The Portland daily press., 1862-09-12
COMMUNICATIONS.
[From our Regular Correspondent ]
Letter from the National Capital.

WASHINGTON, ID. c., Sept 9th, 1852.
Editors Of Press:-The comparative quiet
that prevailed in this city for a few days, has
to lockers on, If there is anybody that stops
long enough to look on. The avenue is full,
the Hotels are full, the city is full, and If a
transcription act" should be enforced here to-
day an army might be raised sufficient to war
rant the raising of the cry "On to Richmond"
or any other point, where rebeldom might de-
velope itself through its armed forces. Ma
ny have come i'm here from the adjoining
country, seeking place of refuge and safety,
Others to look after the dead and wounded, &c.
There Is no room here, except in the "Old
Capitol Prison." for any of JEFF. Davis devo-
tees. Notwithstanding all this, they are very
much inclined to hang around the outskirts,
seeking admission. They must be aware of
the crowded state Of the city, for it is said that
some of them have visited us, and that two OF
their Cavalry, were arrested few days ago in
our streets.
Never since the breaking out Of the war, has
there been such a moving of troops through
the city, as during the last few days and nights.
Last night, the beat of the drum, the trampling
oftroops and the rattling of artillery was heard
during the entire night, on their way to cer-
tain points where it is understood they are very
much needed. As the head of the army reach
ed Wiliard's, some one proposed cheers for
Gen. Mcclellan. The cheering commenced in
front, and with lightning speed extended the
entire line of the advancing hosts, which reach
ed back over "Long Bridge" As they passed
the Generals residence, being some two hours
in passing, one continued roar was kept up by
the troops, manifesting degree of enthusiasm
unparalleled.
If there is doubt in the mind of any one in
regard to who should be placed at the head of
our army in the field, let them come on here,
and that doubt viii at once be removed.
care hot how strong their prejudices, nor how
hard they may have labored to create and es-
tablish public sentiment touching this import
ant question.
No general can lead our army successfully
In the field but George B. Mcclellan, so long,
at any rate, as the present feeling exists among
the troops in regard to hila. And this feeling
is universal You ask these soldiers as they
pass along, where they are going? they will
cry out with enthusiasm bordering upon Wild
ness, 'We are going to fight under our Gener-
al, we have got General now Jour old General,
and we will fight under nobody-else." Here
is a clear indication Of the feeling existing in
the army universally, and it is acknowledged
here on all hands. The mouths of those who
have made it their principal business to abuse
the President and Mcclellan have been com
pletely closed, the most of them, by having an
opportunity to see in clear and distinct light
the error they had fallen into, but some of them
have been stopped by blow, on the side ofthe
head by soldier from the field, who has incl
dentally heard as he passed in the street, their
abuse.
1t is certainly very gratifying fact that we
are again settling down upon this question of
leadership.
We were very much pleased to meet Rev.
Mr.. Stebbens, Hon. S. E. Spring and others of
the good citizens of Portland here having come
out on an errand of mercy, and although they
were not called upon to act in the capacity in
which it was supposed they were needed, yet
we think they will be satisfied, as well as the
people of Portland, that the time and money
expended on account of their trip to Washing
ton, have been well appropriated. They will be
prepared to represent things in their true light
when they return to your city.
How many heart, too, was made glad by
their presence, and kind words, as they visited
the Hospitals. 1t would have done you good,
Mr. Editor, to have seen Mr.. Stebbins grasp
the hand of the soldiers, both in and out of
the Hospital, al,-some adopted citizens of Port
land, perhaps, who knew Mr.. s., but with
whom he was unacquainted, ,-how quick an
acquaintance was formed, and with what in
terest did Mr.. S. inquire for their welfare, and
take minutes of their wants, and of the loca-
tions Of their families, promising to visit them
upon his return. Upon his inquiring of one
poor wounded man, whether he stood in need
oil anything to make him more comfortable,
and receiving the reply that he would like
some pocket-handkerchiefs Mr.. S. Replied
"They shall be forwarded to you tomorrow
morning." This man was not Maine soldier,
either l mention this instance to show the
goodpeople of Portland that they have sent the
right kind ofmen out here, to do good as oppor-
tunity might present ITSELF Would that we