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6th Vermont Infantry
Kimball Collection
From Frederick Kimball's Scrapbook
Letters to the EditorFrom the Tenth Regiment.
________
CAMP HEINTZLEMAN,
Near Poolsville, Md., May 14, 1863
Fearing that you and your readers may forget in the excitement of the present day that there is such an organization as the 10th Vermont, I will write a few words to remind you that we still exist, and though we do not have the privilege of taking a very active part in the present national struggle, we try to think our services are just as necessary here as though we daily engaged the enemy. We are striving to do our duty and discipline ourselves in a manner to fit ourselves to become worthy and honorable members of the family of Vermont soldiers, the principal part of whom are now so zealously at work reducing the traitors, and with good success if we may believe current reports. The late Union victories have caused much enthusiasm in our camp, though not in a style to be followed by despondency if reports do not prove true. I think our army and in fact the whole nation have learned to look calmly upon misfortune. The report that Richmond is occupied by our troops is not generally credited here, tho' great confidence is expressed in Hooker's ability to conquer that stronghold of treason.
Six companies of our regiment have been at this place some four weeks; the other four, C, D, F and I are yet on the Potomac picketing. Companies K, G, and B, who were at Conrad's Ferry last winter, under command of Maj. Chandler, lately presented him a pair of Colt's revolvers as a small testimonial of their appreciation of this gallant officer. He has been nearly two years in the service, which gives him considerable experience in military matters. Uniting with this a most resolute and unconquerable spirit, and generous sympathy for the men, you have Major Chandler pictured to you something as he is. A most bitter hater of treason in whatever form it appears, he is at once the pride of his friends and a terror to his enemies. The ceremony of the presentation was performed by Lieut. Gale in behalf of the three companies, and his remarks were responded to by the Major in his usual spirited style, in words well adapted to the occasion.
The members of this company are in excellent health and spirits; but one is in the hospital, and he is rapidly regaining his health. In fact our prospects were never better, and we are prepared to do our duty cheerfully, here or elsewhere, as it may be assigned us.
Some of your readers may have a curiosity to hear soldier's opinions upon the management and issue of the war, but I will refrain from giving mine, knowing you dislike lengthy articles.* Too much has already been said in regard to the management of the war by the uninformed. Action is what we want, and that immediately.
With many thanks for the copies of your paper which we so joyously hail as it makes its appearance from time to time in our camp, I remain, respectfully yours.
J. N. DAGGETT.
Letters transcribed by Frederick's 2nd great-grandson.