The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1862-09-02
From our Regular Correspondent
Letter from Washin gtOn.

sum 0rS--Eneny trttkitn SiL miles of 1terGn-
driG-16M Regiment-Forts near Washing
ton-1IM Regiment at Fort Cdrroll-1Sh
and 10TH Regis, arrired-Gen. Lee march
ing on TO Washington.
WASHINGTON, ID. c., Aug. 30th, 1862.
Editors Of Press:-When wrote you last.
IL was supposed before this, the strength of the
wo contending forces on the Potomac. would
ave been fully tested, but up to the present
our, nothing decisive has occurred, although
wo or three smart battles have been fought,
luch to the discontinue, no doubt of the en-
my. The rumors constantly afoat here
and at Alexandria, are of such a character as
o cause the most intense excitement, and no
light degree of solicitude.
have learned TO place but little confidence
what hear upon the street, and in my com
lunications | will endeavor not to furnish YOU
nth any thing of the kind, not to be relied up
H.
A great change indeed has appeared upon
he face of affairs. A few weeks ago we were
Confidently looking for our army to enter and
IKE possession of Richmond, the rebel Capt.
al, but to-day the Confederate forces are press
bg hard upon our own Capitol.
Yesterday they were within six miles of AL
xandria, and are in force, this side OF Fairfax,
ut they cant come in,n be assured. All the
'efenses and Notifications around Washington
re being thoroughly garrisoned, and pickets
re ordered out in every direction.
There Is every reason to believe that our
0rces are equal to the task before them. and
nat this bold and daring movement of the en-
my will only tend to hasten their complete
overthrow.
We are glad to learn here that Portland has
It last become aroused and is taking hold of
lie recruiting business as she should. We
ave always known that the true spirit of pat
.otism existed in the hearts of the good peo-
lie of the "Forest City,"
The 10th Maine are stationed over in Vir-
mia, some miles from here in Camp Whip
We, having changed from Camp "Casey."
apt Williams Company has been detailed to
iofguard duty at Headquarters" Lees
,ouse,' Arlington Nights. Three OF the Com
lnies have been detailed 10 serve in the Forts
Heavy Artillersts. Capt. wentworth's, at
'ort Cass," Capt Rands, at Fort ~Tillng-
lst" and Capt. Whtehouse's,- at Fort Wood
'lry.
These three Forts, are on a line near each
.her, and from point In 'front.' there is being
brown mp breastwork Of earth connecting
hem. Upon this work, the 10th is now en-
'iged. Gen. Whipple. who Is In command.
Sed the appearance Of the Regiment, so well,
iat he has recommended to the Department
iai they may be filed up to 1900, and made
.avy artillery regiment. This recommends
.on OF the General, and the service TO which
any Of the Companies have been detailed, is
rtainly highly complimentary to the Regi-
ent The staff and line officers of the Regi-
'ent need no commentator from me; they
e"A."I.
Night before last a general alarm was sound
along the whole line of the Notifications on
re Virginia side of the Potomac, and the 10th
las on their TAPS" ready for march in ten
inutes after hearing the alarm.
had the pleasure of spending few hours
it'll them yesterday, and found them very
easantly situated and in fine spirits.
The 18th, as have stated in my last, are ON
e Maryland side of the river with their
,adquarters at Fort Carroll. They occupy
re of the finest positions that have seen
'ound Washington. Whilst standing in front
their headquarters last evening just as the
I'm was setting, was very torcibly reminded
q looked out upon the Potomac before me-
the splendid view from Munjoy Hill. Beau
iul groves, in which are never-faling springs
water, surround them, with nice parade
.ound close at hand
Col. Roberts is constantly moving about in
command, with that same degree of afla-
lily and ease as is his wont. He is deserved
very popular with his Regiment "Charley'
errill, as he is familiarly called in Portland,
ne Lieut.. Col, is a pet with the Regiment
e is always on the ground, not having left
he Regiment for one hour since their arrival
ere, attending to his duties with promptness
I'D efficiency. Major West Joined them day
fore yesterday. He has seen service, and
Jpears at home in his new position.
l have no doubt but that these two Regi-
ents will be kept in their present position for
come time.
Although they are SO Pleasantly situated,
! ,et you will find the 10th and 18th Maine