The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1891-09-18
Tenting on The Old Camp Ground
Or Co. q. 10th vt. Vols. to the Front.
By Lieut.. T. III. WHITE.
MO, q.

The last of December the brigade
moved to Poolsville where it again
went into camp. Gen. Grover had
been assigned to duty with the expedi.
ton that was about to move against
New Orleans, and Col. Davis Of the
39th Massachusetts, was in command of
the brigade.
The 10th Vermont was ordered to
guard the Potomac some eight miles
west of Poolsville, and Companies B,
G and X were stationed at IConrad's
Ferry, with Major Chandler in COM
mand. C, D, E and H were six miles
farther up the river, while A, F and
were near the mouth Of the Monocacy.
All the fords near the Ferry were
closely guarded. Canal boats passing
up and down were boarded and
thoroughly searched for contraband
goods, while the distance between our
camp and the four Companies compris-
ing the center, were regularly patrolled
by the cavalry. During stormy and
cold nights the patrols would ride out
short distance, dismount and remain
under shelter until the usual time re-
CURED to make the ride had elapsed,
and then ride back and report all quiet
This little game was soon detected how
ever, and thereafter each patrol was
required to carry book and take re-
ceipt from the non commissioned Of
GERS on duty at the Ferry. This officer
was also required to keep record Of
the number of trips made during the
night, the exact time of arrival and the
name Of each patrol, thus completely
blocking nice little game.
Some time in January snow fell to
the depth of eight inches, and the
weather being very warm, the tempta-
ton was great to indulge in game of
SNOWFALL Company X started the ball
rolling by pelting our boys from be-
hind their own tents. Company &
boys paid little attention to them for
time until quite number of X boys
became bold enough to invade our
street. AT this time the non. commits
stoned officers of Company G appeared
on the street and called the company
together to drive the invaders out.
This was our first battle and for
half hour it. ragged furiously. There
were about seventy men engaged on a
side. Snow balls were made as hard
as ice and thrown as wickedly as pos
BILE. Finally G scored point and won
a decided advantage, and being ably
led, soon drove X back through their
own street and into that of Company
B where the battle ended. The COM
missioned officers, and all of Co. B
witnessed the battle from the start,
and when it ended they all Joined in a
rOusing cheer for Co. G., who had SO
gallantly won the fight. All those en-
gagged were badly bruised. Eyes were
soon swollen until they were closed,
and blood flowed from many a nose
and Scared face. Captain Damon was
highly pleased at the pluck and deter
shown by the members OF his
company and took that occasion to say
to some of the boys, eff you will do as
we'll when fighting rebels it's all I'll
ask"
Soon after this occasion a court
martial was convened at Poolsville to
try offenders and Captain Damon was
appointed Judge-advocate. Charley
Ii aines was brought before this tribu-
nal charged with disobedience of or
ders and disorderly conduct. For the
second time was main witness against
His sentence was stoppage
of pay and confinement in one of the
stockades. and to wear ball and chain
for that lenght of time.
While in this camp death invaded
0 ur ranks for the first time lothian
Sherman died March 9TH, 1868. The
company were called together after his
death and suitable resolutions passed.
It was also decided at this meeting to
raise money to defray expenses and
send the remains home for burial. 1t
was also determined at this meeting
that whenever possible the remains of
ali who might die in camp or hospital
should be sent to the friends of the
deceased, the expense being in all cases
born by voluntary subscriptions from
members of the Company.
Thomas L. Wood was discharged
FEBRUARY 16, for disability making a
oss of two from the Company up to
March 9Th.