Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1865-06-22
From the First Vermont Artillery.
CAMP NEAR WASHINGTON, d. c., }
June u, 1865. {

June u, 1865.
Editor Rutland Herald; The war being
ended, orders are issued that all volun
teer soldiers whose terms of enlistment
expire before October LIST, 1865 shall be
Immediately discharged.
The summer following the calling into
service of the 18th Vt. Vols. that regi-
ment was transferred to Heavy Artil-
Iery. Orders were issued for the recruit
ing OF two additional companies, L and
M. Recruiting offices were opened for
the purpose Of recruiting said compa-
MES or batteries at different parts of the
State The men were enlisted by the
recruiting officers for the unexpired
term of the regiment, counted at the
time OF their enlistment on the call of
'62, and received the same bounty as the
men belonging to that regiment, which
was one hundred dollars, that amount
being the bounty which all '62 men re-
ceived. | would ask, then, are we not
entitled to our discharges. We have
served honestly and faithfully with the
regiment during the campaigns Of '64
and 50, and with the expectation Of re-
turning home with the regiment. Are
we to remain here within our tented
walls, and see the "old flags " taken
from US, and not be permitted to return
TO our Green Mountain homes, bearing
them in triumph, even as proudly as we
supported them on many a hard fought
Held ! and all because of false enlist
ments, which claim to hold US. In time
OF war it may be well for officers to re.
crult, using every false inducement i'm
aginable, but in time of peace it will be
well for them to keep from those thus
falsely enlisted. The day may not be
far distant when their straps of rank
will become less TANKER" and they be
brought once again upon level with
those who have handled the musket on
the red fields. Some one must be ac-, !
countable for the false manner in which |
we were enlisted.
lnasmuch as the war is over, the dan |
gers past, we, too desire TO quit the
military business, according to agree !
ment. 1t does not pay us to remain in
the "blues, " keeping our guns "clean
and nice, backing our straps, passing
in review, pleasing the many "dead
beats who have lodged the red tide of
savage war, yet ever ready to view
harmless military show where no "min-
MES" are fying-reviews for the gratifi-
cation Of such individuals, sitting at
their ease, well clothed in citizens ap-
parel, looking pleasingly gratifed as we
pass them by, muskets shoulder-arms
the adam" blood rolling freely from
our sun-browned faces, and many
Union "son" even falling dead upon
the pavement, and all to please the
' suckers"
Oh, Volunteers, did we expect such
usage, and will it thus continue ? viii
the day come when right shall outweigh
the false and wrong False enlistments
and no one accountable! Strange laws
We volunteered cheerfully, left our
homes, our friends, our all, and risked
our lives for the cause. We waited not
to pick up our names on "lottery" tick
cts, and 60 as an exile from our peace
full homes to the red fields of blood shed
and carnage. If right be given US, we
shall return with the regiment and the
war-worn battle-fag, counted on the
cal; of '62. But if, as in days past, as
mules, let US kick it OUT. the best way
we can. If counted on the call of '63
give us the '68 bounty (s3OO,) our Just
due. The laborer is worthy of his hire,
and are we not entitled to the '63 boun-
ty, or the privilege of returning home
as '62 men2
remain sir,
Very Respectfully,
Your Ob'd't Servant,
SOLDIER BATTERY NJ,