The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-07-19
ward with stout heart. to the task before

ward with stout hearts to the task before
them.
The solemn roll Of the. drums calling the
men to their posts the instantaneous lower
ing CT the tents towards the West, the stacked
arms glittering in the blaze of the camp fires,
and the bronzed faces Of the men looking
more stern and warlike than ever, constitute
scene well calculated to bring the stern
realities Of war home to the heart. It is in
deed pity that he who has assumed the
responsibility of inauguratins civil war in
this land cannot pass our lines. One half
hours walk would certainly cure him Of his
insane desire to tear his country to fng-
ments.
We took the steamer Baltimore, which is
in possession Of the government, from Wash
ington to Alexandria. OF course everything
at the latter place was quiet. Some COM
panies Of the Ellsworth Zouaves were there
on the guard,--all splendid fellows. /. was
touching to remark the affection they still
cherish for poor Ellsworth, ave are Els
worthss STILL" said one Of them, sand we
will avensc him." All seemed to think that
no other could supply the place he held in
their affections.
A sweltering march Of few miles brought
us to our new encampment. There we
amused ourselves lying under some trees
and cursing the Quarter-mastcr, who kept
us all that day without rations. A number
Of us proceeded to house short distance
from the encampmcnt and expended % cents
in the purchase Of some dinner, prefering to
risk being poisoned rather than risk dying
by starvation.
It is useless to disguise the fact that many
of the men are getting sick Of paying 30 cents
per day for nothing; they would rather pay
double the money and get something fit to
live upon. We don't want to DO as uncharit-
able as some people are, who reflect upon the
honesty of some of the staff, but then we are
of the opinion that it matters but little, if
the Maine soldiers starve. whether it is thro'
the dishonesty or incapacity of the Quarter
master and his subordinates.
We got our tents pitched towardsevening,
just in time for a smart thunderstorm, and
slept like rocks till the drum beat rcveillo at
five next morning.
The Saco company went out scouting, and
the Biddeford company went on guard the
morning Of the tenth. During the night
there was good deal of firing in all direc-
tions; little damage was done however,
Two Zouayes were shot few hundred yards
on our right, by some cowardly seccssionists;
hog and a dog were shot by the sentinols
of the third Maine regiment.
An aid of the Brigadier General, COM
handing our brigade arrived last night with
orders for the third, fourth and fifth regi-
mcnts to move forward to 'front.' our regi.
mcnt, however is delayed by the sickness Of
our Colonel.
The third and fourth are striking tents
while this letter is being written. We shall
follow them soon, doubtless, but the delay is
not relished.
The Saco company returned this morning,
bringing with them four fugitive slaves
They were fred upon bya party of seccs-
sionists. They returned tho fire, and the
,,seccshus," fed. None killed or wounded
on either side.
If we do not start from here tonight, the
Biddeford company will probably 60 on
scouting duty tomorrow. If we go We mean
to have a good time.
1t is said that we are to receive new uni
forms, blue, U. S. pattern, as our grey uni
forms bear q striking resemblance to those of
the rebel forces, the only difference being
that our pants have no stripes down the sides
while those worn by the troops Of JEFF. Davis
have u green one.
We received some copies Of the Union and
Journal yesterday morning. I need not tell
you there was regular rush for them.
Our company were much gratiGed by q
visit from Senator Andrews yesterday. All
were delighted to see him, and he seemed as
glad to see them.
Senator Andrews expresses his intention Of
following us to New Orleans. The wish
that he would lead us to New Orleans is very
freely expressed here.
A secessionist was captured and brought
into camp this morning. He was rs seedy
looking cavilier as ever trod the "sacred
SOIL" lie looked as though secession went
against his stomach. lilo could not have
been called good looking man at the best
of times, and dressed as he was, with an in
descrbable coat and pants and u shocking
bad hat with long beard anda very streaky
looking physiosnony, his appearance was
anything but prcpossessing. We pitied him
from the depths of our heart. lie was taken
to head quarters.
Excuse my winding up abruptly. my next,
presume, will be dated from Charleston,
Richmond, or some other place farther south.
Yours &C., Tvro.
~ N.-,ox., Io.x NJ I'll. - ~. Il