high. Owing to our unex pec!ed
arrival the floor was somewhat dirty, (no
doubt caused by building in a muddy season.
but we noticed one great improvement there
we're several large holes in the floor, which,
in our case, served for spitoons and they
serve another purpose they are the passage
ways for brigade Of wharf rats who parade
dress every night indoors and examine hsver-
sack, knsp-ssck, &c. Their music is delight
fu, and no doubt the Colonel has ordered all
for our enjoyment while here. Then there
are several cracks or openings in the lofty
ceiling, which we are informed are to contain
any vermin, which, owing to the locality, are
apt TO come here. At present we are using
the soft side of boards to sleep on, but are
informed that il Davis and Lincoln make
peace we shall be obliged to use feathers or
mattresses but as we think of caring before
then, we shall save the inhiction. Tom, OF
the Eth Maine, says that the rats psrsded on
the street last night that the commander, or
leader, wore snow-shoes, and had seventeen
wrinkles on his tail instead of straps that
they were searching for gold watches, &c,
in our knapsscks.--Psrdon The depression /;
was about to talk OF the table de-hote. OH
Bacchus such entertainments Breakfast /:
Some FIVE hundred are formed on a carpet Of
mud or snow drifts, and march, headed by a
band Of music, drum and ffe) to the hotel,
where we have one slice Of bread-meat of
some kind, do not know the name, but it
looks something like sole leather, untAnned
stuck full of ornaments resembling brstles in
the dark with some kind Of cup pl ted
all over with tin, with a concoction, the name
Of which is only known to the inventor. 1t
tastes some like warm mud puddle. Dinner
and supper about the same, dishes only re-
yersed. We should be pleased to spend
some time here, but duty demands our depar-
tuTe, as we are delegated on peace commits
SION TO jeff Davis. Aft,r we have peace
we Intend TO return, convert our swords into
plcughshares, plow out he weeds Of contrac-
tors, straps, &c, graft ourselves into Con-
gress and our hands into the pockets of the
source of our discon.ent, and promote our
masters to the ranks.
No more now. will keep you posted.
Yours, W.