The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-10-31
Lot,or from tho 27th Mo. Regiment.

w houiNolONs ~ ~ oSs 49, @SN-'
MR. EDITOR Monday morning Oct. 20,
1862, Camp Abraham Lincoln, Portland,
presented lively spectacle. Indeed all the
night before the camp was astir with prcpar-
artion and whoever could sleep there could
sleep anywhere. At early light when the
tents were struck and tho whole regiment Of
nearly thousand men were on their feet
and in motion, there was q lively scene worth
going miles to sec. It might be something Of
q comparison to say that the camp rescmbled
vast bee. hive disturbed by some unwclcome
intruder. To novice it was an interesting
sight.
Tho regiment was formed in line in duo
time, with knapsack strapped upon our
backs, and two days rations in each mans
hayersack. We were escorted to tho depot
by detachment Of tho glorious Maine Sew.
enth. This was rare honor. At the depot
we wcro supplied, by some kind ladies Of
Portland, with cup Of hot coffee. This
kindness WA appreciated for the coffee was
excellent. 1t was most refreshing. Every
man said "wasn't that good coffee" 1t is
something to DO complimentod and rcmem-
bcrod by the soldier.
At half past eight o'clock wc were on our
way to Boston where We arrived at three
o'clock. All along tho way wc were greeted
with manifestations Of regard in the way OF
cheers, boquets, apples, &c. Before wo got
out of Maine every way station and cross
road was crowded with people eager to catch
glimpse Of, or once more to bid good bye to
their friends in the Regiment. The boys
were in good cheer and ready for fun, and
they had plenty Of IL. Yet there were
some thoughtful, almost sad hearts, as they
felt the reality Of leaving homo and the dear
ones there to engage in such serious business
as war. Who will say that such ones will
not make as good soldiers as the more thought
less? The battlefield has often proved such
tho DO heroes. Te thinking man is armed at
all points aud is prepared for any sudden
emergency.
We arrived in Jersey city by tho Fall
River route at ten o'clock A. NJ, Tuesday,
at Philadelphia at dusk, at Baltimore at six
o'clock Wednesday morning, and at Wash.
ington ut six o'clock Wednesday evening,
where We took up our quarters for the night.
The next day wo marched to East Capital
Hill where we are now encamped under
marching orders for old Virginia. We were
supplied with refreshments by the city OF
New York, Philadelphia and BALTIMORE
But tho boys think that tho Quaker City
beat all the rest in entertainment. Every
body has heard how the good city OF Phila-
delphia treats the volunteers who pass
through il. We found II all that wc had
heard. Two large halls arc provided to ac-
colnmodate regiment.
It happened to DO my 10. to DO among
those who were entertained at tho "Coopcr
Shop Volunteer Refrcshment Saloon" Tho
men were hungry and the refreshments were
welcome indeed. The tables were well sup
piled with white bread, butter, cheese and
coffee. Many were the blessings the CRATE
ful soldiers poured on the heads Of the kind
donors and wherever they may 50 they will
remember this kindness with gratitude
With renewed strength We resumed our
knaJsacks and marched along blessing the
city Of Philadelphia.
The saloon is occupied as cooper shop
and only temporarily used to entertain SOL
diers in passing through the city. We were
asked when We entered the building where
VIC were from. When told from Maine, they
said. "thcy are the boys. "Thsre are mono
better than the Maine boys" "They have
done good service &C."
We met with cold reception In Balti-
moro. In every other place wo wcrs warmly
received. But here was marked difference,
not Gag waved-not voice cheered.-
While some looked glad and somo grave osh'
ers looked corn and contempt. This war