Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-08-23
FROM THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT.

Washington, August ~, 1861.
DEAR Spy The place which by the force
of circumstances we now call home, lies some
two miles directly north of Washington, on
the estate of the late Commodore Porter. From
the top of his residence command very
fine view of the city itself; the White House
lying Immediately in front; the Potomac,
Georgetown and Alexandria. 1t is one OF the
old residences, and in its day must have been
splendid place.
But turn to matters nearer the seat OF war
which presume will be more interesting to
your readers. By an invitation from one OF
the government officials, started on Saturday
for Alexandria. On reaching Long Bridge,
our pass was demanded, and this became a
thing of frequent occurrence throughout the
whole route. No person is exempt from this
strict surveillance On reaching the Virginia
side, we found that end of the bridge
protected by strong earthworks, where
heavy pieces of ordnance protect its
approaches. A short distance beyond this
we reached Fort Runyon, the road running
directly through its center. The banks on
either side must be from thirty five to forty
feet high Away off on the right forts Albany
and Ellsworth are located. All the woods in
their immediate vicinity have been cut down
SO as TO give a fair sweep and cut off all covers
for approaching forces. Arlington House, the
estate of Gen. Lee, now in seceshdom, is at
present held by Gen. Mcdowell as his head
quarters.
But Alexandria is the most desoate,
hopeless, and detected place l ever saw. In
its day it was place Of considerable netn "''a
-lrrifueuue, pur the glory thereof has. departed.
I traversed the whole length of the wharves.
There may have been six wharvehouses open.
One schooner was unloading wood at the COM
missary department, and one ferry boat was
running between there and Washington. Most
of the best residences and stores are vacated
and closed. King street, the main avenue OF
the place, has actually got pavement contin-
uing half its length. 1t was laid one hundred
years ago, made OF all sized stones, and decided
ly the worse for wear. 1t is impossible TO drive
over ak in any part of this desolated realm.
ginia, and an outgrowth of their peculiar in
stitution.
visited the house where Col. Ellsworth
met his sad, yet honorable death. The flight
of stairs on which he fell has been borne Bway,
and the house and furniture completely rid
died. 1t stands the picture of desolation.
see by the papers that an advance is ex-
pected upon our lines l have learned from
reliable quarters that such is the expectation
of the government, and the recent requsition
for troops seems to confirm it. We all retire
with the expectation of a visit before day
break. 1t is said they are TO make a teint of
marching upon Washington by way of Long
Bridge, while the main body of their army
will ford the Potomac at some distance above
the city, and advance upon it from the
north, so that we shall be likely to hear
or see something of them as they go by. No
harm can come from letting you know aohat
they intend to do Our programme is to receive
and treat them with all due hospitality. They
could do nothing better for us than to attempt
to carry out such programme. The differ.
ence, then, between a masked battery, and an
open field, would be a settled point in south
ern philosophy.
When we get any definite word you shall
hear. In the meantime the fifteenth wait for
any of the emergencies surrounding its new
relation. Yours truly, GRAFTON.