The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-11-07
Letter nom tho a7th Regiment.
CAxr SEWARD, Va. Oct. %. 1862.

you hurried sketch OF their journey from
Portland to Washington.
We left the "Forest City" in accordance
with previous arrangements on Monday Oct.
20, about s IL o'clock A. NJ, and arrived
in Boston at 2 10 p. NJ. After some delay,
Occasioned by the crowd greeting their friends
and shaking hands, we took up our line Of
march through the city for the Providence
Depot. There we found long train Of
cars drawn up waiting our arrival-we soon
went on board expecting shortly to leave,
but some Of our baggage was behind, 30 We
were delayed until dark, when il appeared,
was put on board, and NO started for New
York ria the Stonington route.
At q o'clock A. NJ. we reached Stoning-
ton and marched on board the splendid
steamer Commonwealth" which was wait
ing with her other passengers for us, and
when we all crowded in, 1t seemed as il there
was not room for "ono more" wo however
all found place to stop. Tho mon wero
pretty tired and soon laid down and were
fast asleep on their blankets.
When we turned out in the morning we
were steaming up the harbor of New York.
passing the Great Eastern on tho way. We
did not 20 to New York but landed at Jcr-
sey City where we found plato Of soup for
partaking Of the same in very
hasty manner. VIC went on board the cars
for Philadelphia where we arrived at IL
past 4 P. NJ. Tuesday. Hero we experienced
the benefit of the celebrated "Coopsr Shop
Refreshment Saloon" for bountiful sup
per awaited us to which We were prepared
to do ample justice. Again our line was
formed and we marched through the city,
greeted on oil sides by tho citizens with good
wishes, cheers and kind words. After appa-
rantly going across the city We found o train
of cattle cars drawn up for our accommoda'
ton this was our first serious inconvenience,
or we were obliged to stow forty men in
each car, which was hardly room to sit, to
say nothing Of lying down as men would
like to do after tiresomo days ride. But
it was no use to complain,-tho cars were
good enough for soldiers.
As in Boston a long delay ensured before
we started; but the time was employed by
the boys and perhaps some officers, in scrap
ing acquaintance with the fair damscls who
aocked around to wish us God speed on our
journey. BY and by an engine appeared OF
sufficient power to take our heavy train
along and we started for Baltimore, where
We arrived at 7 A. NJ, Wednesday. Here
we were introduced to a 6rst rate breakfast
and good chance to wash, both OF which
priycledges we were not slow to avail our
selves Of. Again we experienced the necessi-
ty OF practicing the heavenly virtue OF pa
thence, for it was past IL when we left the
city for Washington. Our cars were even
worse than those we left, for they were cat
tie cars with the sides in many places stove
in-theso holes however served to yentilate
the cars. This was the slowest train of all,
for it was s o'clock before we reached WASH
ngton, only SO miles from Baltimore-but
tho slowest train will finally reach its desti.
nation il it keeps moving, and that was the
case with us. Wo were marched into Bar
racks near the depot, provided with rations
at another building near by and then turned
in.
The mex. morning, Thursday, we went
out about mile on East Capitol Hill
where we pitched our tents. This was
most disagreeablo place, being dusty and
dirty in the extrome. We remained until
Sunday morning when We were ordered into
Virginia to 60 into Gen. Wright's Brigade,
Casey's Division. Before we reached our
destination it began to rain and by the time
our tents were up we had become we'll soak
ed and not much prospect OF supper. Our
furnished some hard bread,
and our army stoves boiled the tea. and we
made hearty supper of those two articles.
Monday was fine day and We had lit
tie time to look about us and SEQ where we
were. THIS is Camp Chase on Arlington
Heights "A largo tract Of country once
thickly covered with splendid White Oak
growth, but now mostly cut OIL by the sold
iers who have been encamped about here
The property belongs to the rebel Gen. Lee.
and, think when he returns, he would
hardly know some portions it. His man
sion is on hill overlooking the Potomac
and Washington, and has fine view. The
grounds are or were very nico. but tho build
ings although pretentions, arc "no great
Shakes" they will not compare at oil with
our northern mansions.
Tuesday we were changed from wright's to
Brigade, consisting Of the 22d,
18th. Goth and 9th Maine Regiments, and
Wednesday changed from Camp Chase to
Camp Seward about one mile.
This is a very pleasant place aud we have
splendid weather for our initiation into a
soldiers life. When we shall 90 or what we
shall do, is as uncertain as can possibly be,
and will not hazard any predictions but
inform you when We make change.
Yours