Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-05-08
1ETrERs FROM THE RIFLEs-No. 8.
Fort McHENRY, OFF BALTIMORE,

May A. 1861. !
The refrain of an old student song is, "uoi
bene, ibi patria," or, in English version,
wherever it is beautiful, there is my coun-
try" This cosmopolitan sentiment oil the
hopeful student does not find any application
in the life of soldier. The latter being to
certain extent mere machine, is subjected TO
the memorable rules Of military tactics ana
strategetical considerations. On Wednesday
evening last list Mayl we were ordered TO
be ready to march at moments notce,-Out
We were still detained at Annapolis till late III
the evening of the following day, when we
were brought on board of the steamer Mary
land, not knowing the place OF our destIha-
ton. On the morning of the 3D. OF May, Fort
Carroll aud Fort McHenry met our curious
VISION and soon we were landed at Fort Nc
Henry, the guns of which are constant threat
to Baltimore. In place of the beautiful quar-
tiers which we had at Annapolis, we found here
two old barns, within the grounds of the tort,
as our temporary Judgment, The floor is
brick one, but it was soon covered with boards
by our men, and also IA stove found It's way
into the quarters. And indeed, the stove
proved to be great blessing, for it has been
as cold for the last two days as autumn is In
the north. And to-day we have snow, mar
able dtctu A wonderful latitude, This The
Baltimoreans have chance to cool down to-
day, and this is what reminded of the refrain
as quoted above. ..-
The ranks of our battalion have been increas-
ed, because company from Pittsfeld, Mass,
Capt. Briggs, has Joined it. The day we lett
Annapolis two New York regiments arrived
there, the 9th and the LIST regiment Zouaves.
The latter are beautifully equipped, all being
provided with Sharpe's rifles. Their uniform
is very attractive, and the best adapted to SER
vice. The pantaloons are very loose, and to
judge by the countenances, in perfect har-
mony with their moral conduct. They are
rough looking set oil men, OF short stature,
ald by former avocations used to hardships
and privations.
Fort McHenry is now garrisoned by three
companies Of regulars, and four companies of
NJ. " NJ, force sufficient to hold the fort
against all the pressure the rebels are able to
bring to bear on it. Major w. w. Morris, U.
S. A., is commander of the fort. 1t is now
believed, that the Baltimorians will not dare
to make an attack upon it, as the mob which
caused the well known disturbances, are over
ruled by the union men. 1t seems almost Ger.
tain that Maryland will not and cannot secede,
and this opinion is based upon the fact that
she is already in the hollow OF the hand of the
morrill, The entrance to Chesapeake Bay is
well guarded by war vessels, and by the bat
teries which are erected along it. In Annap-
oils had a conversation with some secession.
lists, they were very polite and gentlemanly.
A union man told me that since the arrival
of the northern troops in Annapolis, the Sc
cessionists have behaved somewhat better.
The letters and papers which were sent to
Annapolis, through Mr.. Adrich,
them especially tine Spy,-were very wei
come. If you send me a quantity of Spys
every day, you will oblige not only your cor
respondent, but receive also the thanks of our
battalion. L.w.